In a panel discussion on April 12, experts discussed the racial implications of breed restrictions and the perceived cultural ties between certain dog breeds and Communities of Color.
Whether the majority of people within the industry realize it or not, dog breed restrictions are rooted in discrimination against people.
Principle, Ako Brokerage Services, LLC
Founder of Ako Insurance Consulting, LLC, #1000blackinterns, Black Men of the Insurance Industry Initiative, Black Women of the Insurance Industry Initiative Co-Founder of HBCU I.M.P.A.C.T.TM The Trilogy
Professor of Law, South Texas College of Law
Expert in Animal Law, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, Water Law, and Property. Faculty sponsor: Animal Law Society | Environmental Law Society, at South Texas. Co-sponsor: Hispanic Law Students’ Association
Research Fellow, Harvard Law School
Wildlife and Live Animal Markets Fellow at Havard Law. Author of The Black Man’s Dog: The Social Context of Breed Specific Legislation. Masters of Science in Animals and Public Policy.
Risk Advisor, Ivan Hudson Agency
Owner of a risk-based solutions firm. Specializing in educating clients on the importance of transferring risk from their businesses and households.
Discover Animal Farm Foundation’s new Words Matter Term Usage Guide—a tool designed to help shelter professionals use more thoughtful, inclusive language. Download the guide, explore real-world examples, and get involved in shaping the next version.
Join Us for the 2025 Professional Development Retreat: Strategies for Big Dog Care, Enrichment, and Placement! Dates: September 29th – October 3rd, 2025Location: Animal Farm Foundation, Amenia,
Shelters often mislabel dogs based on stress-induced behaviors, limiting their chances of adoption. Butchy’s story proves that when we challenge assumptions and let dogs show us who they are, lives can be saved.
Discover the inspiring story of Jane Berkey, founder of Animal Farm Foundation, whose dedication to equality for all dogs and philanthropic efforts in Africa are changing lives.
Prepare for the panel event by learning more about the history of breed restrictions and their implications on marginalized communities.
Help us collect data about the personal impact of breed restrictions, including BSL, by taking our survey.
Donate to help fund our outreach campagins and our grantee programs.
Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization built on the principle that all dogs are individuals. Our Foundation relies on science-based information about animal behavior and public policy, including breed-specific legislation and housing insurance discrimination, derived from our subsidiary National Canine Research Council. AFF’s team offers regional and national initiatives that support dogs and the people who care for them in their communities.
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Shelter/Rescue Registration: RR286
