Lawmaker fights for pit bulls, other banned breeds

If Lucy the pit bull was taken from her owners, Representative Sherry Appleton would sue.

“I would be so angry,” Appleton said.

That’s why Appleton (D-23rd, Poulsbo) introduced House Bill 1018 that will keep local jurisdictions from banning specific breeds of dogs.

The bill would redirect the focus on particular breeds and encourage data-driven prevention models to control dangerous dogs.

This is the second year in a row the bill has been put up for consideration.

It should be the owners – not the dogs – that attention is focused on, according to Appleton. Though some breeds are more prone to aggressive behavior than others, it’s how the dog is raised that affects its temperament, she said.

Though Lucy is not Appleton’s dog – it lives in the house Appleton rents – pit bulls are near and dear to her. The representative once had five dogs, one which was a pit bull.

“I had a pit bull and she was the most loveable creature you have ever, ever known,” Appleton said. “She was truly an inspirational dog.”

Thirteen cities in Washington have completely banned pit bulls. Others, such as SeaTac and Everett, have placed restrictions on pit bulls and other breeds considered potentially dangerous.

Breed bans are discriminatory, Appleton said. She’s been told banned dogs are confiscated and killed. The bans violate property rights and do not have due process.

“These are family dogs and they’ve been raised with love and respect and they should be able to live in their communities,” Appleton said.

Nineteen states have passed similar laws to the bill being proposed by Appleton.

Breed bans are emotional responses to something that may have happened, Appleton said. Cities banning breeds may not be properly informed on how dogs become aggressive.

“We know that you should be punishing the owner, not the dog,” Appleton said.

However, if a dog is considered dangerous, it should be dealt with properly, she said.

Under state law, a “potentially dangerous” dog is any dog that, when unprovoked, bites a human or domestic animal, or chases a person in a menacing fashion. A “dangerous dog” is any dog that inflicts severe injury or kills a domestic animal without provocation.

When Appleton speaks about removing a breed ban she focuses on pit bulls, however, she doesn’t want any dog banned.

“What most people don’t realize is they need to take their dogs to obedience training,” Appleton told a House committee on Feb. 11.

An executive vote on the bill is scheduled for later in February.