Monthly Archives: December 2009

Florida: HB 543 would remove statewide prohibition on BSL

Currently, Florida state law 767.14 prohibits municipalities from passing BSL.

On December 28, Florida Representative Perry Thurston filed a bill which would remove this statewide protection. If HB 543 passes, any municipality in Florida could pass BSL or breed-specific bans.

The bill has not been placed in a committee yet. The bill status and text may be viewed here: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=42937&BillText=dogs&HouseChamber=H&SessionId=64

At this stage, Florida residents should contact their state representatives and let them know that this bill is not acceptable.
Contact information for State Representatives: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx

Contact information for Rep. Thurston, the bill author:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4396
603 NW 7TH, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: (954)762-3746
Rep. Thurston is a long-time proponent and supporter of BSL who has introduced similar bills in every session since 2007 (last year’s bill was HB 189, which died in committee), so this move is not unexpected. Please keep any correspondence with Rep. Thurston polite, and be aware that he’s unlikely to listen to opposing points of view. The only way to stop him is to vote him out in 2010.

Thanks to Jodi for this alert.

Riverside County, CA: Free spay/neuter services for “pit bulls”

New Riverside County program tackles pit bull population

10:00 PM PST on Tuesday, December 29, 2009
By SANDRA STOKLEY
The Press-Enterprise

RIVERSIDE – Riverside County animal control officials are launching a program to offer free spay-neuter services for pit bulls and pit bull mix dogs to stem the flood of these high-profile canines into countywide animal shelters.[...]

Full article retrieved 12/31/10 from http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_E_pits30.3fdaf2a.html

Toledo, OH: City council president wants review of BSL

McNamara: Revisit ‘vicious dog’ law

Toledo City Council President says city code wrongly targets ‘pit bulls’

By JC REINDL
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Article published December 30, 2009

[...] “One of the issues that I have with the code is that not all dangerous dogs are ‘pit bulls,’” [Toledo City Councilman Joe] McNamara, the council president, said….

Mr. McNamara asked … the dog warden committee … to review the city’s vicious dog ordinance….  He said he would like to see the “vicious dog” definition extended to include not only “pit bulls” but other dogs that exhibit dangerous behavior….

Full article retrieved 2009-12-31 from http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091230/NEWS16/912300335

Renton, WA: Dangerous dogs banned (not BSL)

Summary:  Renton citizens requested a ban on ‘dangerous dogs’ when they heard someone who owned a ‘dangerous dog’ might be moving in.  Judging from the article, in Washington State a dog is declared ‘dangerous’ based not on his or her breed, but on his or her behavior:  killing a domestic animal without provocation, or seriously injuring or killing a human without provocation.  A dog can get a ‘potentially dangerous’ designation by threatening or biting a domestic animal or human; then a second minor biting incident can have the dog declared ‘dangerous.’  Once a dog is labeled ‘dangerous,’ by State law the owner must keep the dog in a child-resistant enclosure and carry a $250,000 insurance policy or surety bond.  According to Renton ACO Dennis MccAskill, Renton dogs who would have qualified for the ‘dangerous dog’ label have usually been euthanized before a ‘dangerous dog’ declaration was rendered.  And, most Renton residents would not be able to afford the insurance necessary for keeping a ‘dangerous dog.’  Indeed, many owners opt for euthanasia once AC explains the risks of owning a dog designated ‘potentially dangerous.’  Renton City Council chose to ban ‘dangerous dogs,’ rather than try for better enforcement of the old law, hoping to prevent accidents.  It’s now “technically illegal” to transport a ‘dangerous dog’ through Renton, even on the freeway.

City of Renton bans ‘dangerous dogs’

By CELESTE GRACEY
Renton Reporter Staff Writer
Dec 29 2009, 5:04 PM · UPDATED

[...] “Could you really design a perfectly safe way to keep a (dangerous) dog in a crowded urban environment?” said council member Randy Corman. “You can commit to enforcing the law, but you’ll have accidents, because to err is human….”

“The old way of dealing with it, requiring people to have liability insurance and to have an enclosure, were not protective enough,” Corman said….

The law was passed quickly with a first and second reading Dec. 7….

Renton Reporter Staff Writer Celeste Gracey can be reached at cgracey@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5052.

Full article retrieved 2009-12-31 from http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/news/80305087.html

Camp Pendleton, CA: Implementation procedures for banned dog breeds released

Implementation procedures for banned dog breeds released for Pendleton residents

Written by Lance Cpl. Daniel Boothe, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Tuesday, 22 December 2009

Camp Pendleton announced implementation procedures for banned dog breeds today, after receiving approval of a request to extend the waiver period originally mandated by Headquarters Marine Corps.

