Welcome
Presidential Pits is a 501(c)(3) organization that is staffed entirely by volunteers. Our mission is to provide rescue, education, and community outreach for the promotion and protection of pit bull-type dogs in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas.
Read more about Presidential Pits and our mission.
Our Reaction to the Maryland Appeals Court Ruling With Respect to Pit Bull Dogs
Presidential Pits is shocked and dismayed by the recent ruling of Maryland’s highest court on strict liability with respect to pit bull dogs in Tracey v Solesky. Especially disturbing are the words “inherently dangerous” used by the majority to characterize all pit bull dogs, regardless of their individual temperament or personality. Science and experience tell us the majority is wrong about the nature of pit bull dogs and dog behavior in general—and wrong to stigmatize all pit bull dogs based on the actions of individual dogs and people. The dissent states it well: “Succumbing to the allure of bad facts leads inevitably to the development of bad law.” We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty about what this ruling really means and what may be the ripple effects. We must keep in mind that this is not a ban on pit bull dogs in Maryland. We encourage Maryland residents and organizations caring for pit bull dogs to make deliberate, informed decisions in their reactions to this shift in law. Presidential Pits is working to gather and disseminate information on tenant-landlord clinics and other resources available to Maryland pit bull guardians. We support the local and national organizations that are pulling together to analyze the ruling, provide guidance to the community, and take action against this disheartening, unsupported change in Maryland law.
Tenant Resources
The publications and information referred to on the page linked below pre-date the recent change in the law regarding liability for owners of pit-bull type dogs and landlords with tenants who own pit-bull type dogs. However, the laws that govern leases, renewal, termination and modification of leases were not changed by the new law. The following resources are available to tenants who may need assistance or guidance in the event that landlords attempt to unilaterally change the terms of leasing agreements in the wake of the new law. Go to resources.
The information contained on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be constructed as legal advice on any subject matter.
Pit Tails: DC-Area Pits and the People Who Love Them
There’s Something About Polly
by Sacha Cohen
Jason, Sacha, and Polly
Jason and I adopted Polly about a month after we started dating. He had been looking for a dog for a while and through the early weeks of our courtship, he would text me pictures of adorable potential adoptees.
I love dogs and was thrilled that Jason wanted to adopt, but not so convinced about his choice of breed: he was only considering pit bulls.
Until this time, my only exposure to pit bulls was through the media. I had read the occasional story of a pit bull attack or about their use as fighting dogs. Based on their portrayal in the media, I was understandably surprised—and, honestly, somewhat concerned—by his choice of breed. I asked him why he was so keen on adopting only a pit bull. Read full article.
