Montana: HB 191 will ban pit bulls (statewide)
January 7, 2009 37 Comments
Montana HB 191 (previously draft LC 1087) will ban “pit bulls” statewide. As of today, it has been referred to the Local Government Committee.
Local Government Committee
Meets Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3 p.m., Room 172
Arntzen, Elsie (R) (Chair)
Hands, Betsy (D) (Vice Chair)
MacLaren, Gary (R) (Vice Chair)
Becker, Arlene (D)
Bennett, Gerald (R)
Berry, Tom (R)
Driscoll, Robyn (D)
Ebinger, Bob (D)
Grinde, Wanda (D)
Hamilton, Robin (D)
Ingraham, Pat (R)
Menahan, Mike (D)
More, Michael (R)
Reichner, Scott (R)
Reinhart, Michele (D)
Sands, Diane (D)
Stahl, Wayne (R)
Vance, Gordon (R)
Staff: Joe Kolman, 406-444-9280
Montana residents, contact the Local Government Committee legislators listed above immediately to express opposition to this bill. There will be a public hearing about the bill before it leaves committee (not yet scheduled). To check the hearing schedule and get contact information for the Local Government Committee, follow this link: http://laws.leg.mt.gov/laws09/LAW0240W$CMTE.ActionQuery?P_COM_NM=%28H%29+Local+Government&Z_ACTION=Find&P_ACTN_DTM=&U_ACTN_DTM=
For information about testifying at the public hearing, go here: http://leg.mt.gov/css/About%20the%20Legislature/Lawmaking%20Process/testify.asp
Edit 1/20/09: Hearing has been scheduled for 1/22/09, 3 PM. See update: http://stopbsl.com/2009/01/17/montana-hb-191-to-ban-pit-bulls-statewide-hearing-scheduled-jan-22-3-pm/
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BULL TERRIERS ARE NOT PIT BULLS.
FIRST THE PIT BULLS, THE ROTTS., THEN GERMAN SHEPARDS AND DOBERMINS, NEXT JEWS, THEN CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS, BLACKS, WHITES,ON AND ON.
PIT BULLS ARE SWEET DOGS UNLESS YOUR NAME IS MICHAEL VICKS !
The people who sponser a bill to make PIT BULLS illegal are IGNORANT of the breed. Pit Bulls are a very loyal companion loving and sweet. The are highly intelligent. I have had several and now have two and none of them are the terrible animals these ignorant people make them out to be.
Why dont they make a bill against the people who transform these dogs into the vicious animals that they are steroetyped to be?
I am absolutely HORRIFIED to think that beloved family pets can be ripped from their homes and murdered. I am a Veterinary Technician and have had the privilege of meeting many Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and other supposedly vicious dogs, the MAJORITY of these dogs are highly intelligent, friendly, well-behaved loyal family companions. How could the legislators even consider condemning a dog because of its breed or mix of breeds? Breed doesn’t make a bad dog, PEOPLE MAKE BAD DOGS. There are many families with wonderful, well-behaved dogs that would be unfairly prosecuted by HB 191. Please think carefully about the devastating consequences such legislation would have on our beautiful State of Montana and its residents.
Why do people get pit bulls to begin with? Dog attack and dog fatality statistics always show pit bulls as having the highest number at incidents. I’m sure there are responsible owners who can properly train their dogs, but most don’t. I support HB 191 simply because I don’t think anyone needs a pit bull, and they are the one breed that stands above the rest when it comes to dog attacks.
