Florida: SB 1276 hearing on March 4
March 2, 2010 22 Comments
Edit 3/4: SB 1276 passed committee. More here: http://stopbsl.com/2010/03/04/florida-sb-1276-passes-committee/
Florida SB 1276, which would allow municipalities in Florida to pass BSL, has been scheduled for a hearing by the Community Affairs Committee on Thursday, March 4, at 1:00 PM in Senate Building Room 412.
Florida Residents, please attend the committee hearing. You can sign up to speak against the bill at the hearing.
Florida residents should also contact Community Affairs committee members and ask them to oppose this bill:
* Chair: Senator Michael S. “Mike” Bennett (R), bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov
* Vice Chair: Senator Gary Siplin (D), siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Thad Altman (R), altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Ted Deutch (D), deutch.ted.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Rudy Garcia (R), garcia.rudy.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Andy Gardiner (R), gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill, Sr. (D), BILL SPONSOR, hill.tony.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Jeremy Ring (D), ring.jeremy.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Ronda Storms (R), storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator John Thrasher (R), thrasher.john.web@flsenate.gov
* Senator Stephen R. Wise (R), wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov
Florida residents should also contact their individual senators and representatives and remind them to oppose this bill.
Previous alerts for Florida HB 543/SB 1276: http://stopbsl.com/?s=1276
Tracking page for SB 1276: http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&ElementID=JumpToBox&SubMenu=1&Year=2010&billnum=1276
Tracking page for HB 543: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=42937&BillText=dogs&HouseChamber=H&SessionId=64
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I am the president and founder of Pensacola Bully Representatives P.B.R., We find, foster, Train, and adopt American Pt Bull Terriers for homes and Social work and will do anything for this breed. I am currently training a dog to be my eldest brother’s seeing eye dog. He was left blind and with severe brain injuries thanks to a pair of state funded officers and I will die trying to right the situation. B.S.L. is not the answer!!! Did the holocaust solve anything? NO! and that’s exactly the same as B.S.L…… Not the right answer, only man’s quick and single sided thought on a situation, which history as repeated and failed on time and time again. If you push to follow through on this act, I promise you more of a fight than any politician has ever dealt with in history. My group trains rescued and abandoned dogs as therapy and aid dogs…..Take that away from the people we serve and I can assure you that the masses and media will be on my side. Do you want Florida to look like Denver?…. when spy photos leaked of their “Humane” society with with over 3,000 dead pitbulls, mostly puppies under a year old, piled up and rotting behind their center?
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/PitbullHead.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2009/10/leaked_photos_of_dead_pit_bull.php&usg=__CYHyU6a4kmEe_T9q1icBKfTUA8s=&h=336&w=510&sz=54&hl=en&start=2&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=Vmwb8Jgx2HQM2M:&tbnh=86&tbnw=131&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddenver%2Bhumane%2Bsociety%2Bpitbull%2Bmurders%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1
I’ve rescued over ten dogs, adopted two as my own and adopted the rest out to wonderful people that love their “kids”, more than anything, Hate the deed not the breed, get your mind right!
I applaud the legislature for taking up the problem. I firmly believe that all Pit Bulls are dangerous and should be banned from ownerhip in Florida.
Hi Harold, SB 1276 won’t ban “pit bulls” or any other dog if it passes. It will cause massive legal and financial problems for municipalities across the state, however.
PLEASE RETHINK THE IDEA OF PASSING BSL. IT IS DISCRIMINATION AND IT WILL BE MURDER TO SO MANY LOVING AND LOYAL PETS. I UNDERSTAND THE IDEA OF CHARGING HIGHER INSURANCE OR REQUIRING ALL DOGS TO BE REGISTERED AND UP TO DATE ON SHOTS, BUT TO SINGLE OUT A BREED BECAUSE OF WHAT SOME HUMANS TO TO THEM IS HORRIBLE. IT WILL BE A SAD DAY FOR FLORIDAY IF THIS BILL PASSES.
If this legislation passes in Florida, where does it end? I have been the proud owner of a pit bull for over 6 years. I adopted him as the tiniest puppy and he is now one of the most important members of my family. He has weathered breakups, moves, a divorce, and the loss of child with me, always at my side and never wavering in his love. He has never been aggressive or violent, but instead has shown love and compassion especially for young children. At the beach, he has protected my 5 year old nephew and 2 year old niece (every year) from going out too far in the ocean by pacing to create a barrier between the crashing waves and the shore. To me this demonstrates an instinct to love and protect, not to cause harm (See: Petey the Pit Bull from Our Gang – the nanny dog sent out to WATCH OVER the children).
