MIAMI — Pit bull lovers of Miami: You may soon be able to own your dream dog — legally and free of fines.
Miami-Dade County’s pit bull ban could end with the passage of Florida legislation that would bar local governments and public housing authorities from banning dogs of a specific breed, weight or size. Two lawmakers from South Florida are behind the bill: Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Kendall, and Rep. Busatta Cabrera, R-Coral Gables.
The proposal, however, allows local governments to adopt policies to prevent attacks as long as they don’t single out a breed. Miami-Dade banned pit bulls after a 7-year-old girl was mauled in 1989.
Melissa Moreira, the girl attacked, was helping unload groceries after a weekend getaway when a pit bull came out of nowhere, knocked her down and ripped off most of her lip, she told Miami Herald news partner CBS News Miami. Moreira underwent more than eight reconstructive surgeries on her face.
“It would completely change the way I would interact outside of my home knowing that anyone could have a pit bull next door to me,” she told the station.
After the attack, the county enacted a $500 fine for anyone who insisted on keeping one of the stocky, steel-jawed dogs. The issue may reach court, and the dog could be “removed,” according county law.
But the muscular breed, feared by many but defended by their owners, have remained commonplace in Miami-Dade. In September 2022, several county officials, including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, expressed interest in removing the ban.
In February in Broward County, a little girl was mauled by a pit bull at a Hallandale Beach playground. A woman and a boy, in a separate incident, were attacked by a pit bull in Pompano Beach that same month.
In a statement, Miami-Dade Animal Services reminded residents that county law requires dogs are leashed when off their owner’s property, with exceptions for areas like dog parks.
“It is important for the community to keep in mind that any dog can bite,” the statement said. “Many tragedies can be avoided if owners abide by the leash law.”
If passed, HB 941 and SB 942 would go into effect on Oct. 1. The House bill has been voted favorable in two subcommittees but will now be heard in the State Affairs committee. The Senate bill was approved in the Community Affairs and Agriculture committees but is now pending review by the Rules committee.
