ohmidog!

A Texas lawmaker has asked the state attorney general to issue an opinion on whether local officials have the authority to pass laws banning or regulating specific breeds of dogs.

In a letter to Attorney General Greg Abbott, Republican state Rep. Tony Goolsby requested an opinion to clarify a state law that cities and counties have interpreted as preventing them from targeting breeds.

He wrote that confusion caused by “varying interpretations” of the law has stopped local governments wanting to pursue such measures, according to the Houston Chronicle.

“I really think this matter should be handled locally, but it seems like these municipalities are afraid to put some tough strength in the law,” said Goolsby, who requested the opinion on behalf of a friend who was attacked by a pit bull years ago. “These dogs are going to continue to maim and kill.”

A bill giving municipalities and counties the power to target breeds has not yet been filed for the upcoming session, though similar measures have failed in the past. Several Texas cities, including San Antonio, are petitioning for a bill this session.

Around the country, breed-specific legislation has been passed at the local and state level since the 1980s, including laws that mandate sterilization, require owners to purchase insurance, or impose bans on breeds such as Rottweilers and pit bulls.