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2017 U. Ill. L. Rev. 877 (2017)
A Different Breed of Prejudice: Why Is Illinois Punishing Dogs for the Sins of Their Owners

handle is hein.journals/unilllr2017 and id is 891 raw text is: A DIFFERENT BREED OF PREJUDICE: WHY IS ILLINOIS PUNISHING DOGS FOR THE SINS OF THEIR OWNERS? LAURA BUECKER* As a response to the dog-bite epidemic many municipalities have begun to pass two types of laws: dangerous-dog laws and breed- specific laws. This Note argues that all dog breed-specific legislation in Illinois should be replaced with breed neutral legislation. Danger- ous-dog laws do not distinguish between different breeds of dogs in their attempt to keep communities safe from dogs of irresponsible owners. Additionally, the existing dangerous-dog laws in Illinois should be strengthened, and better community education on dog be- havior must be introduced. These measures, once implemented, will work together to squarely lay the blame where it belongs-on negli- gent owners and shelters-while keeping both dogs and communities safe. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................. 878 II. BACKGROUND ..................................... ...... 880 A. Dog-Bite Statistics.. ............................... 881 B. The Infamous One Bite Rule and Dangerous-Dog Laws.. 883 C. Breed-Specific Legislation ..................... 885 1. Targeting the Nanny Dog................ ......... 886 2. History of Breed-Specific Legislation ......... ......... 888 D. Dog Legislation in Illinois ................... ..... 891 III. ANALYSIS ......................................... ....... 892 A. Other Factors Affecting Canine Behavior: Aggression.......... 893 B. Misidentifying Pit Bulls. .................... ...... 896 C. Little to No Decrease in Dog Attacks in Communities Implementing Breed-Specific Legislation ..... ......... 898 D. Overcrowding in the United States' Animal Shelters.............. 899 IV. RECOMMENDATION ....................................... 901 A. Implementation of Breed Neutral Legislation in Illinois....... 901 B. Strengthen Dangerous-Dog Statutes Already in Place........... 902 * J.D. Candidate, 2017, University of Illinois College of Law. I would like to thank Dr. Kelsey Stocks for the inspiration as well as Lindsey Lusk for her overwhelming support and friendship. I ded- icate this Note to my parents, Fritz and Jan, who instilled in me from birth a love and respect for all animals. 877

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