Monthly Archives: February 2010

England and Wales: Now the Government wants competence tests before you can be a dog owner

Posted on February 28, 2010 by | Comments Off

Now the Government wants competence tests before you can be a dog owner

By Jonathan Petre
Last updated at 2:51 AM on 28th February 2010

Every dog owner will have to take a costly ‘competence test’ to prove they can handle their pets, under new Government proposals designed to curb dangerous dogs.

Owners of all breeds would also have to buy third-party insurance in case their pet attacked someone, and pay for the insertion of a microchip in their animal recording their name and address.

The proposals are among a range of measures to overhaul dog laws in England and Wales being considered by senior Ministers, who are expected to announce a public consultation within weeks.[...]

Full article retrieved 2/28/10 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1254356/Now-Government-want-competence-test-dog-owner.html#ixzz0gqWfMvqG

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Posted in Non-BSL Proposed, Outside of U.S.

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Boaz, AL correction: BSL not yet passed

Posted on February 26, 2010 by | 1 Comment

Thanks to Jodi for this correction.

The headline for the article regarding Boaz, AL may not be correct. It seems the proposed BSL may still need another vote by council.

Read the text of the proposed ordinance here (thanks to Jodi and Deb): http://stopbsl.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/boaz_al_proposed_bsl.pdf

Next council meeting is March 8th at the Boaz Senior Center, 112 Church Street.

Mayor Tim Walker
256-593-8105
cityhall@cityofboaz.org

Councilmembers:

David Ellis
256-593-2361
dfellis72@yahoo.com

Billy Faucett
256-593-3709
faucettmtrs@charter.net

Jerry Don Sims
256-593-5091
poppatie@aol.com

Timothy McRae (he is a ‘dog guy’-he may be our best ally)
256-593-0835
thmcrae@bellsouth.net

David Dyar
256-593-3558
ddyar@hotmail.com

Clerk Jill Bright, CMC
Phone: 256-593-9537
FAX: 256-593-9527
jill.bright@cityofboaz.org

Previous alert for Boaz: http://stopbsl.com/2010/02/24/boaz-al-bsl-passed/

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Posted in Alabama, BSL Proposed

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Natchez, MS: Aldermen vote to develop pit bull ordinance

Posted on February 25, 2010 by | Comments Off

Update 6/23/10: A news article indicates that the city attorney has advised against breed-specific laws, and is willing to draw up a non-breed-specific ordinance. http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2010/jun/23/natchez-alderman-discuss-city-animal-ordinance/

City of Natchez, Mississippi
Mayor Jake Middleton
City Hall, 124 S. Pearl St., Natchez, MS 39120
(601) 445-7555
mayor@natchez.ms.us

Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis, Alderwoman, Ward One
James “Ricky” Gray, Alderman, Ward Two
Bob Pollard, Alderman, Ward Three, bobpollard@natchez.net
Tony Fields, Alderman, Ward Four
Mark Fortenbery Alderman, Ward Five
Temple Hendricks, Assistant to the Mayor, thendricks@natchez.ms.us

Online contact form: http://www.cityofnatchez.net/contact/

Alderman vote to develop pit bull ordinance

By Cassandra Mickens (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat
Published Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NATCHEZ — [...] Phillip Stokes addressed the Natchez Board of Aldermen Tuesday regarding four neighborhood pit bulls….

Mayor Jake Middleton assured Stokes the board would enact an ordinance to address pit bulls and other vicious animals….

Full article retrieved 2010-02-25 from http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2010/feb/24/alderman-vote-develop-pit-bull-ordinance/

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Mississippi

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Elgin, IL update: BSL passes first vote

Posted on February 25, 2010 by | Comments Off

The final vote on the proposed ordinance will be March 10. The last vote by city council will likely be a formality, unless someone changes their mind.

Please continue to send persuasive, intelligent correspondence to council members, and please remember to thank the three council members who voted against the ordinance (noted below).

City of Elgin, Illinois
Diane Robertson, City Clerk
150 Dexter Ct., 2nd Floor, Elgin, IL 60120-5570
Phone: 847-931-5660
Fax: 847-931-6027
robertson_d@cityofelgin.org

Edward Schock, Mayor, mayor@cityofelgin.org (For the ordinance, owns a German Shepherd)
Council Members:
Richard Dunne, rdunne@cityofelgin.org (Against the ordinance)
Robert Gilliam, gilliam_r@cityofelgin.org (For the ordinance)
David Kaptain, kaptain_d@cityofelgin.org (Against the ordinance)
John Prigge, prigge_j@cityofelgin.org (Original proposer of ordinance, voted for it)
F. John Steffen, steffen_j@cityofelgin.org (Against the ordinance)
Mike Warren, warren_m@cityofelgin.org (For the ordinance)

Previous alerts for Elgin: http://stopbsl.com/?s=elgin%2C+il

Pit bull crackdown ‘like racism against dogs’

Elgin council advances tough restrictions on pit bulls

February 25, 2010
By MIKE DANAHEY mdanahey@stmedianetwork.com

By a 4-3 vote, the Elgin City Council Wednesday night approved moving along an amended animal control ordinance that puts tough restrictions on owners of pit bulls, which would be labeled “dangerous dogs.”…

The amended ordinance would put strict requirements on pit bull owners, and those not following the new rules would face fines of $1,000 or more….