Pitbulls are sweet dogs, and I think the real travesty is the irresponsible people who are drawn to pit bull ownership, and who are ultimately responsible for their behavior. I heard a metaphor a short time ago that said something to the effect of, “You wouldn’t give a 17 year old a Porsche. It’s too powerful and an inexperienced and/or irresponsible owner is likely to hurt themselves or others.” I think the same is true for pit bull ownership. In my experience working in an animal shelter, the ‘upper crust’ of society are not typically the demographic seeking out this breed. It is the younger, irresponsible adolescent who is trying to create a facade of being tough. I feel very comfortable saying that these dogs experience more neglect, abuse and ill-treatment than any other breed, and when that results in an attack- -the stories are sensationalistic and the media is only too happy to report on a mauling perpetrated by a pit bull. Labrador retriever attacks are far less published, although, in the past have been more prevalent. It pains Americans, at large, to even consider that their beloved family yellow lab would be capable of harming another person. Conveniently pit bulls have taken that brunt off of the other “sweeter and more socially-acceptable” breeds who also have extremely high statistical instances of biting. I think pit bulls need more decent people to advocate and go to bat for them. I also think pitbull legislation is completely unfair and everyone who is anti-pitbull needs to challenge themselves to get acquainted with a pitbull who is owned by good people to see what splendor this breed really encompasses.
Hi everyone in response to Jeremiah, I think you should re-think your view. I am a responsible pit bull owner that read several books on the breed before i adopted one. I have spent several hours training my pit bulls. They are stewards of good behavior for all dogs. Unfortunatly people with yours views punish me and my animals because of the actions of others. In this country we do not sentence all muslims to death because of the action of a few. It is the exact same principle. Emily makes a very good point that Black labs can be just as dangerous however people fail to acknowledge that, I own one and know first hand that they are just as cabable to have powerful jaws he devours bones.
I absolutely agree pits should be banned. Regardless of what people say, the bottom line is they are unpredictable and attack for NO reason. My son was attacked in a park in Billings, ended up having surgery and permanent nerve damage in his leg. Not nice for a eight year old to go thru. Of course the owners swore the dog was friendly, but they dident have insurance, i ended up with a $16,000 dr. bill. I went to court to make sure that dog was put to sleep. I was there that dog WAS NOT PROVOKED!
In response to those who support this bill: I am a former pit bull owner and am completely disgusted by the proposal to ban pit bulls. I have deep sympathy for any one who has every been a victim of a pit bull attack, but the honest reality is that any animal is susceptible to violent acts dependent upon how they were raised. Our society has become comfortable with domesticating animals but do not want to accept the responsiblity for the impact that has on them. I became an absolute lover of pit bulls after owning one. My pit was the sweetest, most gentle and loving animal I have ever come in contact with. He was raised and trained in a responsible and loving home. Instead of our government officials looking at ways to ban the breed, why aren’t they looking at ways to support and protect the breed from individuals who abuse their strength and capabilities. I acknowledge and understand the attraction as well as fear of pit bulls due to their sheer strength and physical build. But those who choose to harness those characteristics in a negative manner are the ones who deserve to be punished, not the innocent animals. I strongly feel that anyone who would support this bill is completely uneducated and heartless. I do support requirement of all dogs to be registered and responsibly trained. That is the solution to this issue, not euthanasia and discrimination. If we allow our government to ban one breed, where will it end? Educate yourselves!!
i love all your experiences and thoughts of why pits should be banned.
have fun coming over and taking my dogs, my family dogs.
The meanest dog I ever saw was a cocker spaniel that lived by a school year. the PEOPLE made the dog mean. My family owns a pitbull and it is a companion. We just lost our 15 year old Guido that was like a person in our life. Please consider puppy farms, etc and ignorant trainers the problem not the dog. And what kind of censorship is this?
I would have never guessed Montana would come to this with regards to pets. Isnt it bad enough there is still the stigma regarding Bully Breeds? I used to work in an animal clinic, and the dogs that were scariest to me… Were the wound up, Labs!!! Oh but surely they wont be included in this? This just makes me mad because I try really hard to have well mannered, and family, and children oriented Pit Bulls… I thought for certain one of my neighbors started this bill! He has a lab that attacked my Male, and guess what??? My male didnt get it!!!!!!!!!! Why is this dog beating up on me? I just like to play!!! People are so ignorant!!! Lets get this one outta there!!! PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN!!! THERE WILL BE MORE HARM FROM THIS THAN ANY GOOD COULD EVER COME!!!
