Washington, DC: Councilman Graham pushing legislation to ban pit bulls – again

D.C. Council, John A. Wilson Building, Suite 5, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20004
E-mail: dccouncil@dccouncil.us
Tel:  (202) 724-8000   
Fax: (202) 347-3070
Council directory: http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/councildirectory

This bill can be tracked at: http://www.dccouncil.us/lims/legislation.aspx?LegNo=B18-0052&Description=PIT-BULL-PUBLIC-PROTECTION-ACT-OF-2009.&ID=21928

http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/012009-Councilman_Graham_pushing_legislation_to_ban_fireworks_and_pit_bulls__again.html

Councilman Graham pushing legislation to ban fireworks and pit bulls – again

By Michael Neibauer
Examiner Staff Writer 1/20/09

Year after year, Ward 1 D.C. Councilman Jim Graham has seen his attempt to ban fireworks fizzle, his try to bar pit bulls chewed up by colleagues. But he’s back at it in 2009.

Graham has introduced both measures before, numerous times, to no avail. There’s a method to the madness, Graham said Monday.

“I’ve introduced the pit bull legislation every session, and I am continuing in that determined pattern,” he said. “In case you are thinking I am deluded, I also introduced the lead paint hazard bill every session, and it passed last December. Every dog has its day.”

The pit bull measure bars the possession and sale of the breed in the District. It requires current owners to register their pets with animal control, sterilize the dogs and tag them for quick identification. Any pit bull that doesn’t meet those requirements must be impounded and euthanized.

Graham said the bill was inspired by vicious pit bull attacks on people. But the Washington Humane Society opposes any breed-specific legislation “because they just don’t work,” said Scott Giacoppo, chief programs officer. Dogs can be dangerous because of their owners and their levels of socialization, not their breed, Giacoppo said.

“We’re really surprised that he introduced it again,” Giacoppo said, adding that D.C. only last year strengthened its dangerous dog laws.

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