Michigan Pit Bull Ban Stalled

A statewide ban on the breeding and sale of pit bulls has stalled in the Michigan legislature, a committee chairman says.

Rep. Hugh Crawford, chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee, said the committee has stalled the measure to ban the breed, which was introduced by Rep. Tim Bledsoe after a constituent’s niece was attacked by a pit bull.

The legislation would prohibit the sale of pit bulls, require existing pit bulls to be neutered, and forbid all ownership of the breed within 10 years.

A spokesman for the Michigan Humane Society said the organization opposes blanket bans on breeds of dogs, saying pit bulls are as docile as any other breed, and become dangerous only from owner neglect and cruelty.