I just have to ask something, are people in this world just stupid and ignorant? no one wants to take responsability for their animals behavior due to what THEY taught it. I have worked with dogs all of my life, and never once, have i been bitten, attacked, or threatened by a pit bull or one of the similar types. in fact, the worst bite i got was from a Chesapeake bay retriever that broke through a screen door and attacked me as i got out of my truck in its neighbors driveway. The guy who owned it had trained it to keep people out of his yard. Dogs are like children, you beat them, and they will think that violence is the answer. I have seen what happens to dogs that are beaten and trained to be mean. I met two pits that were trained to be attack dogs by some idiot who thought he was king of his neighborhood, acting like life was a rap video. These two dogs walked away from the encounter with my siberian husky bleeding and torn. self defense is a strong motivator.
Point is, ANY dog can be made mean, can be made vicious, can be made dangerous. They are just like people. And to single out one type of dog for a ban is just like singling one nationality of people who should be kicked out of our country. The simple fact that the human race, especially people like us, is never willing to take responsibility or use their brains. Don’t beat your dog, dont beat your kids. Pay attention, and educate people. hate to say it, but i got bit by a schnauzer when i was a kid, and i was poking it with a stick. Learned really quick not to do that. I just see people who assume they know everything, and condemn things that they don’t? Did the lady watch her kid and make an effort to police her 8 year old’s wanderings, or was she on her phone? Did the wannabe gang banger realize that his dogs are a responsibility and not a status symbol, and are to be treated with kindness? Did the guy who trained his dog to keep people out of his yard consider what would happen outside it?
I doubt it. I have found that people are sadly, ignorant and pitifully stupid. Makes me always turn back to a bumper sticker i saw years ago.
“The more people I meet, the more I like my dog.”
This law not only covers Pis but also Staffy;s and AM bulldogs. PLUS anything that has those characteristics
I am a responsible owner who helps with animal rescue. I obtained my ugly big headed Bulldog X from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She lives with other animals from baby bunnies to loose birds and has never even snapped at them. If this law is enacted she would be subjected to it.
People with bulldog, boxer and mastiff crosses may also be subjected to this law based on what your dog looks like
As a responsible owner of two pit-bulls it is disappointing to see a state like Montana consider such egregious legislation. I am the first to admit there are people who own these dogs who have no business owning them. Many of these people should not be allowed to have children either, but I suppose that’s another bill entirely. I also acknowledge that these dogs are involved in a significant number of attacks, both on people and other dogs. People should realize however that attacks on humans is a behavior bred out of pitbulls years ago as a necessity for the cruel sport of dog-fighting. Handlers were required to be in the ring during matches and nobody wanted to get bit by their own dogs. Aggression towards humans is a behavior created solely by neglect, little or no proper training, and poor breeding standards. As someone in a previous comment stated “Nobody would give a 17 year old a Porsche…” Pitbulls are strong-willed athletic dogs, and can be difficult to train. For people who have never owned or trained dogs before it’s probably not a good first pet. That being said there is certainly a legislative marathon between having them completely unregulated or completely banned and destroyed. Let’s put our heads together as responsible engaged citizens and dog owners and come up with something that everybody can be happy with.
email: DestructoMatt@gmail.com
My son and his family have two dogs that fit into the categories being discriminated against. They are wonderful family dogs and it would be a terrible thing to take them away from the family (4 children) that loves them very much. They rescued one of them from the shelter and she was abused prior to them getting her. She is SO loving and would not bite unless protecting herself or her family.
We used to have a pomeranian that liked to bite the Schwans man and most strangers. I don’t see pom’s on this list.
My daughter’s chocolate lab is very aggressive with people she doesn’t know, i.e. the mailman. I don’t see labs on this list.
The blue heelers and Australian shepherds we’ve had will bite, as herding cattle (or people) is in their nature. Again…not on the list.
When I was growing up we raised beagles…and yes we had trouble with them some of them biting. Nope, not on the list.
