Monthly Archives: January 2011

Sterling Heights, MI: Breed-specific language dropped

Posted on January 28, 2011 by | 1 Comment

Since last June, Sterling Heights had been considering a “pit bull” ban or breed-specific ordinance.

The newly revised proposal contains no breed-specific language. You may view the Feb 1 council agenda and read the proposed ordinance here (page 31 to 47 of the agenda packet): http://stopbsl.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/sterling-heights-revised.pdf

This is a dramatic and positive change of direction, but it’s not a “done deal” yet. Please be polite and respectful as you encourage the council to continue to move in a breed-neutral direction!

The Sterling Heights City Council will discuss the proposed breed-neutral ordinance at a regular council meeting at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 40555 Utica Road.

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

Email block for cut-and-paste:
rnotte@sterling-heights.net; cityhall@sterling-heights.net; ykniaz@sterling-heights.net; dkoski@sterling-heights.net; mgschmidt@sterling-heights.net; mctaylor@sterling-heights.net; bziarko@sterling-heights.net

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

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Posted in BSL Defeated, Michigan

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UK: Update on DDA repeal

Posted on January 27, 2011 by | Comments Off

In the UK, the Dangerous Dog Act of 1991 bans four breeds of dogs: “Pit bulls,” Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Braziliero. Lord Redesdale has introduced a private members’ bill, Dog Control Bill [HL] 2010-11, that would replace the DDA. Lord Redesdale’s bill is breed-neutral.

In July 2010, the bill was debated in the House of Lords. A recent press release indicated that the bill was to move to Committee Stage on Jan 21.

However, the Parliament Bill Tracker indicates that the bill has not yet moved into Committee Stage.

The bill may be tracked here: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/dogcontrolhl.html

A BBC news article about the bill may be viewed here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/cambridgeshire/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9373000/9373155.stm

The BBC article indicates that the bill was “postponed” on Jan 21 before it reached Committee Stage. I am unfamiliar with the legislative process in the UK, so I do not know what postponement means for the bill.

The Kennel Club (UK) has further information and a link to a petition: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/3532/23/5/3

I encourage UK residents to reach out to their national lawmakers to show support for Lord Redesdale’s Dog Control Bill [HL] 2010-11.

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Posted in Outside of U.S., Proposal to Repeal

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Vienna, WV: First vote to repeal BSL, Jan 27

Posted on January 26, 2011 by | 1 Comment

Thanks to Jodi for this update!

Back in December, we learned that city officials in Vienna, West Virginia were considering revisions to their vicious dog ordinance to REMOVE the breed specific language from the law. The city council agreed to review a revised ordinance at a later meeting.

I have confirmed with the council clerk and the director of animal control that the ordinance has been drafted and the reference to “pit bulls” has been removed. 

The first vote on the ordinance will be taken by the city council tomorrow, Thursday, January 27, 2011. Two votes are required to make the ordinance law.

The council meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. at Vienna City Hall. If you are in the area, please try to attend.

BSL has been in place in Vienna since 1984, and a large turnout at the council meeting would be a great way to show support for the changes.

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys
www.blessthebullys.com

All alerts for Vienna: http://stopbsl.com/?s=vienna+wv

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Posted in Proposal to Repeal, West Virginia

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Cypress, CA: Council decides against BSL

Posted on January 26, 2011 by | 1 Comment

Cypress, CA city council was given three options for tackling their dog problems: mandatory spay/neuter for “pit bulls,” strengthening of existing dog laws, and better enforcement of existing dog laws. The council studied available data and decided against the breed-specific measure.

Cypress won’t order neutering for pit bulls

By MICHAEL MELLO
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Published: Jan. 25, 2011

CYPRESS – This city won’t become the first in Orange County to order the spaying and neutering of pit bulls after all.

Instead, the City Council ordered staffers to come up with new laws strengthening animal-control enforcement in the city and making it easier for dogs to be declared dangerous.

[...]A city report on the subject noted that pit bulls were the most-impounded breed of dog by animal-control officers, with 28 last year. Chihuahuas followed at 27; and Labradors with 15. Of the city’s 617 calls for service, 177 involved pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

However, of the 99 bites to humans reported in Cypress last year, none involved pit bulls. Pit bulls did account for the largest number of dog-on-dog attacks, with 12 reported.

The city examined other communities around California that require pit bulls to be fixed. Most were passed in 2009 and 2010; and Cypress officials said there was too little data to determine whether the laws there had made a difference in pit bull-related problems.

[...] A new proposed ordinance will return to the City Council later this year.

