Category Archives: Proposal to Repeal

Ontario: Bill 16 second reading and rally, Feb 23

Posted on February 19, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Bill 16, which would repeal the breed ban in the Canadian province of Ontario, is scheduled for a second reading on Feb 23. Supporters of the bill have planned a large rally in Queen’s Park (Toronto) on Feb 23 beginning at 11:30 am, and the bill sponsors will also be there.

We have had a major BSL repeal already this year in the U.S. (Ohio!) Please help spread the word and get supporters out in force at Queen’s Park. To have another large government pass BSL repeal in the same year would definitely make a statement, especially to those places that are considering BSL.

Contact your Ontario MPP: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en

If you would like to help repeal Ontario’s ban, attend the bill hearings, or send your support to Canadian MPPs, please visit http://supporthersheysbill.com/ to get all the details.

To attend the rally or get details on it, visit the Facebook event http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-BSL/54038162966#!/events/328749180474081/

You may read the text of Bill 16 here: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet&BillID=2552

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Wentzville, MO: BSL repeal to be discussed, Feb 22

Posted on February 19, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The animal ordinance is finally on Wentzville’s agenda. The proposal completely rewrites Wentzville’s animal control ordinances, and it repeals Wentzville’s current BSL. A draft of the ordinance can be read here: http://wentzvillemo.iqm2.com/citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=4&ID=10169

Locals and residents, please attend the Board of Aldermen meeting, Feb 22 at 6:30 PM, at City Hall, 310 W. Pearce Blvd., Wentzville, MO 63385 to show your support for repeal of BSL. Sign up to speak at the meeting via the link at the top of the agenda page: http://wentzvillemo.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1415

Contact city officials: http://www.wentzvillemo.org/mayor-and-alderman.aspx

All alerts for Wentzville: http://stopbsl.com/?s=wentzville

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Florida HB 997 / SB 1322: Miami-Dade commissioners make move to derail bill

Posted on February 15, 2012 by | 3 Comments

Please contact the bill sponsors and ask them not to stop the progress of HB 997 / SB 1322.
HB 997 filed by Rep Carlos Trujillo, carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov
SB 1322 filed by Senator Jim Norman, norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov

Florida HB 997 / SB 1322 are very simple bills that would repeal Miami-Dade County’s breed ban. The state law prohibits Florida municipalities from passing BSL or breed bans, but makes an exception for Miami-Dade’s long-standing breed ban. Florida HB 997 / SB 1322 deletes the single sentence in state law that creates the exception for Miami-Dade. If the bills passed, the county would be required to repeal their breed ban.

The two bills have been moving along their respective sides of the state legislature and appear to have a high chance of passing.

Miami-Dade County commissioners are not pleased. The majority of commissioners (though not all of them) support the breed ban and have not responded to public requests to re-examine the ban or consider repeal.

The county commissioners have now approached Rep. Trujillo, who is the sponsor of HB 997, and asked him to withdraw the bill if they put the issue to a binding public vote (meaning, the commissioners must do whatever the public decides via the ballot). The commissioners are looking into putting the issue on the ballot for August elections.

We have strong concerns about putting the Miami-Dade breed ban to a public vote. These are the same reasons why commissioners, who want to keep the ban, prefer a public vote over legislative action.

  • The general public knows very little about dogs, public safety, and the data around breed-specific laws. The public will likely rely on opinions and emotions, rather than logic, when voting on the issue.
  • “Majority rules” votes can just as easily reinforce discrimination against minority groups (e.g. “pit bull” owners), especially when those minority groups are heavily negatively stereotyped. In communities with BSL, the public tends to have stronger negative stereotypes because they have almost no positive exposure to the banned dogs and their owners.
  • Miami-Dade officials and news media outlets are generally supportive of the breed ban. They can and do influence public opinion.
  • It is not difficult to write a loaded/biased poll question. Consider the difference between “Should Miami-Dade keep its ban on pit bulls?” and “Should Miami-Dade stop discriminating against dog owners?”

HB 997 / SB 1322 remove much of the above concerns. Experts and specialists can testify before legislators, giving them data and facts on which to base their votes. Citizens who are informed and concerned can contact their legislators and express their wishes as well. Minority groups have a stronger voice in the process and are less subject to stereotype from their representatives. The legislators are also coming out of communities across the state and have been able to have a variety of both positive and negative experiences with the minority groups, giving them a broader picture and understanding of the state law’s effects.