Marine Corps Order P11000.22 Ch 6, released in August, mandated all installations ban any breed of pit bull, rottweiler or wolf hybrid dog from residing on base. It also prevented visitors from bringing banned breeds on base.

[...] “The Marine Corps Order’s original deadline gave residents only 60 days to complete breed testing and approval,” said Grabman. “But Camp Pendleton went through a pretty extensive review and waiver process to get that date pushed out until April of 2010 to ensure residents have adequate time to meet all the requirements.”

[...] Pendleton’s Domestic Animal Control will require majority breed determinations for animals in question at the owner’s expense.[...]

Full article retrieved 12/29/10 from http://scoutnewspaper.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1129&Itemid=411

Center Line, MI: BSL Passed

Crossposted from BSL Workshop:

The ordinance went into effect on December 17, 2009.
 
http://www.centerline.gov/pdf/ORDINANCE379amended.pdf
 
Dangerous dog is defined as…:
 
Any dog that belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog, Pit Bull Terrier, either an American Staffordshire Terrier, A Staffordshire
Bull Terrier or an American Pit Bull Terrier, or of any dog of a mixed or crossbreed with any of such breeds.

The following are requirements for owners of “dangerous dogs” in Center Line:

C. Regulation of Dangerous Dogs. All dangerous dogs, including pit bulls, shall be especially confined and treated as follows:

(1) Registration. The owner or keeper shall register the dangerous dog with the Public Safety Department. The owner  or keeper must establish that all conditions of this ordinance section and any applicable court order have been met. The registration is valid so long as the dangerous dog is kept on the same premises under the same conditions.

(2) Identification photographs. The owner or keeper shall provide the Public Safety Department with two color photographs of the dangerous dog which clearly show the color and approximate size of the animal.

(3) Microchip. The owner or keeper shall, at his or her own expense, have a microchip inserted and activated by an accredited veterinarian with the number registered with the Public Safety Department. The owner or keeper shall also provide the Public Safety Department with a current telephone number.

(4) Leash and muzzle. No person shall permit a dangerous dog to go outside its kennel or pen unless it is securely leashed with a leash no longer that six feet in length. No such dog shall be kept on a chain, rope or other type of leash outside its kennel or pen unless a person is in physical control of the leash and physically capable of restraining the animal. Such dogs may not be leashed or tied to inanimate objects. Any such dog on a leash outside its kennel or pen must be muzzled by a muzzling device sufficient to prevent the dog from biting persons or other animals.

(5) Confinement. All dangerous dos shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or kennel, except when leashed, muzzled and controlled as provided in subsection C (1) of this section. Such pen, kennel or structure must have secured sides and a secured top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine dangerous dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure. The structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen or the sides of the pen must be embedded in the ground no less than two feet from the grade. All such structures must be adequately lighted and ventilated and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.

(6) Confinement indoors. No dangerous dog may be kept on a porch, patio, or any part of a house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such a building. In addition, no such dog may be kept in a house or structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the house or structure.

(7) Reporting Requirements. The owner or keeper of a dangerous dog must provide in writing to the Public Safety Department the following:

(a) Notify the Public Safety Department immediately when the owner or keeper has knowledge that such dog is at large, unconfined, or has attacked an individual or animal.

(b) Notify the Public Safety Department within a twenty-four hour period when such dog has died or is removed from the City, or the birth or existence of the animal’s offspring within the City.

(c) Notify the Public Safety Department within a twenty-four hour period when such dog is sold or given away to another person. The notification shall include the name, address, telephone number and city of the new owner.

(8) Signs. All owners or handlers of dangerous dogs within the city shall display in a prominent place on the premises and on the pen or kennel a sign stating the word “Beware of Dog”. The letters shall be at least three inches in height.

(9) Insurance. All owners or handlers of dangerous dogs must obtain liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this State providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than $50,000 for bodily injury, death or property damage caused by the dangerous dog.

(10) Number. No more than one dog of the breed or description determined by this chapter to be dangerous shall be kept on any premises in the city with the exception of puppies, which shall be removed after weaning (generally six weeks of age).

Salem, AR: Breed ban passes first reading

Edit 10/23/10: I found an old news article that indicates Salem ultimately passed breed-specific liability insurance requirements for owners of “pit bulls” and Rottweilers: http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1630898.html  But from all indications, the council is considering removing the requirements (or may have already done so).

Second reading will take place during the January city council meeting; if it passes second reading, it will become law.

Breeds to be banned include: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, wolf-hybrids or “tundra shepherds,” and any dog that appears to be one of these or a mix.

