Cities can regulate dog breeds Cities can regulate dog breeds (October 19, 2005)

In the wake of a fatal dog mauling in San Francisco, a new state law will allow cities and counties to institute their own rules regulating the breeding of dogs when needed to protect public safety.

The bill, introduced by state Sen. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, was recently signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Existing state law prohibits cities and counties from passing any laws that target a specific breed of dog, but SB 861 will change that when it goes into effect January 1.

"This bill will make our streets and homes safer from aggressive dogs produced by irresponsible breeders and provide help to cities and counties with animal shelters overpopulated with dog breeds that people are afraid to adopt," said Sen. Speier.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.