BSL Continues To Crumble

Since 2018, more than 100 cities across the U.S. have repealed ineffective breed-specific legislation (BSL) and bans targeting dogs labeled as "pitbulls." In their place, municipalities are adopting modern, breed-neutral policies grounded in proven strategies for reducing dog bite incidents. Additionally, many states now prohibit local governments from enacting BSL, further accelerating the shift away from breed-based restrictions.

But why — and where — is BSL being repealed?

Why? Because BSL doesn’t work

BSL targets dogs and their owners solely based on appearance or assumed breed — without considering the dog's behavior or the responsibility of its owner. This outdated approach has been repeatedly shown to be ineffective at improving public safety — and it isn't supported by science or experts.

Even worse, when enforced, BSL is unjust — harming good dogs and responsible owners without any justification beyond a dog's appearance or assumed breed.

Bsl Is Not Supported by Experts

• 96% of veterinarians oppose BSL, and most described their experiences with pitbulls as either "positive" or "very positive."
• Virtually all credible research, veterinary organizations, and public safety organizations oppose BSL — including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), Association for Professional Dog Training (APDT), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sources: Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health (2019) | Position Statements

Studies on BSL Have Found

• BSL is ineffective and fails to reduce both the rate and severity of dog bites.
• Breed-neutral regulations are more successful at improving public safety.
• Dog bites result from a complex mix of behavioral, circumstantial, and ownership factors — not breed alone.
• Breed risk calculations used to justify BSL do not align with the breeds most often involved in incidents.
• A dog's breed does not determine aggression, bite strength, or likelihood to bite.
  

Source: Studies on BSL

Where? BSL is being repealed across the U.S.

Across the country, the tide has turned against BSL. Public support for BSL has sharply declined, with most Americans favoring fairer and more effective breed-neutral policies. From majority votes at the ballot box in cities like Denver, CO, and Springfield, MO, to city council decisions nationwide, BSL is being repealed.

Additionally, BSL has been found to be unconstitutional, and many consider it un-American and a form of government overreach.

BSL IS Being Repealed by Voters

• In 2020, Denver voted to repeal the city's 31-year-old ban against pitbulls by a 66% majority  — a landmark outcome, as Denver's ban was the longest-running in any major U.S. city.
• In 2018, Springfield, MO voters overturned a newly enacted ban with a 68% majority.
• In 2023, Florida eliminated all BSL statewide — in ~40 cities, including Miami — through Senate Bill 942, which passed almost unanimously.

— Sources: Article (Denver) | Article (Springfield) | Article (Florida)

100+ Cities & Towns

Since 2018, more than 100 cities and towns in the U.S. have repealed BSL in favor of more equitable and effective breed-neutral regulations — while almost no municipalities have enacted new bans during the same period. Most repeals have been led by city councils, with some occurring through direct voter decisions at the ballot box.

Source: BSL Repeals Table Provided Below

BSL Repeals: 2018–Present

BSL is most commonly repealed by city councils through majority votes; however, in some jurisdictions, repeal occurs directly through voter-approved ballot initiatives.

Note: Aside from P.G. County, MD, no other major U.S. cities or counties still have BSL that bans dogs based on breed. Since most remaining bans are in smaller towns, repeals often go unreported. As a result, we no longer actively track them but will update the list below as we learn of new repeals.

96% of Cities & Towns Are Now Breed-Neutral

• Only 4% (~800 out of 19,500) of cities and towns in the U.S. — primarily smaller municipalities — still have some form of BSL enacted, with virtually no new bans being introduced.
• With Denver's and Miami's bans repealed, no major U.S. cities currently have breed-specific bans, no U.S. states have statewide bans, and many states (~22) now prohibit or restrict municipalities from enacting BSL.

Sources: NCRC BSL Map | AnimalLaw.info

A Win for Dogs and Communities

Congratulations to the cities, towns, and states that have repealed BSL in recent years and adopted more equitable, evidence-based approaches to public safety. Across the country, the tide has turned against breed-specific legislation, with public support sharply declining. Today, a majority of Americans favor fairer and more effective breed-neutral policies.

This shift is backed by scientific consensus. Numerous studies have confirmed that a dog's breed does not determine aggression, bite severity, or likelihood to bite. In fact, more than 80 different breeds have been involved in fatal dog attacks in the U.S. since 2016 — demonstrating that no single type of dog is uniquely dangerous.

In the few places where BSL still exists, it is increasingly being challenged — and, more often than not, repealed. These changes are frequently supported by lawmakers, voters, and public safety officials from across the political spectrum who recognize that behavior-based policies are more effective.

It's time to move beyond ineffective, appearance-based laws — and embrace smarter, proven solutions that protect people, promote responsible ownership, and treat all dogs and their owners fairly.

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Updated: October 15, 2025