Proposed Bill Would Eliminate Breed Discrimination In Public Housing

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.

The Pets Belong With Families Act (H.R.5828) would eliminate dog breed restrictions in public housing.

Photo: Adobe Stock / pololia
The Pets Belong With Families Act (H.R.5828) would eliminate dog breed restrictions in public housing.

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.

Assumptions about breed behaviors are inconsistent with science and hurt many dogs' chances of survival.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Volodymyr Shcerbak
Assumptions about breed behaviors are inconsistent with science and hurt many dogs’ chances of survival.

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.

Families that love their pets shouldn't have to lose them because of misguided regulations.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Eva
Families that love their pets shouldn’t have to lose them because of misguided regulations.

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.

Help us support the Pets Belong With Families Act.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Mary Swift
Help us support the Pets Belong With Families Act.

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!

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Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.
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