It may be shocking to you that some states in the United States have banned the dog breed called pit bulls and they can not be your pets. For a continent with a lot of animal rights activists, you would think this was far fetched, but such laws exist.

These states where pit bulls are illegal usually have the backing of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) made to prohibit actions of some dogs like Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. Here, you will get to learn about states that ban pit bulls. However, here are some things you need to know about this breed of dogs.

What is a pit bull?

A pit bull is a unique crossbreed of bulldogs and terriers. They are described as muscular, square-headed tolerant dogs. However, there is a lot more information to the contrary due to people’s experiences. But a dog is only as good as the training it receives. So, if you train your dog to be anti-social, that is what it will turn out to be.

As puppies, they are one of the most playful and friendly to have around. Since you are learning everything about the dog, it is essential you know states that ban pit bulls so you can make wise choices and avoid getting in trouble with locals.

Types of pit bulls that are Illegal in Areas

There are different types of pit bulls such as

American Pit Bull Terrier American Bully American Staffordshire Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier English Bull Terrier

In states where pit bulls are illegal, all breeds of pit bulls get the same treatment.

Unique features of pit bulls that make US states want to ban them

They are very sturdy and robust, having broad faces, small ears, short, thin tails and powerful jaws that make them want to gnaw on anything when they are bored They have short coats that require little grooming from time to time and come in different colors but mostly white, grey, black, and brown. They generally have a good-natured, friendly, and outgoing personality with the innate desire to keep their owners happy. They are very energetic and active. To keep this pet from ruining your furniture, especially as puppies, its best you keep them occupied with games. Also, they should be exercised from time to time e.g., running around the yard. They usually weigh between 30-90 pounds and 17-19 inches, living between 12 – 14 years averagely.

In What state is it illegal to own a pit bull?

After learning about how cute this pet animal can be, you may be wondering, in what state is it illegal to own a pit bull? Being a pet owner for Pit Bull is no so straightforward. Well, the following are states where pit bulls are illegal:

Iowa: If you are a dog person, Iowa is not the place for you, having 72 cities with total bans and laws that ban owning different dog breeds. Kansas: This state has a whopping number of 77 cities with full bans and 90 towns with restrictive laws. Ohio: 24 cities in Ohio have tagged this breed illegal while others have labeled them vicious with restrictive laws. Missouri: This is one state that takes the ban very seriously, with 58 cities having outright bans and 89 cities having some variety of BSL. Wisconsin: In this state, 31 cities have complete bans or pit bulls, and 62 cities have BSL. Mississippi: in this state, Pit bulls are the objects of absolute scorn, having 46 cities with breed legislations Arkansas: It has 40 cities with breed bans and affects other breeds too, like the American Bulldogs. Michigan: The restrictions her covers 36 cities; however, the target of the legislation affects to other breeds like Dalmatians, Dobermans, Siberian Huskies, etc. Louisiana: Here, pit bulls constitute top-level enemy category, having 32 cities with breed legislation, of which 6 of them is an outright ban. Kentucky: Has 31 cities with breed embargos or legislation

Iowa and Kansas are the worst of the bunch because they have more municipalities that subscribed to this law than the other states. Some other districts in the country don’t have the regulations domesticated locally, so you may get away with having a pit bull in such areas.

Why pit bulls are banned in these states?

The reason for this law is that this breed is considered dangerous and volatile, along with their owners. This is because, in time past, people used these dogs for dog fights (which are now illegal) and so purposefully trained them to be vicious.

There have been several cases reported of these breeds harming people at different times over the years. To protect the community from dog bite fatalities and injuries, states had to create breed-specific legislations.

These restrictions usually involve neutering the pets, liability insurance, microchip implants, and many others. Sometimes it includes a total ban on ownership or restricting ownership to just one dog per family. In some states, previously convicted felons can’t own or breed such dogs.

Other times, the dog’s movements are restricted to specific areas or required to wear a muzzle and leash in public spaces for the safety of everyone.

Now that you know the cities that shun this breed, there are some states in which they receive them with open arms by prohibiting the enactments of BSL Laws such as California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and some others.

Some countries sit on the fence as regards BSL by not enforcing or prohibiting such laws. This akes the areas suitable for you to raise your dog in such an environment. Some of them include:

Alaska Connecticut Massachusetts New Hampshire New York and many others

Although it may be shocking that there are some states where pit bulls are illegal and can not be kept as pets, it is the reality. So, if you are looking to visit any of these places or move there, you may want to reconsider and move to a more pit bull friendly environment.