Monthly Archives: November 2010

Cypress, CA: Breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter to be drafted

Posted on November 26, 2010 by | Comments Off

 Breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter is breed-specific, and therefore carries with it all the flaws and inequalities of any law based strictly on what a dog looks like.

Next city council meeting: December 13, 2010, 6:30 PM.

City Hall, 5275 Orange Avenue, P.O. Box 609, Cypress, CA 90630
TEL (714) 229-6700
FAX (714) 229-6654
Administration Dept & City Council: adm@ci.cypress.ca.us

Cypress residents make pit bull complaints

By MICHAEL MELLO
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Published: Nov. 26, 2010

CYPRESS — [...]The council voted unanimously to have staff write a breed-specific spay-and-neuter ordinance to be brought back to the council, likely in January.

Full article retrieved 11/26/10 from http://www.ocregister.com/news/council-277721-residents-city.html

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Posted in BSL Proposed, California

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Aurora, CO: ADA helps veteran keep service pit bull

Posted on November 25, 2010 by | Comments Off

There’s a great video at the story link. The article title leaves something to be desired; I sure wouldn’t call the Americans with Disabilities Act a “loophole.”

Aurora veteran finds loophole to keep pit bull

Jon Bowman, Reporter
5:02 p.m. MST, November 24, 2010

AURORA, Colo. — He served in Vietnam and had 53 confirmed kills. Those days and nights he spent on the battle field left him with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, an illness that is allowing him to beat Aurora’s Pit Bull and Dangerous Dog laws.

A new ruling now indicates that a service dog is any dog that complies with revised ADA regulations.

Regulations indicating that no city can pass laws which prohibit a disabled person from keeping a pit bull or restricted breed as a service dog, effective March 15, 2011.[...]

Full article retrieved 11/25/10 from http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-aurora-veteran-finds-loophole-112410,0,2603286.story

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Posted in Colorado, Results of BSL

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Douglasville, GA: BSL no longer under consideration

Posted on November 24, 2010 by | Comments Off

All alerts for Douglasville: http://stopbsl.com/?s=%22douglasville%2C+ga%22

Douglasville has gone back and forth about BSL or a breed ban for a couple of months. It looks like they’re giving up on new laws in favor of enforcement of current laws.

Thanks to Ed for the tip on this one.

Dangerous dog rules dies in committee

by Helen McCoy/Douglas County Sentinel Staff Writer Times Georgian
1 day 10 hrs ago

The Douglasville City Council will not consider the dangerous dogs ordinance Mayor Mickey Thompson appointed an ad hoc committee to draft.

Unlike the pit bull ordinance — which failed to win a majority vote — this one died in the Public Safety Committee.[...]

Osborne said the next step will be looking at what can be done to enforce the current animal control ordinance.[...]

Full article retrieved 11/24/10 from http://www.times-georgian.com/view/full_story/10412807/article-Dangerous-dog-rules-dies-in-committee?instance=west_ga_news

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Posted in BSL Defeated, Georgia

Sterling Heights, MI: Possible BSL to be discussed, Dec 7

Posted on November 23, 2010 by | Comments Off

Mayor and City Council
Mayor Richard Notte, rnotte@sterling-heights.net
Joseph Ramano, cityhall@sterling-heights.net
Yvonne Kniaz, ykniaz@sterling-heights.net
Deanna Koski, dkoski@sterling-heights.net
Maria Schmidt, mgschmidt@sterling-heights.net
Michael Taylor, mctaylor@sterling-heights.net
Barbara Ziarko, bziarko@sterling-heights.net

Previous alerts for Sterling Heights: http://stopbsl.com/?s=sterling+heights

Possible pit bull ban to be discussed Dec. 7

Published: Tuesday, November 23, 2010
By SEAN DELANEY

City Manager Mark Vanderpool says he plans to present a report Dec. 7 to the Sterling Height City Council whether or not the city should ban pit bulls or simply strengthen its current ordinance.[...]

A similar discussion in September on whether the city should pursue breed-specific legislation that would ban the dogs from the city altogether drew approximately 150 people. At that time, city officials were considering four options: 1) a total ban on pit bull breeds; 2) grandfather in current pit bull breeds and ban new ones; 3) strengthen the ordinance by making stiffer penalties; or 4) do nothing and keep the ordinance as is.

Vanderpool declined to comment on what the city’s recommendation would be Dec. 7.[...]

The recommendations are expected to be presented during the regular council meeting Dec. 7, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers, 40555 Utica Road.

Full article retrieved 11/23/10 from http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/articles/2010/11/23/news/doc4cebd36b8bb29595868607.txt?viewmode=fullstory

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Michigan

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Springfield, MO: City discusses current pit bull law

Posted on November 23, 2010 by | Comments Off

Springfield has BSL for ”pit bull” owners (passed in 2006). It is unclear what, if anything, Springfield City Council will do regarding the ordinance. Contact the city council: citycouncil@springfieldmo.gov

All alerts for Springfield, MO: http://stopbsl.com/?s=%22springfield%2C+mo%22

Animal treatment under review

Pit bull, shelter ordinances are among hot topics for council.

