Explain the hatred of pitbulls

[Aidan Mulligan]

Hello everyone,

I see something pop up all the time when talking about allowing pets on your property. Someone always says "Except if it's a pitbull, keep those away"

Now I understand that "dangerous breeds" can bring higher insurance payments and some insurance companies might not give coverage at all. I have an insurance company that doesn't have such a clause so I know that the company exists. Another reasoning I get is that the dog is a good indicator of the type of person. Generally speaking, you see a pitbull and the owner stereotype that follows is some lowlife that won't pay rent.

If a tenant sits down in front of me, has a 760 credit score, a full time job, no marks against him/her, and happens to have a pit, I don't see what people get up in arms about. The stigma against pitbulls is cruel and unjust. Judge the person applying in front of you and the animal should be a reflection of that person. If anything make it a requirement that you meet the dog first before making a decision.

My 2 cents, let me know what you think.

[Bill B.]

Story after story after story of dog owned for years and years by The same family suddenly kills owner or owner’s kid. that’s probably most of it. 

Who cares if you have insurance when you’re sued for a million or $5 million. 

If you’re not making a boat load extra money for taking the risk, why would you take the risk?

A police officer is suing a landlord because their tenant shot them. If you’re responsible for that how are you not responsible for anyone that dog ever hurts?  Are you going to court and saying “your honor, I didn’t know they suddenly attack” or are you going to say you didn’t believe it?

Are you reading every policy change they ever send like the one that says on page 12, oh, by the way we don’t cover these animals any more. Or when the claim comes in they say let’s see the letter of good behavior we require from the dog’s vet as specified on page 19. 

Maybe, if you aren’t getting any decent tenant applicants that don’t own big dogs you could sell and find another neighborhood. Or charge a boatload above market rent, own it in an LlC, and mortgage it to the hilt. And just try to sleep knowing financially you’ll be ok no matter who’s killed or injured because you just couldn’t find anyone else to rent to.