ANY dog can be TRAINED to be mean. I think the people pushing this bill have too much time on their hands.
We can’t outlaw guns, so I seriously doubt the legislature will pass a bill outlawing a breed of dog. Isn’t that the state overstepping its bounds by prohibiting the people from ownership of private property? I could see a chance for a zoning law, but statewide? Not plausible. Either way, the source of the problem is the owners- ban the breed and the negligent owners will find another breed to corrupt. Harsher legislation for NEGLIGENT OWNERS is the ticket.
To Mr. johnson. I do not need a pit-bull,I choose to own one. If you choose not to own a pit-bull thats your business,but dont tell me mine.My dogs are part of the family and will be protected as such.
I got chased and snapped (he actually bit my pant leg) at by a mini-Doxin the other day- Perhaps they are vicious too and need to be added to the ‘vicious animal’ list and euthenized!!
So pit bulls ‘stand above other breeds’ in statistics of dog bites… Hmmm Well guns “stand above other weapons’ for attacks. Perhaps we should ban them too.
(Truth be know, smaller dogs have higher rates of biting than any larger breed dog, it’s just that we don’t mind their itty bitty bites as much as those from larger breed dogs.)
Heck with the constitution-
heck with racism-
heck with ethnic profiling.
Lets just elimintate everyone that ever did anything wrong- and all those of the same race as well!!!
Euthenize them all!!! (They did it in germany!)
Lets start with those rocket scientists in Helena
I’m sure you all have been bombarded with emails reguarding the unnecessary pit bull legislation. I own a female pit bull named Tasia and she is the love of my life. She has been raised around a well rounded family and has been socialized in many areas. In the summer she goes on hikes, runs, bike rides, boating, camping, and any other family activity we do. She is a loyal companion, and my best friend. She has NEVER bitten anyone, nor has she gotten in any fights with other dogs. And no, she does not get along with every dog she encounters. Do you get along with every human you encounter? This is where owner responsibility comes into the picture. The number of responsible pit bull owners is overshadowed by the number of irresponsible owners. There are bad pit bull owners that have created monsters with these dogs. There are no bad dogs, there are only bad dog owners.
Ceasar and many other dog behavioral specialists have proven that this breed, along with all other breeds, needs proper socialization to become good members of our society. Any dog has the ability to harm other dogs and humans, however, due to the horrific world of dog fighting, this breed has been scrutinized by the ignorant public. Just last summer my mom’s lab Loui was attacked at the dog park by a border collie. The collie grabbed onto his armpitt and ripped a gaping hole in it. He now has a serious problem trusting other dogs. So are you going to form a bill banning border collies? Probably not.
The Bad Rap organization has taken pit bulls from Vick’s fighting ring and rehabilitated them. Some of them have been used for guide dogs, drug dogs, and most important, family dogs. It goes to show that these dogs simple want to please us humans. They fought other dogs because they were told to and because they feared their owners. These dogs were abused from day one and didn’t experience normal human contact and affection. Once they were in kind hands, they did 180′s and were able to be rehabilitated.
If any of you have even owned a pit bull you would not pass this bill. You would know how loyal, loving, friendly, goofy, and kind these animals are. I urge you to consider the responsible owners and turn your attention on puishing the irresponsible dog owners. If this bill passes, I will be forced to leave a place that I was born in, a place that I have lived in for 25 years, and a place that I love. Tasia is a member of my family and I would do anything to ensure she is happy and healthy. I WILL NOT walk down the streets with a muzzle on my dog so people can stare and judge her. Nor will I put a tag on her that calls her a dangerous animal. This is completely unfair and rediculous.
Ms. Opp,
I think it is absolutely HORRIBLE that your son was attacked for no reason. I believe that the animal was not provoked as my son was attacked by a neighborhood cat- completely unprovoked. I do not compare his scratches to your son’s injuries. I merely know that animals do unpredictable things-
OF COURSE the owners are going to say the had NO IDEA the animal would act that way. Do you have any idea how much more trouble they would have been in had they admitted they were irresponsible?