Miami-Dade County officials claim that there is a bigger issue at play: “home rule” and their desire to make laws within their own boundaries, rather than have to play by the state’s rules. We feel that this is a red herring argument, designed to distract attention away from the breed ban. If Miami-Dade has “home rule,” it does not need an exception written into state law to allow it to keep its breed ban. HB 997 / SB 1322 are not a threat to home rule.

Please contact the bill sponsors and respectfully ask them not to stop the progress of HB 997 / SB 1322, no matter what kind of “deal” they are offered.
HB 997 filed by Rep Carlos Trujillo, carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov
SB 1322 filed by Senator Jim Norman, norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov
Miami-Dade commissioners are offering the legislature a bad deal that shows disrespect to state law and state lawmakers, and has the potential to perpetuate discrimination against dog owners within the county.

Online petition to Rep Trujillo (if you sign, please sign IN ADDITION TO sending an email/calling Trujillo directly–emails/phone calls are very important): http://www.change.org/petitions/rep-carlos-trujillo-florida-house-of-representatives-stand-firm-behind-house-bill-997

You may also contact the Miami-Dade commissioners, but it is unclear what effect that would have on their attempts to stop the breed ban repeal.
http://www.miamidade.gov/commiss/contact.asp

The Miami Herald has a very thorough news article here:

Ask voters if they want to repeal county pit-bull ban, Miami-Dade committee says

Some Miami-Dade commissioners said the county’s pit-bull ban should go on the August ballot — a surprise move intended to keep state lawmakers from overturning the prohibition.

BY PATRICIA MAZZEI, PMAZZEI@MIAMIHERALD.COM

[...] Diaz and Commissioner Esteban Bovo, a former state lawmaker, sent text messages during the committee meeting to Trujillo, who indicated from Tallahassee that he would stop pushing his bill if commissioners follow through on putting the pit-bull ban to voters. [...]

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/14/2641623/ask-voters-if-they-want-to-repeal.html#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy

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Springfield, MO: Task force forming to discuss animal issues, possible BSL repeal

Posted on February 13, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Thanks to Jodi at Bless the Bullys for this update!

Springfield, MO, has had BSL since 2006. The pit bull ordinance has not been successful at reducing dog bites, but it has resulted in the death of over 1,500 dogs. Occasionally, the city council has considered making changes to the ordinance, but so far, it’s been all talk and no action.

Springfield is now in the process of forming a task force to discuss animal issues in the city, including the animal shelter, feral cats, and the possible repeal of the pit bull ordinance.

We would like to encourage BSL-opposing citizens of Springfield to join the task force and to continue to persuade officials to repeal the breed-specific ordinance. You can call the City Clerk’s office at (417) 864-1653 to find out how to join the task force. Contact the city council: citycouncil@springfieldmo.gov

Springfield City Council Aims To Tackle Animal Issues With New Task Force

Members say updating the animal shelter is top priority

by Jonah Kaplan, KSPR News
4:18 a.m. CST, February 13, 2012
SPRINGFIELD, Mo— [...] Second, it’s been five years since an ordinance took effect requiring pit bull owners to register their dogs, but it hasn’t really changed anything. The task force could recommend the ordinance drop the pit bull language. [...]

Council members hope to appoint as many as 15 people on the task force, and are asking members of the greater community to pitch in their time and join the effort.

If you’d like to join the discussion, you can call the Springfield City Clerk’s office at (417) 864-1653

Full article retrieved 2/13/12 from http://www.kspr.com/news/local/kspr-springfield-city-council-aims-to-tackle-animal-issues-with-new-task-force-20120213,0,497143.story

All alerts for Springfield, MO: http://stopbsl.com/?s=%22springfield%2C+mo%3A%22

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Shreve, OH considers BSL repeal

Posted on February 8, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Shreve, OH, may soon repeal their BSL, thanks to a local’s efforts. The village council, with the encouragement of the police chief, have agreed to repeal their BSL when HB 14 passes.

