Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/public-housing-discrimination/
It is an unfortunate fact that stereotypes and unscientific assumptions about dog breeds can lead to discriminatory policies.
This misinformation makes it so some breeds are more likely to get adopted than others, while property owners and local governments take these false impressions as reason to ban breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers from being owned by tenants, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Assumptions about breed behaviors are inconsistent with science and hurt many dogs’ chances of survival, The Atlantic reports.
Scientific studies show that breed has little impact on dog behavior, even among purebreds.
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, less than 10% of behavioral variation in dogs could be explained by breed. In other words, breed bans are not based in science, but misguided stereotypes.
The Pets Belong With Families Act (H.R.5828) would eliminate dog breed restrictions in public housing.
This bill would amend the 1937 U.S. Housing Act to include a clause which prevents public housing authorities from banning certain breeds of dogs.
People who live in public housing often have few viable affordable housing options, and can’t just choose another complex where pet rules are less restrictive. This creates a cycle in which families are forced to either abandon their animals or take them back to shelters, where many will be euthanized.
Families that love their pets shouldn’t have to lose them because of misguided regulations. Further, passing the Pets Belong With Families Act would help get animals out of shelters and into caring homes.
Sign the petition now and tell Congress to pass the Pets Belong with Families Act!
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