Full article retrieved Feb. 25, 2010 from http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/2069319,3_1_EL25_06COUNCIL_S1-100225.article

Another article: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=361843&src=5

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Illinois

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Boaz, AL: BSL passed

Posted on February 24, 2010 by | 2 Comments

Boaz passes vicious dog ordinance

Posted: Feb 24, 2010 4:46 PM CST

BOAZ, AL (WAFF) – The city of Boaz is hoping to discourage residents from having potentially vicious or dangerous animals by passing a new ordinance…. [and] pit bulls are named specifically.

Full story retrieved Feb. 24, 2010 from http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=12039217

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Posted in Alabama, BSL Passed

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Worcester, MA: City ordinance would target pit bulls for restraint on public ways

Posted on February 24, 2010 by | 4 Comments

Thanks to Jodi for this info:

City of Worcester, MA
455 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 929-1300

City Manager Michael O’Brien
City Hall Room 309, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1175, Fax: (508) 799-1208
CityManager@worcesterma.gov

City Clerk David Rushford
City Hall, Room 206, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1121, Fax: (508) 799-1194
clerk@worcesterma.gov

City Council
City Hall Room 112, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1049, Fax: (508) 799-1015
council@worcesterma.gov

GermainM@worcesterma.gov, LukesK@worcesterma.gov, PettyJM@worcesterma.gov, RushtonR@worcesterma.gov,
ToomeyK@worcesterma.gov, SmithJA@worcesterma.gov, PalmieriP@worcesterma.gov, ClancyP@worcesterma.gov, HallerB@worcesterma.gov, EddyW@worcesterma.gov

Council Agendas and Minutes:
http://www.ci.worcester.ma.us/city-clerk/agendas-minutes

City ordinance would target pit bulls for restraint on public ways

By Nick Kotsopoulos TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
nkotsopoulos@telegram.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

WORCESTER — The City Council has asked the city administration to prepare an ordinance that would require the owners of pit bulls to harness or muzzle their dog when walking them on public ways….

Full article retrieved 2010-02-24 from http://www.telegram.com/article/20100224/NEWS/100229898/1101/LOCAL

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Massachusetts

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Elgin, IL: BSL on agenda, Feb 24

Posted on February 23, 2010 by | 1 Comment

Thanks to Jodi for this alert:

An alert was initially issued for Elgin, Illinois in June 2009. There’s been some back and forth as to whether or not breed specific regulations were, in fact, being considered. Its important to note that Elgin is a “home rule” city.

The amended animal control ordinance is Item “F” on the city council agenda for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Council meetings take place begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Centre’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL.

Accordingly, please send your POLITE AND RESPECTFUL opposition to the Elgin city officials TODAY. Contact information and links to a previous news story and council minutes are below.

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys
www.blessthebullys.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

City of Elgin, Illinois
Diane Robertson, City Clerk
150 Dexter Ct., 2nd Floor, Elgin, IL 60120-5570
Phone: 847-931-5660
Fax: 847-931-6027
robertson_d@cityofelgin.org

City Manager Sean Stegall, roder_n@cityofelgin.org
Edward Schock, Mayor, mayor@cityofelgin.org
Council Members:
Richard Dunne, rdunne@cityofelgin.org
Robert Gilliam, gilliam_r@cityofelgin.org
David Kaptain, kaptain_d@cityofelgin.org
John Prigge, prigge_j@cityofelgin.org
F. John Steffen, steffen_j@cityofelgin.org
Mike Warren, warren_m@cityofelgin.org

Item F on tomorrow’s council agenda:
http://www.cityofelgin.org/archives/32/2-24-10%20COW%20Agenda.pdf

Previous alerts for Elgin: http://stopbsl.com/?s=elgin%2C+il

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=361149&src=5

Elgin looks to beef up pit bull laws

by Harry Hitzeman | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 2/23/2010 12:01 AM

Elgin city leaders are considering rules that will require pit bull owners to: pay $100 for a three-year registration of their dogs; have $500,000 worth of insurance; and have their pets leashed and muzzled when they are being walked.

Violators could receive a $1,000 fine if they do not comply with the proposed laws that automatically deem pitbulls “dangerous” dogs….

The earliest the city council can approve these new laws is at the March 10 meeting. Public comments will be limited to 30 minutes Wednesday.If passed, pit bull owners will have until June 1 to register their dogs.

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Illinois

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Rochester Hills, MI: Whispers of BSL

Posted on February 22, 2010 by | 2 Comments

The Council meets every Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium unless otherwise indicated. Next meeting: March 1, 2010.

Please offer constructive advice and acceptable alternatives to breed-specific legislation.