By Kathryn Wall • News-Leader • November 23, 2010

[...] The meeting began with a two-page list of discussion topics but quickly centered around the city’s controversial pit bull ordinance and the status of the current city animal shelter.

The ordinance, passed while Collette was on the council, requires that pit bulls be microchipped, the owner pay registration fees and the dog be spayed or neutered, along with other restrictions.

Collette, a vocal opponent to the pit bull ordinance, said she feels that many want the ordinance to be replaced with a vicious animal ordinance that would cover all dangerous animals, not just pit bulls.[...]

Full article retrieved 11/23/10 from http://www.news-leader.com/article/20101123/NEWS01/11230346/Animal-treatment-under-review

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Posted in Missouri, Results of BSL

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Yazoo, MS: Alderman wants pit bull ban

Posted on November 23, 2010 by | 5 Comments

Alderman Aubrey Brent says “everyone knows” that pit bulls’ jaws lock.

City Hall, 128 East Jefferson Street, Yazoo City, MS  39194
Telephone:  662-746-3211
Fax:  662-746-6506
ycmayor@cableone.net
(The city website does not appear to reflect the most recent Aldermen.)

Board meetings are held the second and fourth Monday each month at 2:00 p.m.  They will take place at the Yazoo City Police Department in the board room.

Yazoo City Aldermen Differ on Pit Bull Ban

Reported by: Dustin Barnes
Email: dustinbarnes@jxntv.com
Last Update: 11/17 5:42 pm

[...] That’s why he [Alderman Aubrey Brent] would like a ban on them.[...]

“Everyone knows that when a pit bites down on you, his jaws are made in such a way as to they lock,” said Brent.[...]

No word yet on when — or even if — aldermen will pass a ban.

Full article retrieved 11/23/10 from http://www.my601.com/news/local/story/Yazoo-City-pit-bulls/244UoU-d_0mF_mYlne73ZQ.cspx

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Mississippi

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Springdale, AR: Alderman wants breed ban

Posted on November 21, 2010 by | Comments Off

Springdale considered a pit bull ban in August 2009 as well. Note that they just revised their animal ordinances (breed-neutral changes) in April 2010.

The Ordinance Committee meets on Nov. 23 and will discuss a possible pit bull ban. Per the current agenda:

• 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23rd Finance Committee followed immediately by an Ordinance Committee meeting
• Where: Multi-purpose Rm. #236, second floor, City Administration Building.
• The Finance Committee meeting is pertaining to Agenda item 9.The Ordinance Committee meeting is pertaining to Agenda Items 10 B and a discussion only concerning the banning of pit bulls.

This issue may also be discussed at the next city council meeting, November 23 at 6:00 PM. The City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Regular meetings convene at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the City Hall, 201 Spring Street in Springdale. The public is encouraged to participate in the City’s decision-making process and is invited to attend City Council meetings where issues affecting the community are discussed.

City Administration Building, 201 Spring Street, Springdale, AR 72764
Phone: (479) 750-8114
Fax: (479) 750-8559

City Clerk’s Office
Denise Pearce, City Clerk, dpearce@SpringdaleAR.gov
Phone: (479) 750-8118
Fax: (479) 750-8505

Mayor Doug Sprouse, dsprouse@SpringdaleAR.gov
Jim Reed, jreed@SpringdaleAR.gov
Kathy Jaycox, jaycoxbk@cox.net
Mike Overton, mike@overtonrealty.net
Ricky C. Evans, Rickevans1957@hotmail.com
Jesse Core, jesse@jessecore.com
Jeff Watson, (479) 750-7717 (Work)
Bobby Stout, bobbystout@cox.net
Eric Ford, eford1@cox.net

Springdale Alderman Wants Pit Bull Ban

Reported by: Liz Hogan
11/15/10

[...] Overton, a dog owner himself, initiated a pit bull ban discussion last year and says he plans on bringing it back up at next weeks ordinance committee meeting.[...]

Full article retrieved 11/21/10 from http://nwahomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=199387

All alerts for Springdale: http://stopbsl.com/?s=%22springdale%2C+ar%22

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Posted in Arkansas, Whispers of BSL

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Texas: Statewide ban unlikely, but local BSLs a possibility

Posted on November 17, 2010 by | 3 Comments

Texas state law currently forbids municipalities from passing breed-specific laws.

Texas Senator Eltife and Representative Hopson were presented last week with a proposal to ban “pit bulls” statewide.

Eltife’s public comments indicate that he is aware that a statewide “pit bull” ban is unlikely to pass. However, he states he is interested in allowing municipalities to decide for themselves whether to pass breed-specific laws.

In other words, Eltife supports and may introduce a proposal that would eliminate the protection currently provided by state law.