Full article retrieved 1/26/11 from http://www.ocregister.com/news/pit-285481-council-city.html

All alerts for Cypress: http://stopbsl.com/?s=cypress

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Posted in BSL Defeated, California

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Aberdeen, SD: Police request breed ban

Posted on January 25, 2011 by | 2 Comments

All alerts for Aberdeen: http://stopbsl.com/?s=aberdeen+sd

Next city council meeting: Monday, Jan 31, at 5:30 PM at 123 South Lincoln Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Contact info for city officials:
Mayor Mike J. Levsen, mayor@aberdeen.sd.us
Phone: (605) 626-7025
City Manager Lynn Lander, lynn.lander@aberdeen.sd.us
Ph: (605) 626-7025
Fx: (605) 626-7039
Jim Kraft, NE District Council Member, james.kraft@aberdeen.sd.us
Jeff Mitchell, NE District Council Member, jeff.mitchell@aberdeen.sd.us
Todd Campbell, NW District Council Member, todd.campbell@aberdeen.sd.us
Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, NW District Council, jennifer.slaight-hansen@aberdeen.sd.us
 Clint Rux, SE District Council Member, clint.rux@aberdeen.sd.us
Laure Swanson, SE District Council Member, laure.swanson@aberdeen.sd.us
Tom Agnitsch, SW District Council Member, tom.agnitsch@aberdeen.sd.us
David Bunsness, SW District Council Member, david.bunsness@aberdeen.sd.us

Email block for cut-and-paste:
mayor@aberdeen.sd.us; lynn.lander@aberdeen.sd.us; james.kraft@aberdeen.sd.us; jeff.mitchell@aberdeen.sd.us; todd.campbell@aberdeen.sd.us; jennifer.slaight-hansen@aberdeen.sd.us; clint.rux@aberdeen.sd.us; laure.swanson@aberdeen.sd.us; tom.agnitsch@aberdeen.sd.us; david.bunsness@aberdeen.sd.us

Aberdeen Police Request Pit Bull Ban

By Erich Schaffhauser
Published: January 24, 2011, 10:19 PM

ABERDEEN, SD – It’s not every day you’ll see standing room only in Aberdeen’s city council chamber. But a requested pit bull ban drew in a large crowd Monday.

Police are asking the city council to pass a law banning the breed but allowing those already in the city to stay.[...]

Councilman David Bunsness supports a ban.[...]

But other council members are sighting other stats that don’t support a breed-specific ban as a solution. Dog bites in general rose in Aberdeen and bites from small, mix-breed dogs increased by almost the same number as pit bull bites.[...]

Now it’s up to the city council to decide which of those possibilities, if any, they’ll take. Aberdeen’s attorney hasn’t said for sure where he’ll go from here. He may ask the council to vote in a future meeting whether they even want him to draft an ordinance.[...]

Full article retrieved 1/25/11 from http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail6162.cfm?Id=0,109805

Another article can be read at http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/aan-1a.01-25-11.1a.pitbulls-20110125,0,5546232.story

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Posted in South Dakota, Whispers of BSL

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Cypress, CA reminder: Council to discuss breed-specific MSN, Jan 24

Posted on January 24, 2011 by | 2 Comments

Cypress, CA is considering breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter. The agenda for Jan 24 at 6:30 PM includes the following item, which appears to give council three options to consider–two of which are not breed-specific:

11. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED BREED-SPECIFIC SPAY/NEUTER ORDINANCE AND ALTERNATIVES.

Prepared by: Andrew Tse, Administrative Services Manager

Recommended Action: That the City Council review and discuss the draft ordinance and: 1) Direct staff to prepare a finalized version of the proposed “Mandatory Spay/Neuter Program” ordinance (Attachment B), provide policy direction regarding specific components of the draft ordinance, as identified herein, and direct staff to place the ordinance on the City Council agenda for introduction and first reading; or in the alternative 2) Direct staff to prepare an ordinance amending certain sections of the Cypress Municipal Code, Chapter 3, Section 3-1, to increase the stringency of the Potentially Dangerous Dog Program to dog owners who are deemed in violation of the City’s Dangerous and Vicious Animals Ordinance by O.C. Animal Care officials; and/or 3) Direct staff to request O.C. Animal Care to increase canvassing, public education efforts, licensing, and enforcement activities in the Marion Avenue neighborhood and other areas as determined by O.C. Animal Care to have issues with potentially dangerous animals.

http://www.ci.cypress.ca.us/administration/2011_agd_min/2011_agendas/012411(2)_agd.htm

Residents are encouraged to attend the council meeting and guide the discussion toward the second or third option, which are not breed-specific.

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

All alerts for Cypress: http://stopbsl.com/?s=cypress

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Posted in BSL Proposed, California

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Oklahoma: SB362 would allow BSL in Oklahoma

Posted on January 24, 2011 by | 2 Comments

Edit 4/10/11: This bill died in committee.

Oklahoma state law currently prohibits municipalities from passing BSL. Oklahoma Senator Ralph Shortey has introduced a bill (Cody’s Law) that would eliminate the language prohibiting breed specific ordinances in Oklahoma.

B. Potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs may be regulated through local, municipal and county authorities, provided the regulations are not breed specific. Nothing in this act shall prohibit such local governments from enforcing penalties for violation of such local laws.

The bill has been set to be introduced at a first reading on February 7, 2011.

You can track the bill’s progress here: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/WebBillStatus/main.html

At this time, the Senate bill has no House companion.

It is imperative for Oklahoma residents to reach out to their respective legislators NOW, in this Bill’s initial stage, and voice their opposition to it.

