After decades of prohibition, pit bulls may finally be making a return to Prince George’s County. The county council is currently considering a bill that would lift the long-standing ban on pit bull terriers. This move has sparked both excitement and concern among residents. Here is a look at what that means for dog owners and dog bite victims in Lanham.
The Reasons Behind Lifting the Ban
According to FOX 5, Prince George’s County has been the only county in the region to enforce a pit bull ban. However, times have changed. With that, officials are acknowledging that the policy has become difficult to maintain.
According to the county’s Office of the Environment, enforcing the ban countywide would require resources and funding that the office does not have. According to Council Chair Ed Burroughs, a vocal supporter of lifting the ban, the policy is ineffective and costs taxpayers a substantial amount of money. One estimate puts the figure at $3 million per year.
Caitrin Conroy, Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Pet Unity Project, agrees with the ban removal. She believes that about 20,000 to 30,000 pets could be categorized as pit bull-type dogs.
“So, they live here. The ban doesn’t work. It’s a waste of our money,” she said.
Conroy’s personal experience shows the challenges pet owners have faced under the ban. When she and her husband moved to Prince George’s County, they were told their dog resembled a pit bull and would have to be surrendered. However, giving up their dog was never an option. Instead, they used DNA testing to prove their pet was not a pit bull terrier.
Not everyone is in favor of lifting the ban. Concerns about safety persist, especially after incidents like the one reported last month, where a pit bull injured three people, including two children.
The proposed bill addresses some of these safety concerns by increasing civil penalties for dangerous dogs. Under the legislation, a first violation would carry a $500 fine, a second violation a $1,500 fine, and a third violation a $3,000 fine. Additionally, the bill would strengthen leash law requirements. That means all animals must be on a leash unless they are in a designated area, such as a dog park.
As part of lifting the ban on pit bulls, the bill would also establish a pilot program to help adopt these dogs. Potential owners would be required to apply for a permit, pay a fee, and complete a pet parent education class. Dogs would need to be microchipped and spayed or neutered.
What This Means for Dog Bite Victims
Even with regulations in place, dog bites can still happen. Pit bulls, like any breed, can be unpredictable.
Unfortunately, any bites can lead to serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been attacked, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
At GDH Law, we can assist with a variety of dog bite situations, including:
- Bites on private property
- Attacks in public spaces
- Injuries caused by multiple dogs
- Cases involving minors or vulnerable adults
- Medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care
These dog bite cases hinge on local ordinances and state laws regarding dangerous or vicious animals. With the proposed changes in Prince George’s County, the legal landscape may shift. In turn, this makes it even more important to work with experienced lawyers who understand both the new rules and established dog-bite liability law.
What Comes Next
The Prince George’s County Council is still considering amendments to the bill and has not yet taken a final vote. If passed, it would mark a major shift in local policy. In short, it ends a decades-long ban and creates new rules for dog ownership in the county.
No matter whether the bill passes, incidents can still happen. This is why dog owners and dog bite victims need to understand their rights. GDH Law provides guidance for anyone impacted. We help victims recover from injuries while supporting responsible pet ownership practices in the community.
Whether dealing with a minor bite or a serious attack, GDH Law is ready to help.
As the county considers new rules, the balance between pet ownership and public safety will continue to evolve, and having experienced legal support can make all the difference.