Leanne Scott, City Council Coordinator
Clerk’s Office, City of Rochester Hills, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Phone: (248) 841-2460
Fax Number: 248-656-4744
citycouncil@rochesterhills.org

Greg Hooper, Council President, District 3
Voicemail: 248-841-2645
hooperg@rochesterhills.org

Vern Pixley, At Large
Voicemail: 248-841-2644
pixleyv@rochesterhills.org

James Rosen, At-Large
Voicemail: 248-841-2646
rosenj@rochesterhills.org

Michael Webber, At-Large
Voicemail: 248-841-2649
webberm@rochesterhills.org

Ravi Yalamanchi, District 1
Voicemail: 248-841-2643
yalamanchir@rochesterhills.org

J Martin Brennan, District 2
Voicemail: 248-841-2647
brennanm@rochesterhills.org

Nathan Klomp, District 4
Voicemail: 248-841-2648
klompn@rochesterhills.org

Rochester Hills mulls whether to create vicious dog law after pit bulls maul Pekinese pup

By Sheena Harrison | MLive.com
February 22, 2010, 3:26PM

Rochester Hills is deciding whether to put a vicious dog ordinance on the books….

It is unclear whether Rochester Hills would make its current laws stricter for any vicious dog, or if the city will consider crafting breed-specific legislation.

Full article retrieved 2010-02-22 from http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/02/rochester_hills_mulls_whether.html

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Posted in Michigan, Whispers of BSL

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Mount Holly, NC: Resident petitioning for “pit bull” ban

Posted on February 22, 2010 by | 7 Comments

The City of Mount Holly, 400 East Central Avenue, Post Office Box 406, Mount Holly, NC 28120
Phone: 704-827-3931
Fax: 704-827-5672

Next city council meeting: March 8, 2010, 7:00 PM
Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month unless otherwise noted. The Regular Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and the Work Session Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the Citizens Center located at 400 East Central Avenue, Mount Holly, NC 28120.

Mayor Pro Tem David Moore
104 N. Hawthorne St., Mount Holly, NC 28120

Councilman Jim Hope
104 Stoneridge Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

Councilman Perry Toomey
203 Dogwood Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

Councilman Jerry Bishop
200 East Catawba Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

Councilman Bennie Brookshire
218 Rose St., Mount Holly, NC 28120

Councilwoman Carolyn Breyare
307 Eastwood Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

Pit bull attack victim now pushing for ban

by MICHELLE BOUDIN / NewsChannel 36
E-mail Michelle: MBoudin@WCNC.com
Posted on February 19, 2010 at 7:01 PM

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C.– A homeowner in Gaston County is pushing for the passage of a controversial law after a pit bull attacked him and his dog in Mount Holly….

Full story retrieved 2010-02-22 from http://www.wcnc.com/news/Pit-bull-victim-now-pushing-to-ban-them-in-his-town-84809477.html

→ 7 Comments

Posted in North Carolina, Whispers of BSL

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Jackson, MS update: Proposal to ban pit bulls lacks votes

Posted on February 22, 2010 by | Comments Off

A pit bull ban has been under consideration by Jackson city council since November 2008. It now appears that the pit bull ban does not have enough support to pass, but locals should keep an eye on the situation. Council contact information and previous alerts are below the article.

Council to address vicious dog rules

But councilman says he lacks votes to ban pit bulls

Chris Joyner • chris.joyner@jackson.gannett.com • February 22, 2010

[...] Weill favors a ban on pit bulls, but he said he does not have enough votes on the seven-person council to get the ban through.

“I got a clear sense (from council members) that a new ordinance needs to be sought that is nonbreed specific, and we will be looking at alternative ways to control dangerous dogs,” he said.[...]

Full article retrieved 2/22/10 from http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100222/NEWS/2220314/1001/news

Contact info for Jackson City Officials

Post Office Box 17, 219 South President Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0017

Mayor Harvey Johnson
(601) 960-1084

Jeff Weill, Sr.
(601) 960-2051
Jweillsr@aol.com

Chokwe Lumumba
(601) 960-1091
clumumba@city.jackson.ms.us

Kenneth I. Stokes
(601) 960-1090
kstokes@city.jackson.ms.us

Frank Bluntson – Council President
(601) 960-2052
fbluntson@city.jackson.ms.us

Charles H. Tillman – Council Vice-President
(601) 960-1092
tillmanc@city.jackson.ms.us

Tony Yarber
(601) 960-1089
tyarber@city.jackson.ms.us

Margaret C. Barrett-Simon
(601) 960-1063
mbarrett@city.jackson.ms.us

Previous alerts for Jackson:
http://stopbsl.com/2009/10/20/jackson-ms-rules-committee-discusses-proposed-breed-ban/
http://stopbsl.com/2008/11/15/jackson-ms-dangerous-dog-ordinance-bsl-to-be-discussed/
http://stopbsl.com/2008/11/04/jackson-ms-article-proposed-dog-ordinance-with-more-bite-to-be-presented-to-council-bsl-proposed/

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Mississippi

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