Posted: February 27, 2009, 5 a.m. EST
The Department of the Army issued a revision to its pet policy for privatized housing that bans residents from owning “aggressive or potentially aggressive” dog breeds.
According to a memo detailing the new pet policy, the restricted breeds are defined as “Pit Bulls (American Staffordshire Bull Terriers or English Staffordshire Bull Terriers), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chow [Chows], and wolf hybrids.” The prohibition also applies to other dogs who show “a propensity for dominant or aggressive behavior,” the January 2009 memo states.
For example, dogs who exhibit unprovoked barking, growling, or snarling at people approaching would be prohibited. The policy also describes aggressive behavior as biting or scratching people, running along fence lines when people are present, and escaping confinement or restriction to chase people.
The policy is effective immediately. Tenants who already own a breed named in the new pet policy can keep the dog as long as the animal doesn’t demonstrate behavior problems.
Additionally, the pet policy prohibits exotic animals, including reptiles, ferrets, and rats. According to the memo, the new policy takes into consideration the safety, welfare, and quiet enjoyment of all residents in privatized housing.