Puerto Rico becomes the next to repeal ban on Pit Bulls

In 1998, Puerto Rico passed legislation that banned "pit bulls" and "Pit bull mixes" from the island. Earlier this week, they made a major step in repealing the 1998 ban when their legislature passed a bill to repeal this ban. (this article was run through Google Translate, so it's a little rough to read).  The bill now just waits final signature from Governor Luis Fortuno.

The removal of the ban was strongly supported by the College of Veterninarians in Puerto Rico as well as the Pit Bull Association of Puerto Rico.

It is estimated 50,00 'pit bulls' currently live in Puerto Rico -- and because of the ban, more than 3,000 were killed in the past 2 years alone.

As people learn more and more about 'pit bulls' and the ineffectiveness of the laws that target them, more and more places are deciding to repeal their bans in favor of more effective (and rational) dangerous dog legislation that targets the dog based on its behavior, not "breed".

Here's a second article, with the same, yet somewhat contradictory numbers (including some different population numbers, which should have translated well). 

Congrats to the people and veterinarians in Puerto Rico.

Hat Tip to Jodi at Bless the Bullies on this, which is where I saw the news first.

Comments

[Katie]

Unfortunately, the Governor of Puerto Rico vetoed this bill on Jan 7, 2010. I haven't been able to find any other information as to whether the legislative assembly of Puerto Rico will again attempt to enact another bill, or to override his veto. Please correct me if you have found any new information.

[Brent]

Katie,

Your information is the last bit of information I've heard on this as well.

[Abisai Portalatin]

We in Puerto Rico made news in 2009 or 2010 when the legislation gave the people want they ask for all does year's let the pittbull live and they did they past the law in favor of the dog lover's and the PITTBULL'S

[Gloria Nogueras]

I want to know espesifically if anyone can travel to PR with a long nose pittbull, who is very tame and loves children. What kind of problems can they have with customs.
Thank you
Gloria Nogueras