Previous alerts for Salem, AR: http://stopbsl.com/?s=%22salem%2C+ar%22

Contact info for Salem, AR:
City of Salem, P.O. Box 619, Salem, AR 72576
Phone: (870) 895-3478
Fax: (870) 895-4540

City tackles new dog ordinance

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Niki de Soto, Staff Writer

Salem City Council met Thursday, Dec. 17 to review the first draft of the city’s new Dog Ordinance banning dangerous dogs within city limits.[...]

The ordinance was passed on a first reading and will be presented for a second reading at the January City Council meeting.

Full article retrieved 12/24/09 from http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1596997.html



Putnam County, WV: BSL passed (3 articles)

Putnam ordinance targets pit bulls

December 22, 2009
By Veronica Nett
Staff writer, Charleston Gazette

WINFIELD, W.Va. — [...] Commissioners passed the ordinance 2-1 Tuesday, and received a standing ovation from the Bancroft residents.

The ordinance requires owners of pit bulls and other dogs deemed vicious to keep the animals on their property with a six-foot enclosed fence or keep them on a four-foot leash held by the owner.

[...] Tillis and Commissioner Steve Andes voted for the ordinance, but Commissioner Joe Haynes voted against it because of its specific mention of pit bulls.[...]

Full article retrieved 12/24/09 from http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/200912220642

Putnam officials target vicious dogs

by Evadna Bartlett
For the Daily Mail
Tuesday December 22, 2009

WINFIELD – [...] “I’m fully in favor of having a vicious dog ordinance,” Haynes said after the meeting. “I just think we are on a slippery slope naming a breed. Why not rottweilers? German shepherds?”[...]

Full article retrieved 12/24/09 from http://www.dailymail.com/News/200912220614

Putnam County Commissioners Take Aim at Pit Bulls

They passed a vicious dog ordinance that says pit bulls must be contained behind a six foot fence or on a leash no longer than four feet.

Updated Wednesday, December 23, 2009; 04:02 AM
Story by Gil McClanahan, WOWKTV

WINFIELD — [...] Bancroft residents started the effort for the ordinance. By the afternoon many were walking the streets of their town feeling a sigh of relief.[...]

Full article retrieved 12/24/09 from http://wowktv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=72399

Uhrichsville, OH: Pit bull ban to be considered, Dec. 30

The city of Uhrichsville, OH, will hold a first reading of a possible ban on “pit bulls” on December 30 at 7 PM.

Keep in mind that the state of OH has statewide BSL in place declaring “pit bulls” to be “vicious” dogs; Uhrichsville has additional BSL on top of state minimums, but because this BSL is not being followed or enforced properly, they are now considering an all-out ban.

Updated contact information for city council members is not available. However, documents may be sent to the council clerk with a request to distribute to council members and the mayor.

City Council Clerk
PO Box 288
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Phone: (740) 922-1242

I called to request a council agenda for December 30 and was informed that they don’t post agendas. I could only confirm that there was a meeting on the 30th, and that they were reading some ordinances. This is the news item that is circulating about the possible ban. Unfortunately, I could not find the source.

Council preparing to ban pit bulls in city

*Ordinance to get first reading December 30
*Tougher stance aimed at resolving ongoing complaints

UHRICHSVILLE – A new ordinance being prepared by Uhrichsville City Council member should alleviate the concerns that residents brought to them Thursday night about pit bulls and other vicious dogs in the city.

Council members had adopted an ordinance last year that requires owners of pit bulls and other dogs legally defined as vicious dogs within city limits to have proper pens, confinement measures, and $100,000 liability insurance in place. Because many owners are not conforming to those rules, council is preparing to put in place an ordinance that will ban all pit bulls from within city limits.[...]

Thanks to CAO and Jodi for the heads-up.

Lucas County, OH: Adoptions halted for ‘pit bull’ pups

One step forward, two steps back; Lucas County is determined to kill “pit bulls,” even if it means holding alleged “pit bull” puppies in county kennels until they are old enough to be killed.

Adoptions halted for ‘pit bull’ pups

Pet group blasts commissioners

By IGNAZIO MESSINA
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Article published December 22, 2009

The leader of the Toledo-area rescue group Planned Pethood Inc. was thrilled last month when Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon was prohibited from killing puppies, but Monday her happiness turned to outrage.

The Lucas County board of commissioners unanimously extended from Dec. 31 to March 1 a moratorium preventing the dog warden from killing dogs up to 3 months old, but “pit bull” puppies will not get the same protection.[...]

Full article retrieved 12/23/09 from http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091222/NEWS16/912220379/0/BUSINESS01