Responsible owners such as myself should not be punished for the acts of criminals who choose to abuse and fight these dogs. ANY DOG, big or small, would (and have) become aggressive under those circumstances. Pit bulls, however, show incredible resilience and the desire to love again, even after suffering under momentously torturous situations.
PLEASE don’t take away my family.
I truly think that we need to take a step back on this situation and rethink this action. As every EDUCATED pit bull owner would agree, we need to start PUNISHING THE DEED, NOT THE BREED. People found fighting these dogs, or breeding them in puppy mills, which are usually not even CONVICTED of these crimes, serve LITTLE TO NO JAIL TIME!!! Where in is the justice for the dogs being abused? Do the research Florida, Pit bulls have the HIGHEST PERCENTAGE of ABUSE in this whole country, yet they continue to get slandered?? The bill that you SHOULD BE PASSING is one that illegalizes breeding of dogs unless the breeder is LICENSED. I’m an ambassador for this breed of dog as well as the other bully breeds who are catching a bad rap due to awful ownership. I highly suggest you refocus your investigation of this problem to ‘why the consequences/jail time of these criminals in animal abuse cases are not harsher?’
hello all i think this is a true crime. one of our most decorated war dogs was SGT. Stubby —he was a american pitbull who served in WWI. Not to mention all of our WWII signs carried the picture of a white pitbull in a officers uniform. This breed is loving, kind, and loyal. That loyalty is what people have used against them. Pitbulls arn’t bad dogs at all it’s the hands they are owned,raised, and taught by. Please don’t let the media or the wron doings of humans allow this breed to be banned. I could imagine life with out my pitbulls my babies. Don’t judge the breed judge the deed. Animals are innocent it is we as humans who change that-go harder on Animal abuse laws rather on the animal.
It never stops amazing me how ignorant the masses are. Why would you outlaw the second more human loving breed? This breed is loving, loyal and eager to please. They are tolerant, kind and respectful. All they want is love.
The accounts of dogs attacks and the tale of how vicious they are come from bad owners. They are no more likely to attack people than any other dog. In fact they are less likely. They can have dog aggression because of how they are bred, but many don’t.
I own a 1 year old pit. I am a bad parent at time. But she has never NEVER attacked anyone or anything. She is wonderful with kids, babies, cats, men, woman… you can stick your fingers down her throat and she will just roll her eyes at you. I have met many pits that are as well behaved.
All they need is love.
IF you want to punish someone here, but the bastards that abuse these darlings behind bars. The people who make them into “monsters” because that is all they have ever known.
I have heard of more counts of Pomeranians attacking and killing children that never make it to the news. Yet no one has ever talked about banning them.
Having had pit bulls that I have rescued because they are bred for fight dogs, they are wonderful, loyal and obedient just like any dog at the park. I agree with all my peers here who stated punish the deed and not the breed. People who fight their dogs (all breeds), breed for fight pups, neglect, starve and condition aggressive responses in animals should be punished by the system that is supposed to work. Killing dogs is not the answer, holding the public is the answer. When is our system actually going to hold these owners responsible. Understand these aggressive dogs are not born this way, they are CONDITIONED for this response by their grossly irresponsible owners. Shame on the system thinking that not holding individuals accountable is not the answer. My pit bull Ruby is a therapy dog who has participated in equine therapy sessions, and has done four years working with adult and sexual offenders. She was a pit bull rescue, used for breeding for fight pups. Please, do the right thing by holding people accountable, they need it desperately.
Over the years i have owned many dogs, and 5 years a go i purchased a pitbull. Over the years she has showed me incredible loyalty and love that i have never seen in any other dog have i have owned or any other dog i have even ever seen. When our son was born , she has to this day been at his side for love , protection and companionship just like with myself, I have yet to see any type of agressive behavior just the most outstanding degree of love an animal could give. I donot understand why this bill is even being discussed, these animals are the most wonder pets and will give you the best companioship and will be there for you as long as they can, its the people who harm them who should be banned not the dogs. These people abuse and tortured these beloved dogs everyday and yet you still choose to torture them yourself by having them banned. If you want to ban something ban these people who torture, fight and abuse theses dogs, they should be put in prison instead of being slapped on the wrist to do it again. If you pass this, do you honestly think that they wont just go one to another breed? I know of jack russells and poodles that have almost killed children yet do you hear of thoses stories?
This is awful. Dangerous owners are to blame. Shame on you 9 who voted yea to this 3/4/10 and thank you to the 2 that voted nay. This is a sad day for all.
