What is breed discrimination?
Breed-specific legislation (also known as BSL) refers to laws that ban or restrict certain types of dogs based simply on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as dangerous. These antiquated ordinances limit responsible people’s right to love and care for any breed of dog they choose.
What dog breeds make homeowners insurance go up?
According to HomeInsurance.org, “Dog breeds that are typically associated with higher insurance premiums include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and wolf-dog hybrids.” Forbes.com adds Chows, Great Danes, Presa Canarios, and Alaskan Malamutes to their list.
What dogs are discriminated against?
Rottweilers and Chow Chows are on the “blacklist” of dog breeds. Some insurance companies believe they, along with pit bulls, huskies, Dober- man pinschers, and other specified breeds, are more likely to bite humans and, in turn, cause liability claims to be brought against their owners.
Can homeowners insurance discriminate against dog breeds?
Not all insurers restrict coverage based on dog ownership or discriminate between dog breeds. One solution to homeowner insurance coverage problems arising from dog breed restrictions may simply involve finding an insurer that doesn’t restrict coverage on account of your best friend’s breed.
How do you fight breed restrictions?
What can I do if my dog is banned from an apartment complex?
- Request a pet interview. If the breed restrictions are in place by a landlord (not an insurance company), there’s still hope!
- Create dog resumes.
- Provide references.
- Gather vet records.
- Create a video.
- Offer to pay pet rent.
- Secure renters insurance.
How do you fight against breed-specific legislation?
- Educate yourself.
- Volunteer at your local county or city shelter.
- Support organizations that advocate for Pit Bull awareness, such as Pinups for Pit Bulls.
- Write your legislators.
- Wear clothing that supports the message of Pit Bull advocacy, such as the line offered by Original Bully Clothing Company.
Does progressive discriminate against dog breeds?
Allstate, Amica, Farmers, Geico, Progressive, and State Farm do not have any specific breed restrictions. However, they may not cover you if your dog has a history of aggression.
Are pit bulls covered under homeowners insurance?
Unless your pit bull has bitten someone in the past, you’re eligible to receive homeowners insurance coverage through State Farm. The company considers each dog’s personal bite history to assess its insurance risk rather than having a rule that impacts every dog from a specific breed.
Is there a such thing as dog discrimination?
These laws — known as breed-specific legislation — target certain dogs by breed or even just by appearance. In reality there is nothing specific about them. They judge many types of dogs, but one of the primary victims is also one of America’s most beloved dogs — the pit bull terrier.
Do you have to tell homeowners insurance about a dog?
Yes, you should tell your homeowner’s insurance company if you have a dog. Homeowners insurance for dog owners will indemnify you against claims for damages as a result of your negligence, including dog bites and property damage.
What is considered an aggressive breed?
Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Wolf hybrids, Akitas, and German shepherds are all commonly considered aggressive. Chihuahuas are also notably aggressive, but they rarely cause injury due to their size.
What dogs are usually breed restricted?
Here’s a list of the most commonly banned breeds:
- German shepherds.
- Pit bull terriers.
- Cane corsos.
- Rottweilers.
- Staffordshire terriers.
- Akitas.
- Mastiffs.
- Great Danes.
Do insurance companies discriminate based on dog breed?
Breed discrimination by insurance companies is on the rise in the United States. Insurers are refusing to write homeowners’ policies for people who own breeds that the insurance industry considers to be dangerous. Their decisions are based solely on the breed of the animal, notthe individual characteristics of the particular dog.
Is breed discrimination compromising the value of your home?
There is an additional, and arguably more important, social value that is compromised by breed discrimination: homeownership. Most home buyers require homeowners’ insurance in order to purchase a home.
Do insurance companies discriminate against Rottweiler dogs?
He is a Rottweiler, a breed often targeted for discrimination by insurance companies. Yet, Bukarus does not pose much of a threat: he is deaf, partially blind, and has arthritis. [FN56] Despite his bite-free history, his owners lost their homeowners’ insurance. [FN57] *13 Some of the most well-known insurers are engaging in breed discrimination.
What are the consequences of Breed discrimination?
The Consequences of Breed Discrimination When a dog bites, it can have lasting consequences for both the dog and its owner’s family. When an insurance company refuses to insure or renew a household based on a particular breed of dog, it too can have far-reaching consequences.