Fighting preemption legislation ::

State preemption laws prohibit local governments from enacting restricted breed ordinances to protect public health and safety. Below are materials for advocates fighting state preemption legislation.

Background and support materials

Overview and arguments

Begin by reading our overview that explains the history and current status of these state preemption laws. Then review the untruths often voiced by preemption bill backers.

Support materials

Download support materials to use in communications with state legislators. The 13 year trend showing that legislators are largely rejecting these bills is a great start.


Annual estimate

Since 2011, we have maintained an estimate of restricted breed laws across the United States, including cities, counties, military housing policies and Indian reservation laws. In 2025, we published a report showing that 84 countries worldwide have laws that restrict dangerous dog breeds.

Charts and graphs

40 Years of U.S. Fatal Pit Bull Attacks in 5-Year Periods (1980 to 2019)

This 40-year chart portrays 5-year periods of U.S. fatal pit bull attacks since 1980. Deaths inflicted by pit bulls have increased by 670% since the 5-year period of 1995 to 1999 | Download PDF

40 Years of U.S. Fatal Pit Bull Attacks

States that Protect Local Control vs. States with Preemption Laws (1998-2024)

This U.S. map shows states that protect local control, allowing restricted breed ordinances, and states with preemption laws that limit them. Please see a state-by-state breakdown of this map.

restricted breed, states with preemption, mixed-preemption, home rule, no preemption