To find your Senator: http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/
To find your representative in the House: http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/

Thanks to Jodi for this alert!

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Oklahoma

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North Carolina: Parent calls for pit bull laws

Posted on January 21, 2011 by | 6 Comments

A man in North Carolina intends to ask state lawmakers for laws regulating “pit bulls.”

Father of pit bull attack survivor speaks about tougher dog laws, education

Posted: Jan 21, 2011 4:19 PM CST

[...Thomas] Clark says his mission now is to educate others and lobby for stiffer dangerous dog laws.

“There are many ways to go about it. My preference is to treat it like a lion, tiger or bear. If you want a lion, tiger or bear bad enough you can get one but there are sorts of restrictions, special permits and insurance to get one,” Clark said.

Clark says he’s seen an outpouring of support from the community and plans to write legislators to see what stance they’ll take on the issue.

Clark disputes claims by pit bull advocates that just like any dog, pit bulls need the proper training and socialization.[...]

Full article retrieved 1/21/11 from http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13886533

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Posted in North Carolina, Whispers of BSL

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Aberdeen, SD: Work session to discuss breed-specific ordinances, Jan 24

Posted on January 21, 2011 by | Comments Off

Thanks to Jason for this alert!

*Not to be confused with Aberdeen, MS*

Aberdeen, SD city council has scheduled a “pit bull ordinance” work session on Jan 24 at 4:00 PM in council chambers, 3rd floor of the municipal building, 123 South Lincoln Street. The public may attend and speak at the work session.

The work session is described as “a police dept. report and ordinance suggestions for dangerous animals (pit bulls).” The council proceedings of Jan 18th stated that “City Manager Lander reminded the Council of the January 24, 2011 work session regarding pit bull ordinances…”

At this time, I do not know whether they are considering a ban or restrictions. News coverage has been nonexistant; please cross-post this to raise awareness.

Contact information for city officials:
Mayor Mike J. Levsen, mayor@aberdeen.sd.us
Phone: (605) 626-7025
City Manager Lynn Lander, lynn.lander@aberdeen.sd.us
Ph: (605) 626-7025
Fx: (605) 626-7039
Jim Kraft, NE District Council Member, james.kraft@aberdeen.sd.us
Jeff Mitchell, NE District Council Member, jeff.mitchell@aberdeen.sd.us
Todd Campbell, NW District Council Member, todd.campbell@aberdeen.sd.us
Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, NW District Council, jennifer.slaight-hansen@aberdeen.sd.us
 Clint Rux, SE District Council Member, clint.rux@aberdeen.sd.us
Laure Swanson, SE District Council Member, laure.swanson@aberdeen.sd.us
Tom Agnitsch, SW District Council Member, tom.agnitsch@aberdeen.sd.us
David Bunsness, SW District Council Member, david.bunsness@aberdeen.sd.us

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Posted in BSL Proposed, South Dakota

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Shelby, NC: Councilmember suggests BSL

Posted on January 21, 2011 by | 1 Comment

Thanks to Jodi for this alert!

City Councilman Joel Shores has raised the possibility of breed restrictions to the Shelby, North Carolina city council.

Please send your POLITE, RESPECTFUL and INFORMATIVE letters in opposition to breed specific legislation to the Shelby city officials listed below. Please also include the many problems associated with breed specific ordinances, as well as viable alternatives for the council’s consideration.

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys
www.blessthebullys.com

City of Shelby, P O Box 207, Shelby, NC 28151-0207
Phone: 704 484-6800

City Manager Rick Howell, rick.howell@cityofshelby.com
Main: 704 484 6801 Fax: 704 484 6871
City Clerk Bernadette Parduski, bernie.parduski@cityofshelby.com

Mayor W. Ted Alexander, ted.alexander@cityofshelby.com
Councilman Chris Mabry, chris@alphamail.com
Councilman Stan Anthony, santhony@mbaj.com
Councilwoman Jeanette Patterson, jeanettedpatterson@yahoo.com
Councilman Dennis Bailey, denniscarl@carolina.rr.com
Councilman Joel Shores (suggested BSL), joelshores@yahoo.com
Councilman Andrew Hopper, andrew.hopper1@clevelandcounty.com

Shelby councilman suggests restricting pit bull ownership

Thursday, Jan 20 2011, 2:44 pm
Rebecca Clark

SHELBY — [... Joel] Shores said he has been researching the issue and said some cities require muzzles when walking the dogs, keeping them in a certain-sized cage and even requiring an insurance policy in order to own the animals.

“I don’t know what council would look into, but I want us to take a hard look at it and see if it’s something we need to do,” he said.

Shores said he has asked the city attorney to look into ordinances that are constitutional.

[...] Sam Lockridge, coordinator of health services, said he wants to make sure an ordinance would be constitutional and feels the current ordinances already in place are enough.

[...] He said he does not feel banning a particular breed is the answer.

Full article retrieved 1/21/11 from http://www.shelbystar.com/news/shelby-52954-councilman-ownership.html

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Posted in North Carolina, Whispers of BSL

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