Edit 4/28/09: This bill did not make it through committee and is officially dead.
Update 3/6: This bill is in committee. See http://stopbsl.com/2009/03/06/oregon-hb-2858-bsl-referred-to-consumer-protection-committee/
Oregon politicians are apparently trying to exhaust and distract pit bull owners in an attempt to get BSL passed. Your action is needed yet again in Oregon as BSL is proposed against pit bull owners.
HB 2852, introduced yesterday by Representative Vicki Berger, would require that all pit bull owners in the state of Oregon must maintain $1M of liability insurance.
This bill has not yet been sent to a committee. When it is, I will update with contact information for the Representatives in the committee. You may wish to contact all state Representatives in the meantime, or save your energy for the committee.
Contact information for bill author Rep. Vicki Berger:
Representative Vicki Berger
Party: R District: 20
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1420
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE., H-479, Salem, OR, 97301
Interim Address: 805 Kingwood Dr. NW, Salem, OR, 97304
Email: rep.vickiberger@state.or.us
Website: http://www.leg.state.or.us/berger
Partial text of the bill:
http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measures/hb2800.dir/hb2852.intro.html
SECTION 1. { + (1) As used in this section:
(a) ‘Keeper’ has the meaning given that term in ORS 609.035.
(b) ‘Pit bull’ means a dog that:
(A) Is registered or otherwise listed as an American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier or American Staffordshire terrier with a dog breed club or league, dog fanciers association, breed registry or similar organization; or
(B) Has appearance and physical characteristics that substantially conform to the breed standards of the United Kennel Club for an American pit bull terrier or of the American Kennel Club for a Staffordshire bull terrier or American Staffordshire terrier, as those standards existed on January 1, 2009.
(2) The keeper of a pit bull shall maintain in effect insurance in the amount of $1 million that provides coverage for any economic or noneconomic damages resulting from physical injury or damage to personal or real property caused by the pit bull.
(3) If a court finds a person guilty of violating subsection (2) of this section, the court shall order the person to provide the local dog control district, or, if no local district exists, provide the court, with proof of compliance with subsection (2) of this section within a period established by the court, not to exceed 30 days. If the person complies with the court order by ceasing to be the keeper of a pit bull, proof of compliance shall include details regarding the disposition made of the dog, including the name and address of any new keeper.
(4)(a) Violation of subsection (2) of this section is a Class C violation.
(b) Failure to provide proof of compliance with a court order issued under subsection (3) of this section is a Class A violation. Each day that the person fails to provide proof of compliance with an order issued under subsection (3) of this section after expiration of the period established by the court is a separate violation. + }
Filed under: BSL Proposed, Oregon | Tagged: breed specific legislation, Insurance, legislation, legislature, pit bull, statewide
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[...] 1, 2009 by stopbslcom Edit 3/3/09: This bill has been dropped. The new BSL bill in Oregon is HB 2852, which would require pit bull owners to obtain$1M in liability [...]
[...] alert and additional information can be found here: http://stopbsl.com/2009/03/03/oregon-hb-2852-requires-pit-bull-owners-to-have-liability-insurance-bs... Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)AANR Alert: Oregon HJR [...]
Perhaps before people with nothing better to do in their lives should read some books about APBT to get FACTS on this breed. Here is a good one to get your brain cleared and started: The American Pit Bull Terrier; A handbook. Pit Bulls are the most human friendly and human trusting dogs on the planet. They have an inherent trust for humans because of the fighting pits of the 1800’s. If they did not allow their handlers to vet them they were culled. Put to death. Because of that, this breed is as loyal to humans and will trust them far above any other breed of dog. What other breed could be so abused and still be placed in loving homes as a Pit Bull? Ban the Deed, not the Breed!
I am a grandmother of two girls under the age of five. Their biggest joy in visiting is playing with Jazz, my APBT. I am a full time caregiver for my 73 yo brain damaged sister since she was born. Jazz is her constant companion. Jazz sleeps on my bed cuddled up with Cody the cat. For this I need to carry a million dollar insurance policy? Get real. Get a life. Go after the thugs that cross breed these dogs and train them to be vicious. They are not born vicious. If you want some true stats, see how many cocker spaniel bites there are each year. Far more than a Pit Bull. And how many dogs “Look” like a pit bull or are crossed with a Pit Bull. Where will the discrimination stop? When will Big Brother take over total control of our lives.
Vicki Berger needs to get a life and keep her power trip out of we the people. If anyone voted for her, I hope you have the common sense to not do it twice.
I completely agree with Amber. The only people pushing for a breed ban of the American Pit Bull Terrier are people that have no understanding of the breed. My rescue has lived with our family, an additional dog and two cats for 4 1/2 years now with no problems what-so-ever. Our dogs are our children. I am 61 and my husband is 62 years old. We are and always have been responsible pet owners and taxpaying citizens. I will move heaven and earth (if need be) if anyone tries to take my dog. And no, we cannot afford a million dollar insurance policy. Tomorrow my husband and I will be meeting with OUR State Representative to discuss this insanity.
Go after dangerous dogs and their owners all you want; but leave the rest of us in peace.
Ms Berger, with this bill you will destroy a lot of terrific pets who do not deserve what your bill intends. If you really knew the breed, this bill would not exist. It is the mistreatment of any dog, cat or horse that is the true cause of any misconduct. I will not degrade you or me by saying to you what I am thinking about you at this time. You are very uninformed and should NEVER introduce a bill with only a little information supporting only yourself or a few who wish to impose their will by removing the true meaning of freedom. It appears to be influenced by behind the scenes insurance industry desires. I have dealt with more human and animal issues than most, and you are wrong with HB 2852. This dog used to be the “all American dog” and was the companion for the Little Rascals. You should see mine when my two little granddaughters come here; she turns cartwheels in ecstasy. If it passes, you will have unfortunately created lifetime enemies.
Walt Wagner, Oregon State Police – retired