Maryland: Pit Bulls 'Inherently Dangerous'

Appeals court ruling a legal boost for victims of attacks
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted May 2, 2012 11:03 AM CDT
Maryland: Pit Bulls 'Inherently Dangerous'
A pit bull is seen at an emergency shelter in St. Louis.   (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

If you've been attacked by a pit bull and want to sue, you'll have a leg up if you happen to live in Maryland. The Maryland Court of Appeals has ruled that pit bulls are an "inherently dangerous" breed, a ruling that deems Maryland owners completely accountable for their dogs' actions. The SPCA is not pleased, reports MSNBC, and asserts its belief that an animal's behavior, not breed, should be the deciding factor. It also worries that the ruling could lead to a rash of abandoned pit bulls. (More pit bull stories.)

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