If such a proposal were to pass, it would allow cities and counties across Texas to propose breed-specific laws and breed bans. This would create a patchwork of differing laws and proposals across the state, which means more places to watch for BSL, and more worry for Texas dog owners, as they no longer have the assurance that their dog is welcome in a town regardless of its appearance.

Several legislators who responded to StopBSL’s survey on BSL indicated that while they would not support statewide BSL, they had no issue with local breed-specific laws (apparently failing to understand that BSL is discrimination no matter where it goes into effect). Prefiling has started in Texas; we are watching the filings for further developments.

Senator Eltife weighs in on banning Pit Bulls

Posted: Nov 17, 2010 9:22 AM CST
Updated: Nov 17, 2010 10:59 AM CST

TYLER, TX (KLTV) – [...] Senator Eltife tells KLTV 7, the ban would be difficult to enforce on a state level, and he would rather focus on controlling the dogs on a local level.

“I’m one of these guys, I’m pretty realistic on will pass and what won’t pass. I don’t see a state-wide ban passing. She sent us additional legislation that would give control to cities and counties and I want to work with her on that.”, said Eltife.[...]

Full article retrieved 11/17/10 from http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13518630

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Posted in Texas, Whispers of BSL

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Malden, MA: BSL to be proposed

Posted on November 17, 2010 by | 2 Comments

Malden is considering a breed-specific ordinance similar to the one in Lynn, MA. The councillor who proposed it has said that “pit bulls” should be muzzled any time they are outside—including in the owner’s backyard. Nothing official has been prepared at this time. Please use this opportunity to suggest reasonable non-breed-specific ordinances to the council.

The discriminatory and stereotypical comments made by Councillor Kinnen in the articles below leave me speechless.

Contact info for Malden, MA city officials
200 Pleasant Street, Room 609, Malden, MA 02148
Email: citycouncil@cityofmalden.org
Telephone: (781) 397-7130
Fax: (781) 397-7004

Council emails: pdipietro@cityofmalden.org, glucey@cityofmalden.org, dfallon@cityofmalden.org, cspadafora@cityofmalden.org, gchristenson@cityofmalden.org, pcondon@cityofmalden.org, pdipietro@cityofmalden.org, jnestor@cityofmalden.org, bmurphy@cityofmalden.org, nkinnon@cityofmalden.org, nanderson@cityofmalden.org, jbucci@cityofmalden.org

City Council meetings are held every Tuesday in the Herbert L. Jackson Council Chamber at Malden Government Center.

Ordinance to muzzle pit bulls in Malden passes key hurdle

November 17, 2010 10:03 AM
By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

A proposal to require all pit bulls to wear a muzzle in public passed a key hurdle last night, after the measure was unanimously recommended to the full City Council during an Ordinance Committee meeting.[...]

“When you see the people who are walking these dogs around, it’s just another weapon for them,” Kinnon said.[...]

Full article retrieved 11/17/10 from http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/malden/2010/11/ordinance_to_muzzle_pit_bulls.html

City considers muzzle law for Pit Bulls

By Erica Foster
October 20, 2010

Pit Bulls in Malden will soon wear muzzles when outside, even in their owners’ backyards, if a new ordinance is passed. The muzzle requirement was discussed at an Ordinance Committee meeting Tuesday night.[...]

“Pit-Bull owners don’t care to be responsible owners,” said Kinnon.[...]

Kinnon told Anderson that when other dogs bite, there is restitution, but Pit Bull owners “are other kinds of people.”[...]

Kinnon hopes to have all Pit Bulls muzzled at all time when outside, including in their own backyard, even if the owner has the dog leased or fenced in.

The matter was tabled for discussion at a later date.

Muzzling the dogs while in the owner’s backyard would make feeding the animals impossible. Kinnon said owners could simply bringing the dogs back inside for food and water.

“The owners can take responsibility and bring them inside. Truthfully, I don’t want them around, I don’t view these dogs as being pets, and if I lose five votes, I’m good with that,” said Kinnon.

Full article retrieved 11/17/10 from http://malden.patch.com/articles/malden-pit-bulls-may-soon-be-muzzled

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Massachusetts

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Dearborn, MI: Pit bull ban proposed

Posted on November 16, 2010 by | 2 Comments

Edit 12/3/10: Attendees at the study session report that the proposal is breed-neutral.

**Not to be confused with Dearborn Heights, which is also considering a pit bull ban**

Contact information for Dearborn city officials: http://www.cityofdearborn.org/government/city-council

City working on pit bull ordinance

Published: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
By J. Patrick Pepper
Press & Guide Newspapers

DEARBORN– A first reading of an ordinance that would ban pit bull terriers drew dozens of dog lovers to the City Council meeting Monday.

The council tabled the ordinance in order to conduct a study session on the matter, which is scheduled for next month.

Most of the people who attended the meeting seemed to be against a pit bull terrier ban.[...]

Full article retrieved 11/16/10 at http://www.pressandguide.com/articles/2010/11/16/news/doc4ce2d64db011b229249162.txt

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Michigan

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