As a pet owner, if you EVER have an animal attack- you should take it upon yourself to have the animal put down. I do animal rescue & work with animal based non-profit groups and have had to put a dog down (red healer- not on the list) for attacking another very small dog. It did not do any harm, because I was on the dog like flies on poo poo and literally pulled her off of the other dog. That day -we said our tearful good byes and she was put down. THAT IS WHAT RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS DO!
I can not believe you had to go to court to have the animal put down!
However, like Jesse Martin says- killing animals of the same or similar breeds is not the answer!
Forget the ticket- Put pet owners up on criminal charges!! Aren’t there leash laws to protect the public against this sort of Unexpected / ‘freak event’? How about making this a criminal offense? Make pet owners have insurance to cover potential attacks??
Assult & Battery, attempted murder, involuntary manslauder, whatever is appropriate!!
Any large breed dog is a hand full and the owner better know what they are doing. Large dogs are not for the novice!!
If you have any breed dog over 100# (or in some cases even smaller than that) – that pet owner damn well better have the ability to control that animal! Trainining, muzzles, choak collars- whatever it takes.
We need to make it easier for animal control to take large breed dogs (or any size dog) away from an owner who is unable to control that animal. (regardless of size!!)
I know a gal with a 120 # dog. Not a pit. She is scared to death of the dog- not because it is agressive, but because she knows she could not control it if…. SHE SHOULD NOT OWN THAT DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give her a Yorkie-
Good pet owners are objective and know when they and the a pet are not a good match!
They also know when an animal has crossed the line and needs to be destroyed.
They also know the stereo-typing breeds of dogs because of their size is not the answer. It is nothing more than racism of a new kind-
I have owned 3 Pitbulls in my life I am now 54 yrs young. I have worked in the Medical field as a Surgical Tech and as a Surgical Assistant. In the fifteen yrs working in Surgery I have helped several cases where dogs had been the cause of the injuries. In the cases that I was on the injuries were cause by Bear Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Doberman Pincers, Poodles, St. Bernard’s, and house cats. All pets are a refection of there owners. Look back into the history books and look at all the times that pitbulls have been used as famely pets and to reflect a loving an true pet and you will find the pitbull to be at the top of the list. In all the yrs that I have owned and loved Pitbulls my dogs have never bitten me or my children or grand children. When baby’s sit on there head and put there fingers in there nose and pull causing the dog pain these dogs look to there owners for help. I think that we do need to be protected from the Pitbulls that come up with these stupid ideas just to get their name in the history books. If you are going to ban anything than please ban stupidity in the States Law Makers. Just because you have been elected does not make you or your preposed bills be of an Intelligent nature.
Here is a list of email addresses of all the representatives in the Local Government Committee (the representatives reviewing this bill on the 22nd).
I emailed them (as well as Rep. Driscoll) to try and influence them not to support this misguided bill. We cannot legislate this problem away. Just as someone else said, if they remove pit bulls from Montana, the same idiots who have problem dogs today will just train up a different breed. Legislation is not the answer and will cause more problems than it solves.
Representative Emails:
emarntzen@excite.com; betsyhands@gmail.com; garymaclaren@yahoo.com; arlene_becker@bresnan.net; jbenhd1@hotmail.com; tom@tomberrymt.com; buffalojump@imt.net; wsgrinde@aol.com; robinlhamilton@bresnan.net; pathd13@blackfoot.net; mike@mikemenahan.com; mp_more@yahoo.com; sreichner@centurytel.net; michelereinhart@gmail.com; hdsands@aol.com; wstahl@nemontel.net; vancehd67@gmail.com
I am sincerly concerned with the mind sent of the people pushing this issue. I am an owner of two wonderful pit bulls. To think that a breed in itself can be automatically tempermantal is outrageous. It is how they are raised. The breed of Border Collies are the most common dog to attck, so when are they going to be put up on the stand. To consider killing my dods would be the equal to murding my children. You are upsetting many families by pushing this issue. Think if it was your dog.
