Things are rough for dog owners

This holiday season is proving to be an unhappy one for dog owners. A new law allows discrimination against breeds of dogs. Napa's Assemblywoman Noreen Evans co-authored the bill in a misguided effort to target dangerous dogs. Unfortunately, this legislation represents a step backward toward heavy-handed government and legalized discrimination. Rather than holding all dogs and owners equally accountable for their actions, this bill discriminates against dogs that have the misfortune of being born with the wrong looks. It makes no exceptions for service, guide, therapy, search, working, or show dogs. It does not distinguish between pure-bred dogs and dogs that look like they could be mixed with the "wrong" breed. It will cause insurance companies to blacklist breeds, forcing people to choose between their homes or their best friend.