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.
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.
Posted by: Katie | May 17, 2010 at 04:26 PM
Katie,
Your information is the last bit of information I've heard on this as well.
Posted by: Brent | May 17, 2010 at 05:59 PM
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
Posted by: Abisai Portalatin | May 31, 2010 at 12:33 PM
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
Posted by: Gloria Nogueras | January 02, 2013 at 12:33 PM
Why the sairlines don't allow pit bulls into Puerto Rico? Is there a way I can take my pit bull there?
Posted by: Lil | August 23, 2014 at 07:23 PM
I am about to retire and would like to bring my American Pitbull Terrier with me. Who do I have to contact to get concrete information to bring my pitbull with me to Puerto Rico?
Posted by: Ivette | May 27, 2015 at 05:55 PM
Did anyone find a way to get a pit bull to Puerto Rico without it being an offensive? I wouldn't break the laws because that is such a waste of time and resources. You can never win no matter how fantastic your angle. hahahahha Good day all.
Posted by: Shawn | August 28, 2015 at 03:37 PM
I am planning to move to pr. but have been reading about a pit bull or mix with pits being band . I would like to know the current statis of repealing the law I'm not moving if I can not bring my dog . iam having a dna test don hoping the test dose not show any banned breeds
Posted by: roy f. evon | October 14, 2015 at 10:36 AM
I’m thinking of moving to Puerto Rico I have 4 pit bulls and I want to bring them is there any change to this band they are apart of my family and they go where I go I paying to fly them down and it’s 4 of them please help me out out so I no what’s going on because if that’s the case I won’t be coming there I have great job opportunities but they go where I go and this really hurts they are the sweetest dogs ever it’s like being racist against the breed !!!
Posted by: Indria E Penix | June 09, 2019 at 02:22 PM
Indria - my understanding is that unfortunately the ban remains in place in Puerto Rico. For sure call local authorities before making a decision to relocate there.
Posted by: Brent | June 09, 2019 at 03:11 PM