The New York City Housing Authority has banned certain breeds from its apartments beginning this Friday. The breeds include Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers as well as any dog over 25 lbs.

I did not know this was coming down the pike and I am a bit taken aback. I really thought that we in NYC were above such actions. I’ve been corrected.

I suppose the NYCHA is well within their rights to limit pets in their buildings. After all, they have all the same powers as any other landlord. However, I believe the way this ban is structured sets a very bad precedent. Now, when any other city agency suggests such a ban they will have this “success” to reference. What happens when Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz decides that Brooklyn should be a Pit-free borough?

And it’s not just Pit bulls. Here’s the full list of breeds banned by the NYCHA:

Pit bull, Rottweiler, Doberman , Chow, Boxer, Akita, German Shepherd Akita Inu, Alangu Mastiff, Alano Español, Alaskan Husky, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine Dogo, Bedlington Terrier, Boston Terrier, Bull and Terrier, Bull Terrier, Bully Kutta, Cane Corso, Dalmation, Dogue de Bordeaux, Dogo Sardesco, English Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro, Golden Retreiver, Gull Dong, Gull Terr, Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Korea Jindo Dog, Lottatore Brindisino, Neapolitan Mastiff, Perro de Presa Canario (CanaryDog), Perro de Presa Mallorquin (Ca de Bou), Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu.

For more information, check out the ASPCA’s press release.

I would love to hear from people who are doing something about Breed Specific Bans. How are you fighting and what can we do to help? As for me, I’m doing my best to continue training all breeds (and mixed breeds) to be polite, gentle citizens.