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.
stopbslcom
weigoba
BSL is a way of punishing responsible pit bull owners! My 5 year old loves our dogs why would someone want to tell him that he could no longer have his beloved dogs? Why would you tell him the dogs he grew up with are monsters and vicious killers? There are ignorant people who want to do ignorant things no matter what it is, why not make chickens illegal because people fight them? This is a ridiculous bill and it needs to be stopped give people harsher punishments for fighting their dogs. Why was Michael Vick not made an example of? What he got was a cake walk for what he did. People should have to pay for their deeds instead of getting a slap on the wrist for taking these dogs and turning them into monsters!
I work in an area where pit bulls and bully breeds in general are very popular, yet the only severely dog or human aggressive dog were the smaller breeds. All the bully breeds I have encountered have been very, very friendly to everyone and everything. Along with the four I have owned, with multiple children and cats. I also have a dwarf hamster that my full grown pit bull mix doesnt even notice.
I think it is stupid that people want to ban a breed, if SUVs kill more people then cars should we take SUVs away from everyone? I don’t think so… then again it will be just like how it is now, only the people without SUVs would want to ban them. Why is it that people don’t want to walk in anothers shoes before making a decsion? I think that if the believers of BSL could take their dog to the pound and watch it be put to sleep because its a certain breed then I would feel differently about the whole BSL but that isn’t going happen because people love their dogs. Pit bulls are nothing more then dogs.
These people should get to know the breed better then sit behind the TV and listen to reports about “pit bulls.” When half of those dogs are not even related to the American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier or other bully breeds. The APBT has one of the highest scores in the temperment test (which is even above the Labrador), and my personal dog has his CGC.
Learn more about the breed, all it has been through, what a true APBT looks like, and so on… Im sure half the “pit bulls” you have seen are American Bullies or AmStaffs or mutts all in general.
This is ridiculous why should my family and many other families be punished for loving an AMAZING breed? I adore my pit bull she is nearly 5 years old and my children have grown up right beside her she has NEVER hurt them or anyone else. I promote pit bulls as outstanding family pets. She is gentle, loyal and protective in all the right ways and I am sick of people judging her and my family for other peoples (notice I say peoples) violent behavior. My pit bull has taught me allot about the breed and I will now and forever own one of her breed and I can only hope that people can open their hearts and thick skulled minds to the fact that they are incredible additions to any family.
Why punish responsible pit bull owners. My kids LOVE their four legged companions. Every one in our community loves our dogs…. Why? because we are responsible owners. My 6 yr old and 9 month old pit bulls dont flinch growl or attack when they see another dog or even a stranger because thats the way they were trained. You have irresponsible heartless monsters who are training pit bulls to fight and be vicious but its those people who have to be punished. The dog is just doing what it was taught. These animals live and love to keep their masters happy so they will do what their masters want. By the way with all due respect It is ignorant the way that Perry Thurston and others are thinking. It is not the breed its the owner. German sheperds are trained by law enforcement to attack on command why not ban them. Cocker spaniels is the breed of dogs with the most child related attacks they aren’t getting banned…… And chihuahas, pomorinians and other small breed dogs have the most temperment issues with other dogs but no one is passing a bill against them. The point of the matter is that it isn’t the breed its the owner. The definition of ignorance is”the LACK of KNOWLEDGE or EDUCATION” so I urge everyone in the doggy community PIt Bull or not to educate people like Thurston. Lets teach about misinterpretated breed and show these people how loving, caring and loyal these dogs are
Well, I did my part and wrote to all seat members in the Orange county area. I find it absolutely appalling that we as a race of beings on this planet need someone else to tell us what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Representative Thurston is merely encouraging racism against animals. He is looking to break up families, destroy love, and ruin the potential correction of uneducated and miss-guided individuals looking for animal companionship.
I pray that this does not pass. I pray that someday people will be held responsible for their, and their childrens/animals actions. I pray that people wake up from the haze of trusting everything our government pushes across as what we “need”, and begin to show our government what they are.
They work for us, not the other way around.