Our family has owned Am Staffs and Pit Bulls for over 20 years. It breaks my heart to think that a person would be able to sleep at night knowing she was responsible for the death of my “other children” (my pit bulls). We treat murderers better than our own pets. What is wrong with you people? My children and my dogs have grown up together and could not endure being separated. What if we took your family member and killed them! Maybe you ignorant responders to this bill should go back to school, you are obviously un-educated idiots! I will continue to take my pit bulls everywhere I go, as they are just as loving to strangers as to their family. Robyn Driscoll- SHAME ON YOU !!!
I am a reporter at Kulr-8 News in Billings, Mt. I am trying to do a story on this bill but am having trouble finding a pit bull owner to talk to. In order to run a fair story I would love to talk to someone who has a loving pit bull that is part of their family.
Anyone interested in helping me can call at (406) 656-8558 or email at mjarrett@kulr.com.
Thanks!
I am shocked and horified to think this could happen. BANNING THE BREEDS WILL NOT STOP THE PROBLEM. The problem is the people, not the dogs. We need to put all this effort into keeping the idiots who train their dogs to be aggresive from owning dogs in the first place. If a dog is a danger then by all means put it to sleep, but this will affect good dogs, loving pets… breedism is wrong! just as racism and sexism are wrong. This is a form of genocide!
“After the United Kingdom banned pit bulls in the 1990s, a study showed that the number of dog bites remained the same even though the number of pit bulls had steeply declined. (Study cited in B. Heady and P. Krause, “Health Benefits and Potential Public Savings Due to Pets: Australian and German Survey Results,” Australian Social Monitor, Vol.2, No.2, May 1999.)”
The simple thought of my two dogs being euthanized simply because of their pedigree, is as absurd to me as euthanizing children that are in foster care. I have been working with pit bull rescue groups for the last eleven years. I have seen hundreds of dogs that were tortured, beaten, and fought, by their owners. The dogs are not to blame, the breed is not to blame, the OWNERS are. I also have taken many of these dogs in, helped to re-rehabilitate them, and found them appropriate homes. Given the love, attention and exercise they need, these dogs thrive, they are amazing, loyal, obedient dogs. They are also very strong and were bred to have characteristics that can be harmful, if they are trained that way… {they were bred to take down bulls… an animal that probably out weighed them 20 to1?} But as stated earlier, porches are built to be fast, not kill, it all depends on the handler.
I have had 6 pit bulls as my family dogs over the last 12 years, I have had as many as five living in my home at once {not all mine, some in transition}. There has never once been any one bitten or even hurt by any of these dogs. My friends bring their children over { i have a picture of my friends three year old riding one of them…},I have big barbeque’s, were friends and strangers alike, come and go, they all bring their dogs,their kids and i have heard nothing but compliments, and sometimes awe at what great dogs they are. My two pit bulls go weekly on a small bus with up to twelve other dogs, to hike, in public, they have never had problems. They were of the first of a few pit bulls allowed to go on these hikes, and have been doing so for years now.
It saddens me to see these dogs again and again written about in the papers, only for poor behavior. When a golden retriever, killed a seeing eye dog in our town, it didn’t make the news, when the cocker spaniel two doors aways from me attacked a seven year old girl {who required 18 stitches on her face and neck} didn’t make the news, when i was bitten by a german shepard who attacked my dog at the dogs park {four stitches on my finger}, yah, didnt make the news that a pit bull was attacked and didn’t do any damage… Jeremiah Johnson wrote previously that pit bulls are highest on the statistics list for dog attacks and fatalities, these numbers included “dog fighting” {as in two dogs put in a ring, bred to fight to the death, so the ‘owner’ can make money}.
These dogs have been been American Icons for decades, the dog, in the little rascals was a pitty. Watch the documentary “off the chain” it will change the way you think of pit bulls vs owners.
Consider five fatal attacks included in the CDC statistics.