We would like to keep things low-key and encouraging. If you contact city officials, please THANK them for being leaders in the movement toward modern, effective dog laws and away from breed-specific laws.
Contact page for Shreve: http://www.shreveohio.com/village.htm
Please keep correspondence brief and positive. We don’t want to overwhelm them and potentially upset them.

Many communities instituted BSL years ago simply because the state did it. In fact, a large number of municipalities copied the state vicious dog law directly into their own ordinances, BSL and all. The success of HB 14 has sent a strong message to OH municipalities: the state’s BSL has been a failure and there are better options out there. We expect to see many more municipalities in Ohio re-think their BSL when the state law changes.

Many thanks to Robin for letting us know!

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Ohio HB 14 heads to governor

Posted on February 8, 2012 by | 7 Comments

Edit 2/21/12: You are viewing an old post. HB 14 was signed into law today.

The Ohio House today passed the Senate-amended version of HB 14. It now goes to the Ohio governor for his signature, after which it will become law.

Please contact Ohio governor John Kasich and ask him to sign HB 14 into law.
http://governor.ohio.gov/Contact/ContacttheGovernor.aspx

This is taking forever. Where ARE we in the process?

Don’t worry, we’re almost there! Here is an overview of HB 14′s past and (hopefully) future.
1. HB 14 was introduced. DONE.
2. HB 14 was approved by a House committee. DONE.
3. HB 14 was passed by the House. DONE.
4. HB 14 was sent to the Senate. DONE.
5. HB 14 was passed by a Senate committee. DONE.
6. HB 14 was passed by the Senate. DONE.
7. House concurred with Senate amendments. DONE.
8. HB 14 still needs to be signed by the governor.
9. HB 14 will become law and Ohio’s statewide BSL will be repealed.

HB 14 status page: http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/hou129.nsf/House+Bill+Number/0014?OpenDocument

What is HB 14?

HB 14 is a comprehensive dog control bill that would, among other things, repeal Ohio’s statewide BSL. The bill identifies dogs as potentially dangerous, dangerous, or vicious based on behavior, and proscribes restrictions on ownership of dogs with these labels. “Pit bulls” will no longer be automatically labeled vicious dogs. The full text of HB 14 can be read here: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_14

What does HB 14 mean for Ohio?

Ohio state law currently declares ALL “pit bulls” to be “vicious dogs,” without exception. The state imposes restrictions on keeping vicious dogs/“pit bulls,” such as liability insurance and special containment rules. HB 14 revises Ohio’s current dangerous/vicious dog law significantly. It also removes the “pit bull” from automatic “vicious dog” designation.

Ohio’s state-level dog laws apply throughout the entire state, even in counties, cities, and towns. Some Ohio cities and towns do not have dog laws, and only enforce state-level laws. When a city or town regulates its dogs via state dog laws, those municipalities’ laws will change along with the state’s law if HB 14 passes.

However, many counties and cities within the state have their own set of dog ordinances in their municipal code. Those laws will not change if HB 14 passes. HB 14 does not require counties or municipalities to change their laws.

Therefore, cities and towns that have BSL now will still have BSL even if HB 14 passes. Because many cities and towns copied the breed-specific state law when writing their own dog laws, we expect Ohio to have a higher-than-average concentration of municipalities with BSL for some time. It will take time and individual attention to get BSL repealed in each of these municipalities.

Please be aware that HB 14 does not mean the end of BSL in Ohio—especially if you are moving into or traveling in the state with your pet dogs. Although HB 14 does not completely eliminate BSL in Ohio, HB 14 is a VERY positive step forward, because it makes change possible throughout the state.

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Florida HB 997 / SB 1322 advance to third committees

Posted on February 7, 2012 by | Leave a comment

FL HB 997 / SB 1322 were each heard and passed by their respective committees today. Now they move on to a final set of committees. These bills will repeal the breed ban in Miami-Dade.

SB 1322

Florida Senate Bill 1322 passed the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and will be heard next by the Budget Committee.

