Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is pushing for a ban on the breed-based killing of dogs in Virginia animal shelters, in an attempt to reduce the number of pit bulls that are killed in the state.

McDonnell tacked an amendment onto an animal cruelty bill declaring that “No pound may euthanize, or prohibit the adoption of, any dog based solely on breed.” The revised legislation will be introduced before the General Assembly in a special session on Wednesday.