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Breed-specific legislation Legal Action Fund
We’re holding cities and towns with breed-specific legislation accountable by taking them to court on behalf of dog owners.
Our goal is to eradicate breed-specific legislation in the United States and we won’t stop until we do.
Our Approach to Ending BSL
To end these laws and expose their discriminatory nature, we have hired a national law firm well-versed in constitutional law and our lawyers have a thorough understanding of canine science.
Our Current Court Cases
Current Investigation
Little Rock, Arkansas
Most Recent Win
Sioux City, Iowa
We invested $300k in our first groundbreaking lawsuit in Sioux City where, until November 25, 2019, it was legal for the government to take your pet away simply because of what your dog looks like.
Past Cases
We’ve been working within the legal system to end BSL since 2007 with Dias v Denver. The case ended when the dog owners accepted a settlement but not before the federal district court hinted in its opinion that BSL violates the 5th and 14th amendments.
- Criscuolo v. City of Moses Lake
Result: Repeal and payment of $14k in fees/costs
- Newman v. City of Payette and Fruitland
Result: repeal and some financial payment
- Douglas v. County of Payette
Result: Repeal and financial payment
- Denton v. City of Yakima
Result: Repeal and financial payment
- Saks and Leifer vs Aurelia, Iowa
Result: Judge found that the city was in violation of the ADA.
How can you help?
Help us collect data about the personal impact of breed restrictions, including BSL, by taking our survey.
Download and read our Breed-specific legislation toolkit, full of research and other information to help you advocate on behalf of families affected by these policies.
InJustice In Williston, ND
Dog Owners Are Being Arrested, Dogs are Being Taken From Their Families - and none of them ever hurt anyone
Now We're Suing the City
Unconstitutional Laws
BSL is a civil rights issue, not an animal rights one. It violates people’s constitutional rights and in the case of Williston, North Dakota, can subject dog owners to unconstitutional search and seizure of their property.
Williston, North Dakota, has had a “pit bull” dog ban since 1987. Like all breed-specific legislation (BSL), it is inspired by scientifically disproven stereotypes and enforced with opinion-based visual breed identification, leaving dog owners unsure whether or not their dog is considered “dangerous” by the city. The subjective nature of these laws mean that they do nothing to address actual dangerous dog behavior and irresponsible owners.
Join us in funding the million dollar lawsuit we are helping dog owners bring against the city.
A Long History of Government Overreach
On March 22, 2022, Jessica Burling was arrested in front of her children for having a “pit bull in the city.” (Learn more about this incident and watch body cam footage)
This is just one disturbing story we discovered when we investigated BSL in Williston. The fines and charges dog owners face vary, but seem to be more severe based on the type of community the family lives in.
This is consistent with what we know of BSL – it is a way for officials to enact discrimination against marginalized communities.
No one should be forced from their home to keep their pet or make the agonizing decision to rehome their dog, with the only alternative being the dog’s seizure by the city.
Reannan's Story
The city once impounded a 14 week old puppy named Duchess. When Duchess reunited with her person, Reannan Suckley, she was emaciated, covered in hot spots, had bloody stool, and had Giardia from defecating and eating in the same kennel for the six weeks she was in the custody of the city.
Reannan was charged with a Class B misdemeanor, labeling her a criminal, all because she owned a puppy who had never bitten or harmed anyone.
With our breed-specific legislation legal action fund, we’re funding a lawsuit on behalf of Reannan and other dog owners to sue the city of Williston and protect their rights.
Williston, ND Depositions
Depositions for the lawsuit were conducted In June 2022. You can read them below.
How can you help?
Donate to help fund our outreach campaigns and our grantee programs.
Download and read our Breed-specific legislation toolkit, full of research and other information to help you advocate on behalf of families affected by these policies.
Help us collect data about the personal impact of breed restrictions, including BSL, by taking our survey.