Monthly Archives: April 2009

Eastpointe, MI: Whispers of BSL

Update 9/21/09: The proposed revisions to the animal control ordinance are not breed-specific. The proposed ordinance can be viewed here: http://www.cityofeastpointe.net/ccagenda20090915packet.pdf (Starts at page 220)

In keeping with site policy not to post dog attack articles (which are filled with emotion and sensation rather than useful information), I have elided a good portion of this particular article. Only the relevant text remains.

The city’s investigation into BSL is in response to the death-by-dog (alleged “pit bull” or “pit bull mix”) of an infant in Eastpointe. The family is trying to get the heat off them by claiming the breed is “sent by the Devil” and urging people to get rid of their pit bulls.

Eastpointe current dangerous dog ordinance: http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Michigan/eastpointe_mi/partsix-generaloffensescode/chapter610animals?f=templates$fn=altmain-nf.htm$3.0#JD_610.11

Eastpointe city councilmembers contact information: http://www.cityofeastpointe.net/council.htm

In keeping with the seriousness of the situation, please keep correspondence relevant, polite, and informative. Eastpointe intends to analyze their dog laws; they need to be guided away from BSL and toward safer alternatives that would actually improve public safety.

[Irrelevant text elided]

Eastpointe officials already are taking action. They’re asking police to compile statistics and dog complaints and plan to review the city’s ordinance for dangerous and vicious dogs at the next City Council meeting….

Eastpointe Mayor Suzanne Pixley said the incident is believed to be the first of its kind for the city that already has “tough rules” for pet owners….

Eastpointe is among at least a half a dozen Metro Detroit communities to consider, pass or revise animal ordinances in recent years.Farmington Hills, Southfield, Allen Park, Redford Township and Wyandotte have either evaluated policies singling out so-called “bully breeds” or beefed up rules for owners of dogs deemed “dangerous.”

In Waterford Township, Melvindale, Grosse Pointe Woods and Ecorse, “bully breeds” are prohibited. Others, like Dearborn Heights and Westland, have passed laws regulating pit bulls.

[Irrelevant text elided]

Full article retrieved on April 24, 2009 from http://www.detnews.com/article/20090424/METRO/904240379/1409/METRO/+Get+rid+of++pit+bulls++family+says

Springfield, MO: City council keeps rule on killing pit bulls

I guess they aren’t worried about lawsuits from people who are bitten by other types of dogs that were transferred to rescue groups.

City Council keeps Springfield rule on killing pit bulls

SPRINGFIELD — The city council turned down a proposal to change what happens to pit bull terriers and pit bull mixes after they wind up in the city dog pound. The council voted 6-3 against a proposal by Councilwoman Mary Collette to let some animal rescue groups take the dogs and find new homes for them.

[...] The majority of the council agreed with City Attorney Dan Wichmer that the risk of a huge lawsuit payout is too great.[...]

Full article retrieved 4/7/09 from http://www.ky3.com/news/local/42598007.html

Springfield, MO: Pit bull adoption proposal to be discussed, April 6, 7 PM

Springfield has a pit bull ban in place. Though the shelter is not required to do so, it is euthanizing all impounded, unreclaimed pit bulls and will not send the dogs to rescue groups for adoption outside the city.

City Hall: 417-864-1651
*Fax: 417-864-1649
citycouncil@springfieldmo.gov
840 Boonville Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802

*Please note: For faxes that need to be distributed to all members of the City Council, please fax only one copy with a note that specifies distribution to all members of council.

Meetings are scheduled for 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, third floor of City Hall.

How to speak to the city council: http://ci.springfield.mo.us/egov/citycouncil/addressing.html

Springfield pit bull adoption rules could change

SPRINGFIELD — Right now, no one can adopt a pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier mixed breed dog from the city pound, not even rescue groups. Unless the dog is quickly claimed by its rightful owner, it is put down.

City Councilwoman Mary Collette proposes to change that. She would like the city to allow rescue groups to take the pit bulls and find them homes.

[...] The city council will take up the issue at its meeting next Monday night. City council meets at 7 at Historic City Hall.

Full article retrieved 4/5/09 from http://www.ky3.com/news/local/42366742.html

City Council Considers Pit Bull Rescue Protocol

Sunday, Apr 5, 2009 @05:48pm CST

[...] Council is looking at implementing a 500 thousand dollar insurance policy for agencies taking on that effort.[...]

The public is invited to comment.

Full article retrieved 4/5/09 from http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=135451