Anyone reading this story, I beseech you on behalf of all animal lovers, and animals alike; do your part please and send out letters, emails, phone calls, smoke signals, and etc. Do it right, do is respectfully, and make not only your voice; but the silent voice of all the animals to be effected heard.
Can some one tell me how to help stop this bill? I have three beautiful, clam, kind, loving, and intelligent pit bulls. They are like my children. Sometimes I worry about them more that my husband :) Who do I need to write? Every Florida rep.? I am great at mass e-mails when it comes to something I strongley believe it. When is this up for vote? I’m sorry that I’m not vey knowledgeable when it comes to this.
There is not much to do at this stage except to write your own legislator and express your thoughts. A mass mailing will not do much good right now. However, stay tuned to this site or one of the other BSL alert sites. When the bill goes to committee, it can be killed with enough public outcry, so this is when we’ll need to pull out all the stops. I will do my best to monitor and update the bill’s status, and if you are signed up to receive StopBSL email alerts, you will hear about it too. You can also sign up on the Florida Legislature website to track this bill. http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/MyHouse/myhouse.aspx
I dont understand why we as responsible pit bull owners should have to suffer because of the ignorance of others. I have taken the proper precautions to make sure my dog Khloe is an upstanding Canine Good Citizen. Its not the dogs fault its the people who have nothing better to do with their time than turn some poor innocent animal into what society now sees as a blood-thirsty killing machine. No one ever hears about the Chihuahua that bit the little kid next door its always Pit Bulls. The sad part is that these dogs didnt ask to have themselves subjected to such things as fighting all they really want is to be loved. So by passing this law you are taking away a family member, my loyal companion, someone who no matter how bad a day Im having I can come home and see her happy wagging body and know that it really isnt that bad after all. My husband and I both have experienced dog attacks, I was attacked by a German Sheperd and he was bit by a Chow and his sister was attacked by the family’s beloved Lhasa Apso, my point is any dog can bite so why not punish all breeds? Again punish the deed not the breed, it isnt their fault.
As stated here by others, BSL is an extremely selfish and ignorant act to punish responsible Pit Bull owners and well behaved Pit Bulls. “Punish the deed, not the breed” is right! Any dog is capable of vicious behavior, especially if they are taught to behave in this manner. My Pit Bull is 7 years old and she is extremely well behaved, dependable, loving and intelligent. She has lived with 2 cats now for a year and she is always around my 2 nephews (1 and 2 years of age). I have taught her well and she knows to be gentle with the cats and my nephews. The point is, she was raised well and correctly and should continue to be praised for her good behavior, not punished. I cannot fathom the ill will towards well behaved Pit Bulls and their owner’s (which have dedicated a big part of their life to devote time and love to their dog). My dog is not the only Pit Bull I know that is well behaved; I have many friends who own Pit Bulls and strongly believe they are great dogs, if raised correctly. There needs to be stronger consequences in place for people who are caught mistreating animals and raising them horribly with bad intentions. This is one of the reasons why this issue continues; the punishment for animal cruelty is weak and obviously has not made a strong enough impact. My dog is therapeutic to my life and I cannot imagine having to give that up. The innocent should not have to pay for the guilty. This is animal racism, and yes, Michael Vick is a poor example of what should happen when convicted of animal abuse. WE HAVE GOT TO DO BETTER!
I don’t understand how you can blaim a dog for an owners stupidness. I have 4 kids, from 1 to 10 and a 6 year old Rottweiler, and my children would not know what to do if we didn’t have him. Please do not let this bill pass because I do not know how to tell my children that they can’t have their dog anymore.
Say No to BSL! As a responsible pit bull owner of over 27 years, I find it a disgusting act to reprimand a breed or as the media likes to say ” pit bull type” for being a dangerous dog. I say any animal is like a gun, under the wrong persons control, they can be dangerous. So what can we do as owners of this breed? Vote for a license to own a pit bull? Is that unreasonable? I personally don’t think so. Bottom line, IT COMES DOWN TO THE OWNER!
Let me start off by saying I have raised and trained pitbulls since i was a young child, and the only dogs i have been attacked by was a jack russle and a corgi.
