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View Full Version : NJ Dangerous Breeds w/Insurance




Amaze
10-07-2004, 04:35 PM
Many states have been putting "dangerous breed" legislation and bans on breeds considered to be a threat. It used to be Pit Bulls and any dog related but now it has extended to German Shepherds, Huskys, Malamutes, Boxers, Staffies, Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, Rhodesion (sp?) Ridgebacks, Doberman Pinschers, etc.

Since any and all attacks and lawsuits are covered by personal insurance (usually homeowners'), many insurence company's are refusing to cover households that contain those breeds (GEICO being one of them!)

Each state is left to decide and in NJ, a new bill has been passed to not allow insurance companies to do so. These battles are cropping up all over the US and each of us needs to be aware of what is going on in our city and as responsible dog owners, become invovled to fight against government control of the dogs we love! Similar to the Breed Bans, the "new" target is hobby/show breeders as well as private citizens. Many cities are proposing manditory spay/neuter laws and several other severe penalties and fines for people who are invovled. Unfortunately the bills are targetting RESPONSIBLE owners who license their pet with the city and have NO power over the irresponsible people who are actually responsible for mixed breedings and the overpopulation of pets within the city!!!

What is YOUR city law? Do YOU know? If not, FIND OUT-it may pertain to YOU and the dogs you LOVE!

Just thought I'd keep you all posted!!!
Lys
Excerpt from the AKC Canine Legistaltion website:
Update: Thanks to the large numbers of concerned dog owners who attended Monday's hearing, A1135 was overwhelmingly approved by the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. The New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs reports that dog owners' convincing testimony even prompted the Committee Chairman, Assem. Neil Cohen, to sign on as a co-sponsor. A1135 was combined with a similar bill, A2373, and now goes to the full Assembly for consideration. Congratulations to the many New Jersey fanciers who helped this important bill take a first step toward passage!

[Friday, October 01, 2004]

The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee is currently considering A1135, a bill to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of dog they own. The American Kennel Club believes that insurance companies should determine coverage of a dog-owning household based on the dog’s deeds, not the dog’s breed, and we encourage your immediate support of this important bill!




lilblizzardchic
10-07-2004, 06:37 PM
i am happy you posted this since i do live in nj i am surprised to see that the akita is not on their considering it is a "dangerous breed" but i have never heard of an akita hurt someone unless it came from bad owners or ill tempered parents

Amaze
10-10-2004, 12:06 AM
i am happy you posted this since i do live in nj i am surprised to see that the akita is not on their considering it is a "dangerous breed" but i have never heard of an akita hurt someone unless it came from bad owners or ill tempered parents

Akitas are considered a dangerous breed of dog due to their high dog-on-dog aggression-and that is what they were BRED for so its of NO fault of their own! It is the owner's responsibility to be aware of the breed characteristics of their dog and treat it with respect and treat it accordingly. Instincts are instincts and as humans, we CAN NOT predict when/where they may surface!

I am a firm believer that dogs SHOULD NOT be punished for being dogs, but have to admit that there is a SERIOUS shortage of laws holding OWNERS responsible for their uneducated or gross negligence of the animals they own!
Lys

Romans Mom
10-11-2004, 09:04 AM
One of my college friends had an Akita (her brother's). I went to her house with her once, and she had to go change for work. the Akita was in and out of the sliding glass door. She told me I'd be fine with him, as long as I didn't make eye contact with him! Then she left me alone with the dog for aoubt 10 minutes I was so mad at her for taking me into the house without warning me first. I would have waited in the car!

lilblizzardchic
10-11-2004, 04:07 PM
griffey (my akita) has only snapped at me once and that was when he was having seperation anxiety after his owner left him with us he was so depressed for a week then he finnally figured out that we were good poeple