ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) — Animal lovers converged on Annapolis to try to influence a legislature trying to solve a budget problem.

Mike Schuh reports they feel pit bulls are being unfairly targeted, but leaders in Annapolis say they’re barking up the wrong tree.

One Towson boy was mauled by a pit bull. His parents sued. Maryland’s highest court ruled that the dog’s landlord was partially responsible and that pit bulls are inherently dangerous.

Now renters like Mark Davidson have been given notice his dogs must go. Now there are fears shelters will be overrun with owners in that predicament.

“We are always running low on space. We’re an open admission shelter so any kind of increase on pit bulls means we’re going to have to make some tough decisions,” said Darlene Sanders-Harris, BARCS.

“Tough decisions” is a euphemism for killing.

“No way I could put them down. No way. They’re my children,” Davidson said.

Pit bull lovers want the law changed to effectively overrule the court.

“I don’t know what we can achieve today other than to let people know that there are responsible pit bull owners out there,” said protest organizer Kathy Soul.

The governor and legislative leaders don’t want any other bills other than budget to be heard, so if the committee chairmen are strong enough, nothing like this bill will get out for a vote.

Legislative leaders say they will address the pit bull issue when they next meet in regular session.