I really wish people would realize any dog can be agressive. and if any of these ignorant people would do some research they would see that small breed dogs are known to be more agressive and have attacked more people than large breed dogs (pitbulls) . like a pomeranian that mauld a 2 year old to death in 2002. just one incident that stuck in my head. I could show anybody boxes of pictures of my pitbulls or others that i have worked with in training for service dogs that are playing and hanging out with little kids.
This is absolut ignorance to band any certain breed. man has created these breeds now man wants to destroy these breeds what the hell is wrong with you people???
hi my name is shonda johnson i am with the abba
“american bully breeders assocation” bsl is not going to solve any problems nor is it fair to punish loyal dog owners and there family. pitbulls are very loyal loving caring dogs that will do anything to please man , women , and child. To take a child best friend or man’s best friend is just wrong and we live in american where we have the right to own what we want. these dogs have not done anything to anyone it is the bad owners that have . so before you think about punishing dogs and there owners stop and think we are not guilty for loveing our dogs those are guilty for not caring for there animals. stop bsl before you know it , it could be your poodle.
I am a mother of three children as well as numerous animals. Since I can remember, I have had Pit-bulls, Chows, Boston Terriers, Labradors, Chihuahua etc…. Honestly if I had to choose the best loyal breed, I would definitely choose my Pitts over any! Maybe same as a Labrador and Boston Terrier to be honest! We just put down two family Pitts this year due to health issues of old age. I then went and recued a Pitt Puppy for my family for Christmas and she is absolutely the best! Learns quickly and sociable with other pets as well as people. She plays well with my other dog ( Boston Terrier) as well as my children from ages 2-9 yrs! She knows her limits on how to be gentle! It is the limits as well as direction we set forth as a pet owner that makes the animal(s) who and what they are! We don’t need restrictions on breeds! We need to put restrictions on owners and punnish them for irresponsibilities resulting in poor behavior and mishaps! Animals are like people, they deserve to have rights! I love my animals just as much as my children! I will never get rid of them!
And to just add to my previous post… nothing against chihuahua’s… but the few i have had bit people as well as my children! and ran off after people walking by way more than any other dog I have had!
I own two pitbulls and they are the friendlest dogs, mine think they are lap dogs they love my kids and other animals. its not the whole breed that needs to be banned its the owners the owners teach them to be mean.
Why in the world should the entire breed be punished for what humans did? If you do not remember, long before this breed became “dangarous” they were loving family dogs. They have many saving stories that are fact. It is the the PEOPLE that put these dogs into the positions they are in, not the dog itself. The PEOPLE abuse and train their dogs to be fighters, not the dog itself. The PEOPLE try to make a profit off abusing these dogs. Pitbulls are in no way, shape, or form dangerous dogs unless their owners train them to be that way. I am not a professional trainer, but i am an owner of two pitbulls. They are the absolute most loving breed of dog I have ever had my entire life. They are playful, loyal, loving, just always wanting to kiss and have fun. They have NEVER harmed or even shown any signs of being “dangerous”. Again, it is the PEOPLE that gave this breed their name, the PEOPLE that abused, took advantage off, and scared off others from experiancing the true love and affection and pitbull can give. Have you ever had anything in the world that you loved so much you would do anything for it? Have you loved someone so much that you would go to worlds end for it? Have you ever had a friend or dog that you had such a connection with you don’t know how you ever lived without it? I have. I will die for my dogs, I will go through anything for my dogs. I will NEVER give my dogs up. I am going to school for these pitbulls. These dogs have become my whole life. Its not right to ban these poor, innocent pitbulls. The ones who should be punished are the people putting these dogs threw such a painful life. BLAME THE DEED, NOT THE BREED! The breed itself has done nothing to deserve this.