A man was bitten in the forearm by a Pit bull. The bite was not serious but introduced into the wound was a virulent and fast spreading bacteria. The man died 4 days later from this virulent bacterial infection.
A teenage girl give birth to a infant, distraught and frightened, she tossed the hours-old infant into a neighboring-junk-strewn yard where two Pit bulls resided. The dogs killed the newborn.
A German shepherd mixed breed dog went into a bedroom, lifted a newborn out of a crib and carried the infant (by the head) into the living room where the adults were seated.
A man restrains his girlfriend, while ordering his Pit bull to repeatedly attack her. He is eventually convicted of murder and is serving a 20-year sentence.
An elderly man attempts to stop his German Shepherd dog from fence fighting with his neighbor’s dog, the dog turns on his owner, severely mauling him, inflicting fatal head and neck wounds.
The CDC was right, in that five people died as a result of a dog bite. But were all these bites the result of aggression? Were they the same type or level of aggression? Which behaviors initiated the attack, human or canine? So the number of deaths by dogs (as per the CDC) cannot be used to define aggression, or the aggression of certain breeds, as aggression is not defined or qualified.
The disagreement among experts, and the dearth of recent statistics, were two of the reasons why an appellate court for the State of Ohio ruled in 2006 that a pair of breed-based dangerous dog laws were unconstitutional. City of Toledo v. Tellings, 5th Dist. No. L-04-1224, 2006-Ohio-975 (Ohio App. 2006). The supreme court of the state accepted this case for review in August 2006 (110 Ohio St.3d 1435). The court of appeals began its analysis by noting:
Breed-specific laws were enacted because, in the past, courts and legislatures considered it to be a “well-known fact” that pit bulls are “unpredictable,” “vicious” creatures owned only by “drug dealers, dog fighters, gang members,” or other undesirable members of society. [Citing State v. Anderson (1991), 57 Ohio St.3d 168.] … As scientific information advances and becomes available, courts have a duty to reconsider issues and make decisions which are supported by the actual evidence presented, instead of relying on “common knowledge” and opinion generated by newspaper sensationalism and hearsay, rather than accurate, scientific evidence. [Par.] As the evidence presented in this case demonstrates, previous cases involving “vicious dog” laws, especially from the late 1980′s and early 1990′s, relied on what is now outdated information which perpetuated a stereotypical image of pit bulls. … The trial court noted that all the animal behaviorists from both parties testified that a pit bull, trained and properly socialized like other dogs, would not exhibit any more dangerous characteristics than any other breed of dog. After considering all the evidence before it, the trial court agreed, finding that pit bulls, as a breed, are not more dangerous than other breeds.”
The court then stated that,
Our review of the record reveals no current statistics since 1996 were presented to support the notion that pit bulls have continued to be involved in a “disproportionate number” of attacks or fatalities. In our view, despite its own factual finding to the contrary, the trial court improperly relied on an outdated, irrelevant, and inadmissible source of factual information to revive the “vicious” pit bull sentiment and justify the finding that the statutes and ordinance are constitutional.
We’re looking to do a story on this tomorrow (Thursday 1/22). If any pit bull owners in the Great Falls area would like to speak out on this issue, please send us an email with your contact information to newsroom@kfbb.com
Thanks!
Just try to take our dogs! HB 191 is a chicken sh– way to try to solve a huge problem of irresponsible dog owners! Montana Legislatures need to use their big brains to find a less ignorant way to solve this problem. BSL does not work, ask Denver. They are scrambling to modify their ban because it is too $$. More children and adults are mauled by Beagles and Dalmations than all supposed “pit bull attacks” on record. Are we going to ban them also? We must do all we can to change the current pit bull stereotype. BAN IRRESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS!
No one, and I do mean NO ONE will be taking my grand-dog from me, she is 10 years old, has never ever harmed even the smallest of creatures, she lives with her Nana in Montana and that, BY GOD, is where she will stay.