I am hurt and horrified that you would pass a bill again an animal. What about the people that make animals “aggressive”. What makes the animals “aggressive” is being abused. How about we put an innocent person in prison and then beat them or tourturing them everyday? Do you think that person would not try to defend themselves after a certain point? I found a pit years ago that had been abused, she is now the sweetest and best dog ever. It is all in the way the dog is treated. Why not make harsher laws against people who harm animals? Why not pass a law that would require a person to spend a year in prison. instead of a $500.00 fine? Let them be abused and mistreated for awhile. Then see if they are ok with it. Animals can’t talk and tell us what is happening to them. They rely on humans to be kind, loving and take care of them. The bottom line is that the people who abuse animals, any animal should have strickter punishments!
Spend your time going after the scumbags who breed and fight these dogs. Punish the deed not the breed. I own 2 pit mixes and they are awesome loving pets. This is the land of the free and the home of the brave. I DO NOT want goverment telling me what dog I can and can’t have as a pet. I will voice my oposition with my vote.
SAY NO TO BSL STOP BSL NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!
And all guys named Harold are morons. So how’s it feel to be part of a generalization?
I own 3 pit bulls, they are my life! I also have a toy breed that does not like children,he is the one I have to put away when company comes. People are the ones that need to be PTS. Just like children a dogs learns what it is taught.If the government trains a German Sheperd to attack then it’s obvious any dog can be trained to attack so why just pits? I work with hundreds of animals a day and more of our employees get bit by small breeds than PITS!! GET OVER IT!!
This is an outrage! I own a loving rednose pitbull (Reef) who is the best dog Ive ever owned.He is great with children and all people.He lets other dogs eat his food!They need to pass laws that punish people who fight dogs and abuse the breed.BSL will solve nothing!
A bad owner is a bad owner!They will just get a different breed and we will be right back were we started.This is another example of our rights being taken away by Liberal democrats who are pushing this bill.I know there are republicans that are in favor as well who are ignorant of the breed.Thats what this is pure IGNORANTS.IGNORANTS BREEDS STUPIDITY!
” Pit bulls were once a sign of dignity and strength to the United States and for the people therein. The never-quit attitude that they held was a statement towards the United States. They were once posted in advertisements, on magazines, and in movies. Today, people fear the breed. They fear the myths surrounding the breed. They fear the bad reputation surrounding the breed.They were once, highly dignified and loved”
FAMOUS PIT BULLS-
Popsicle- isthe number one US customs dog. She was found in a freezer during a drug raid by Buffalo police in 1997. They found Popsicle as a 5 month old puppy, who quickly became a favorite. He graduated his training at the Canine Enforcement Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia, and went to work with his handler, J.J., in Texas.
RCA is a certified hearing dog in Alaska
Tahoe, Cheyenne, and Dakota are all search and rescue dogs in Sacramento, California. The three pit bulls worked none stop at the World Trade Center and Pentagon after 9/11.
Bud was the first dog to travel cross country in 1903.
Sergeant Stubby died on March 16, 1926, as a hero, yet today, many people do not know who he is. Sergeant Stubby is the most decorated dog in military history, and the only dog to have been promoted during battle. He fought for 18 months in the trenches for France during WW1 for 17 battles. Stubby warned his fellow soldiers of gas attacks, located wounded soldiers in No Man’s Land, and listened for oncoming artillery rounds. He was also responsible for the capture of a German spy at Argonne. After his time in the war, Stubby met Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren G. Harding. He was, also, made a life member of the American Legion, the Red Cross, and the YMCA.
Jack Brutus was another famous military dog. Although, he did not get nearly the publicity as Stubby, Jack Brutus was the the official mascot of Company K, First Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was much larger than Stubby and was never smuggled anywhere with his troops (as Stubby had been). Jack Brutus died in 1898 of spinal troubles and constipation. He was much larger than the famous Sergeant Stubby but was definitely a pit bull type dog.Celebrity Owned Pit Bulls
Theodore Roosevelt
Woodrow Wilson
General George Patton
Helen Keller
Jamie Foxx
Rachael Ray
Jon Stewart
Ken Howard
Jessica Biel
Jessica Alba
Kevin Federline
Pink
And a few other celebrities In Movies, Advertisements, and TV
Pit bulls have come across the big screen as well as printed material with a BAM…
Petey from The Little Rascals
Tige- Buster Brown Shoe advertisements
Life magazine- Many people don’t realize the the American pit bull terrier is the only breed that has been on the cover of Times for three issues.
Poster image for the U.S. during the 1900′s. The American pit bull was the image people saw on various war posters, representing the country’s strength and dignity.