well he we go again with this bs. i am a pit owner i always had pits iam 26yrs old. i dont wnt this bill to pass. y? ok hear is my answer , all pit bulls are great heart dogs. they have tallent love they give you inesty respect. is not our foult that their are bad pit owners that raise them to be agressive. that not our fault. i am a resposible owner. i use to live in a partment i ask if pits wer alowd they said no so i went to all the places that i could move with them i am not going to live them behind. i am not going to be seperated from my girls just because a stupid person did a damadge to this breen. if i have to live in the street on my car to save my girls i will. if i have to live in the water i will with my girls. how can you yes you a person that has a sute on and a tie say we are going to band pit bulls. you aint god or any one this is the country of freedom not band. their are millions of pit bulls owner that have been with their dog for alot of year and hear you come and say you cant have them. no enouph is enouph. us humans judge people they dont . they dont caire if you are rich or pore handicap they love you. i say and i will stand to my words why you want to band a pit bull wen their is all differents typs of breed that are agressive look at the small dogs they are agressive chihuahuas dobermans goldenretrevers well all dogs our mean but it depends the who raises them who is the responsible owner. all you have to do is the people that are mean and abuse the pit bull band them from having a dog not us. insted of passing abill that makes no sence why dont you help the comiunity the state the school make better jobs stop people that drink and drive but no you diside to hurt use bad. ALL I WILL SAY I WONT BACK DOWN. I WONT GIVE MY GIRLS UP I WONT PUT THEM SLEEP I WONT. I WONT. ENOPH WITH THIS. WORRIE A BOUT THE PPL THAT ARE HURTING THIS DOGS OR ANY DOG STOP THE BREEDERS THAT ARE NOT TAKING CAIRE OF THEIR PET. PUPPIE MILLS IS A EXAMPLE ON HOW BAD THEY DOGS ARE STOP THEM BUT NO U DONT STOP THEM CAUSE THEY PAY TAXES WELL GUESS WHAT WE PAY OUR TAXES WE FFED THE HOME LESS WE HELP THE SCHOOLS WE THE PEOPLE VOTE FOR YOU TO DO THE CORRECT THING NOT TO MESS US UP. AND I WILL STAND I WILL MARCH DOWN THE STREET TO WASHINGTON OR TALLAHASSEE BAIRE FOOTED TILL I HAVE MAID ALL PIT BULLS BE HURD AMEN.
I will not let my pitbull down! I will fight this tooth and nail. My dog has done no wrong and I will not allow someone to enter into his home and remove him to be destroyed because of certain people who are either scared of the breed due to all the negative publicity from media (what about the other type of breeds that have attacked people or other animals?? why is it that breed is never mentioned in the news?? ) Lets put the blame where it really needs to be, those who are not responsible pet owners and those who want the breed only for the sport of dog fighting. Come on all animal lovers and those who own the breed…stand up and fight for them!!! They do not have a chance if you don’t!
Florida Representative Perry Thurston, tell us how much are you getting paid to back up such a horrific bill as HB 543? You are currupted or are you being black mailed to keep your place as a Florida Representative? I can not believe that you would lower yourself to such a standard that you are willing to place a breed on a road to extinction because you as a government refuse to allow harsher punishments on Individuals who fight this loyal animals. The Pit Bull was America’s first War Dog and now you want to kill it because of ignorant people like yourself? You will not win so help me God you will not destoy that breed in which God has given life to. Why don’t you do what is right and punish those that committ the crime. Maybe then America can begin to forgive for your ignorance!
You want to go toe to toe? You got it! Me and every other proud pit bull owner and animal lover to go toe to toe with. We will be heard!
Cigarettes killed how many people this last year?
Cigarettes killed how many people this last year?
Cigarettes killed how many people this last year?
this proposal is yet another strong indicator of the ignorant, h.u.t.a.(head-up-the-ass) politicians we allow to dwell in our legislature!
the imbecilic quotes i’ve read regarding pit bulls by these mow-rons would be laughable if one could only overlook the very real problem that they can actually pass harmful laws.
their knee-jerk reaction to any incident in order to show the public that they are doing something(no matter how ill-conceived) in order to further their own erroneously bestowed political careers, is symptomatic of the sorry state of our country, in general.
i hope these people know how to hang wallpaper, or some other form of livlihood, because come election day, they are out!