Pit bull dogs

[jim2798]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Can the HOA make a rule barring pit bulls in the condo? We have general CCR and rules and regs limiting dogs to 2, leash rule, etc. But many owners are uncomfortable with this pit bull that on owner is now parading around the property. There have been "incidents" yet, or violation of existing rules....but honestly...a pit bull with lots of kids and little old ladies around???

thank you

 

[swalsh411]

A socialized pit bull is no more dangerous than any other dog breed of comparable size and strength.

edit: Unfortunately, irresponsible dog owners have adopted them as something of a mascot, and the media tends to report PIT BULL incidents when they would ignore them for any other breed, so people who have not done their homework think there is something inhertantly more dangerous about them.

 

[justalayman]

for a little reference:

Dog-Bite-Related Fatalities -- United States, 1995-1996 take note of table 1

A large part of the problem comes from people that intentionally train their dogs to be vicious. It just happens that a lot of those owners chose to own pit bulls. It is like so many other situations where the natural disposition of the animal does not live up to the hype but that hype is caused by the owners and trainers of the animal when they train the dogs to be protective or even compete in dog fights.

so, due to that all too common type of training, pit bulls have been considered to be aggressive or even vicious in many states and local laws.

so:

Can the HOA make a rule barring pit bulls in the condo?

yes, as long as they abide by the rules in place to enact such a rule.

We have general CCR and rules and regs limiting dogs to 2, leash rule, etc. But many owners are uncomfortable with this pit bull that on owner is now parading around the property

they would, however, have a very difficult time removing this specific dog. Enforcing a retroactive rule would be problematic and if that guy would choose to fight it, it would be expensive for the HOA and quite likely a losing battle.

Basically, if they cannot order the dogs removal under the rules in place, they will likely not be successful removing the dog by enacting a ban on pit bulls.

It will prevent future dog owners from having a pit but most likely not this guy.

 

[vfielder]

Yes the condo HOA can banned pitbulls. I pulled this off another site and pretty much echo's what's going on across the states.

(California) Municipal Code § 4.04.410 states that pit bulls are not allowed on public property unless they are muzzled: "Vicious dogs. (a) No person owning or harboring any pit bull or any other dog subject to this Section pursuant to subdivision (b) shall within the limits of the City allow or permit such dog, whether licensed or not, to be upon the public streets, public sidewalks, public parks, or any other public place within the City, or upon any private property which is not fully enclosed by fence or other barrier, except when muzzled and held under leash by an able bodied person. (b) This Section shall apply to any dog for which the Animal Control Officer has issued, based upon the vicious or predatory nature of the dog, a written notice to the person owning or harboring such dog to keep the dog muzzled and leashed in accordance with this Section. (c) For purposes of this Section, "pit bull" means any pit bull terrier of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dog or any mixed breed of dog which contains as an element of its breeding the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier as to be identified as partially of the breed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier."


Also owners of Pits much carry increased liablity insurance on your home or residence. The larger carriers have policies that target just pit bull ownership.

 

[calgirl58]

The thing you must know is that HOA's cannot enact rules that are arbitrary or capricious. Enacting a rule against a specific breeod or type of dog without substantiating the need for it is a slippery slope. BTW, I own a pit bull. Your fear is unfounded....if this particular dog is a problem, you go after the owner....not the dog.