I would like to express my oppisition to this bill and show my support to those responsible Bully owners in Montana. While I’m from Virginia, I have 3 wonderful bully mixes myself, and would be just as upset if someone as misguided as Driscoll tired to pass a bill of this nature here. One is a foster dog for Ringdog Rescue and the other 2 are adopted rescues. My 2 that have been adopted are waiting to get their certs as therapy dogs and the 3rd is showing great potential to help others as well. First let me address Mr. Johnson. Where exactly are you basing your information and how well have you educated yourself on the breed. Second, to Mrs.Opp, I’m sorry to hear about your Child and wish him the best full recovery possible. While I doubt no part of the attack, I’m sure you are biased and not willing to consider the fact the owners were irresponsible and trying to avoid punishment themselves. Thirdly, Mr. Martin. If you honestly think this would never pass, look at Chigaco. As large of a city as it is and the millions that lived there with bully breeds and mixes, legislature still passed banning the breed. What about Ohio, and many parts of Maryland? How about D.C.? If I remeber correctly they tried there too. If your supporting Bullys go for it but make sure your educated first. Lastly, I want to give a huge hoorah for Brae. She did her homework and I can’t add anything else. She has her facts, listed references. She is a wonderful Ambassodor for the breeds. There’s more out there and they need to be heard. Driscoll you need to listen and also educate before you act. Good luck Montana and don’t support HB 191!
I am a dog person. I know many dog people. I know good dog people and bad dog people. I know good dogs and bad dogs. Of all the dogs and dog people i know, my pitbull and his sister are the two most well mannered and well behaved of the lot. I sat with their mother through 9 hours of labor and delivered 14 (yes 14) pitbull puppies. I did not own the mother and she and her owner abandoned me with all the puppies when they were only a week and a half old. Needless to say i bottle fed and cared for and raised these puppies like children. I put potential adoptive parents through a rigorous application process and of all 14 only 2 ended up in the humane society. Pitbulls are a breed that is unparalleled to any other. I swear my dog watches tv, reads my mind, I even think i caught him reading the Declaration of Independence (no joke), I will not retaliate with vicious comments aimed at those in charge of this bill but what i can do is make their lives a living hell by protesting and emailing and writing letters and protesting some more. I will not let my dog go, I will move to the far ends of the earth because in a very strong sense he is my child and what loving dedicated parent would not do the same. We can beat this canine genocide and reveal to the world what amazing creatures the Pitbull breed really is. Now who I am going to direct vicious comments at is people like Michael Vick. You stupid *&%^$, what the &*^% is the matter with people like u. Oh wait u have a small penis.
I think this is a terrible idea..why should we “racially” descriminate between breeds. I mean people don’t like when we do it with them, right? I have been a vet tech before for quit a while and have been bit more by little “wanna be” dogs like poodles, chihuahuas and other “rat” dogs. Why do people automatically hear pit bull and freak out?…I mean what happens when I say black person, or asian person..no one freaks. You all need to get your facts straight and do a little more research before you speak ignorantly.
I love my pitbull! Hes a part of my family! And hes not going anywhere! Dogs are like kids! I sometimes forget I’m raising a dog because of the attention I give him! I leave work. go straight to being with my dog! The problem like everyone else says is the owners. My dog has never bitten anyone or any other dog! How can they just expect to take away a part of my family and kill a family member?! Dog owners of every kind need to stand up and not let this bill get passed. This bill could be for any other breed, including your dog, so please keep the Terriors, ban the bill.
We had a great turn out in Helena on HB 191. I am proud of the way Montanans have come together on this issue. HB 191 is tabled at this time. Which means it will probably die!
One voice can lead to many!
this is an outrage! The abuse that humans have put these dogs thru is horrifying. first we bread them to fight, train them to kill dogs and obey humans. than kill them because of what we have done to them makes me sick to my stomach. pit bulls can be the sweetest dogs on earth, less likely to bite you than a golden retriever and these politicians want to murder them. i am truly disguised with everybody who does not fight this.