Bark Radio

The conversation about dog laws continues in today’s episode of Bark Radio. Florida is, once again, trying to pass Breed Specific Legislation. Should the legislation pass, following is the estimated cost. And that’s just the cost in dollars. The cost in lives taken for no reason except perception is much higher.

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Estimated Number of Dogs 3,837,760
Estimated Number of Dogs described as Pit Bulls 266,670 (The most likely type of dog to be discriminated against)

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Breed-discriminatory legislation not only affects owners of the targeted dogs by interfering with their right to own property, but also taxpayers forced to fund its enforcement. Animal control programs already tend to be underfunded. Attempting to enforce breed-discriminatory laws will only deplete limited animal control resources more quickly. Misguided breed-discriminatory laws restricting specific types of dogs will cost the citizens of the state of Florida over $25,669,200, while accomplishing little.

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Costs Associated With Breed-Discriminatory Laws

• Animal control and enforcement costs: $15,955,860;
• Expenses for kenneling & veterinary care: $3,570,920;
• Expenses related to euthanasia & carcass disposal: $3,486,570;
• Litigation costs resulting from dog owners impacted by the legislation: $279,640;
• DNA testing costs: $2,376,250.

Actual costs to the citizens of the community will be higher as these estimates do not include:

• Shelter veterinarian if not already onsite;
• Increased enforcement staffing;
• Capital costs associated with increased shelter space.

[1] American Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, (Schaumburg, Ill: Membership & Field Services, American Veterinary Medical Association), 2008.
[2] Calculations based on analysis by John Dunham and Associates, a New York City based economic consulting firm.
John Dunham and Associates: New York

*estimated cost

Information provided by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, The American Bar Association.

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