I just hope that the future of the great American pit bull terrier is as good as that before it. I hope that one day, we will again see the pit bull in advertisments not promoting BSL. I would like to see the pit bull in advertisments of strength, dignity, and loyalty, versus fury, terror, and rage.Why can’t we remember being kids and watching the “Little Rascals” and thinking how cute Petey is, and wanting a dog just like him? Versus run at the sight of a child playing with a pit bull…
LETS TAKE A BIPARTISAN STAND ALL OF MY DEMOCRAT,REPUBLICAN,INDEPENDENT FRIENDS!
PLEASE WRITE OR CALL YOUR SENATORS AND HELP PRESERVE PART OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
Again, I am hurt and appalled that this bill has been passed. Please please rethink this bill. Not only is this wrong but it is of the most ignorance I have ever seen from government officials. What about the abusive owners? Have we even considered looking into that aspect of the problem? “NO”, we haven’t! The animals are one of the best breeds out there, if not the best! We once prided our country with the dignity and loyalty of the American Pit bull Terrier, now we run at the sight of one. What has happened here? Our country has allowed vicious owners to own these wonderful animals and train them to fight, bite and become aggressive towards other animals and people, and we now ban the breed? Well your are so wrong there, the people who abuse the animals and teach them wrong should be the one that we punish. I do not understand why were punishing the breed, what has this breed done so wrong? NOTHING, these are the most wonderful, loving, loyal and incredible dogs that i have ever ever seen, and I am honored that I am able to be the proud owner of my loving pit-bull Kyia. Once again, what are we doing about the vicious owners? NOTHING, this is the problem and the only problem, its the irresponsible bad owners who enjoy abusing and torturing their animal(s), and we set back and let it happen, I mean thats pretty horrible if you ask me. Why don’t we do more to protect this AWESOME breed instead of turning our back on them. We are the voice for millions of abused and tortured pit bulls(and other animals) and we need to protect them, we need to save them and love them. We have to help these animals immediately. They need us so bad especially right now and all we are doing is letting them down! Please rethink this bill and punish the criminal who hurt these loyal animals, PUNISH then instead of letting them off with a warning. THIS CRIME SHOULD BE A FELONY AND THESE CRIMINALS SHOULD BE LOCKED AWAY FOR ALONG TIME. PLEASE BE THE VOICE FOR OUR LOVING ANIMALS AND STOP TURNING YOUR BACKS ON THEM, WE ARE ALL THEY HAVE AND THEY NEED US TO SAVE THEM, THEIR CRIES ARE HEARD FROM ACROSS THE WORLD, PLEASE SAVE THEM FROM ALL THIS HORRIBLE NEGLECT ABUSE TORTURE AND LET THEM HAVE THE WONDERFUL FULFILLING LIVES THEY DESERVE. PLEASE DON’T TAKE THAT FROM THEM!!
I own a wonderful pit bull or amstaff mix that I found on the street a little over a year ago. She has been involved in incidents with two dogs, both times the other dog being the aggressor while my dog ran away rather than fighting. Those dogs had one thing in common, and it was not breed. They were both running loose off their owners’ properties. The legislature is approaching the dangerous dog problem from the wrong direction. What they need to do is actually enforce the leash laws.
Harold — you should be banned for thinking the way you think — education on what you do not understand opens the mind to the greatness of all breeds of canines (both large and small).
If you have never had the pleasure of the loyal, loving companionship the “Pit Bull” provides then please allow one to come into your life — through a friend or neighbor that has a family PB.
Please educate yourself before making such a determination on BSL.
I have rescued 2 pit bulls from abusive situations, not only are they the most loving animals ever, they have never snapped on one person or another animal. I bring them to the local dog park and the dogs I see that fight are the chihauahas and the shi tzus and other small dogs. Just because people have made these so called “dangerous breeds” vicious all the other one should not take the fall. This bill is ignorant to think that these dogs are dangerous just because of what the media protrays and what people hear. Look around, if they were so “dangerous” why would so many people have them as pets? why would so many people let their infants and children play with them?
Harold A. Greene, on March 4, 2010 at 9:21 am Said:
I applaud the legislature for taking up the problem. I firmly believe that all Pit Bulls are dangerous and should be banned from ownerhip in Florida.
Have you ever owned a pit bull???? I have had pit bulls my whole life and your statement that all pit bulls are dangerous is the most biased thing i have ever heard. People who havent had a pit bull have no clue what they are talking about, my pit bulls are by far the best dogs i have ever had. They love everyone and everything. Its all about the people who raise there pits wrong is why they are bad, so dont judge every single pitbull just because some people are cruel and treat there animals unfair. And for this to even be out there going to happen is so ridiculous i cant believe this world has come to this, its ALL about the people who raise them NOT the dog.