Update 2/8/12: SB 1322 has been moved into the Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations. Please contact the following members and ask them to pass SB 1322:
bogdanoff.ellyn.web@flsenate.gov; joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov; bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov; evers.greg.web@flsenate.gov; smith.chris.web@flsenate.gov; storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov; thrasher.john.web@flsenate.gov

You can write the following committee members and urge them to pass SB 1322:
alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov; negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov; altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov; benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov; bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov; bogdanoff.ellyn.web@flsenate.gov; flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov; gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov; hays.alan.web@flsenate.gov; joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov; lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov; margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov; montford.bill.web@flsenate.gov; norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov; rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov; richter.garrett.web@flsenate.gov; simmons.david.web@flsenate.gov; siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov; sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov; thrasher.john.web@flsenate.gov; wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Status page for SB 1322: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1322

HB 997

Florida House Bill 997 passed the Community and Military Affairs committee and will be heard next by the State Affairs committee.

Please write the following committee members and ask them to pass HB 997:
Seth.McKeel@myfloridahouse.gov; Debbie.Mayfield@myfloridahouse.gov; Jeff.Clemens@myfloridahouse.gov; Joseph.Abruzzo@myfloridahouse.gov; Leonard.Bembry@myfloridahouse.gov; Rachel.Burgin@myfloridahouse.gov; Steve.Crisafulli@myfloridahouse.gov; Clay.Ford@myfloridahouse.gov; Clay.Ingram@myfloridahouse.gov; Rick.Kriseman@myfloridahouse.gov; Jimmy.Patronis@myfloridahouse.gov; Keith.Perry@myfloridahouse.gov; Scott.Plakon@myfloridahouse.gov; Elizabeth.Porter@myfloridahouse.gov; Dwayne.Taylor@myfloridahouse.gov; Alan.Williams@myfloridahouse.gov; Trudi.Williams@myfloridahouse.gov; Dana.Young@myfloridahouse.gov

Status page for HB 997: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48233

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Wentzville, MO: Council may discuss BSL repeal, Feb 8

Posted on February 5, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Wentzville, MO has another Board of Alderman meeting on Feb 8 at 6:30 PM. We were previously told that the BSL repeal would be introduced at this meeting, but it does not appear to be on the agenda. However, they discussed this issue extensively at the last meeting even though it was not on the agenda last time either. If you are a resident, please make every effort to attend the board meeting and show your support for BSL repeal.

You can read the draft ordinance here. It is breed-neutral and, if passed, would repeal the city’s current “pit bull” restrictions. However, it is not unanimously favored and there is some opposition to BSL repeal.

Locals and residents, please attend the Board of Aldermen meeting, Feb 8 at 6:30 PM, at City Hall, 310 W. Pearce Blvd., Wentzville, MO 63385 to show your support for repeal of BSL. Sign up to speak at the meeting via the link at the top of the agenda page: http://wentzvillemo.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1414

Contact city officials: http://www.wentzvillemo.org/mayor-and-alderman.aspx

All alerts for Wentzville: http://stopbsl.com/?s=wentzville

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Florida HB 997 / SB 1322 on committee agendas, Feb 7

Posted on February 3, 2012 by | 1 Comment

FL HB 997 / SB 1322 will each be heard by their respective committees on Feb 7. These bills will repeal Miami-Dade’s breed ban.

SB 1322

Florida Senate Bill 1322 will be heard by the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee on February 7 at 4:00 PM in Toni Jennings Committee Room, 110 Senate Office Building, Florida Capitol Complex, Tallahassee.

Read the hearing notice and/or make a request to appear at the meeting here: http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/GO/

You can write the following committee members and urge them to pass SB 1322: ring.jeremy.web@flsenate.gov; siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov; benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov; bogdanoff.ellyn.web@flsenate.gov; dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov; flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov; garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov; latvala.jack.web@flsenate.gov; margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov; montford.bill.web@flsenate.gov; wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Status page for SB 1322: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1322

HB 997

Florida House Bill 997 will be heard by the Community & Military Affairs Subcommittee on February 7 at 8:00 AM in Webster Hall, 212 Knott Building, Florida Capitol Complex, Tallahassee.

Read the hearing notice and/or make a request to appear at the meeting here: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/meetingnotice.aspx?MeetingId=8986&SessionId=70&CommitteeId=2605

You can write the following committee members and ask them to pass HB 997:
Ritch.Workman@myfloridahouse.gov; Jose.Diaz@myfloridahouse.gov; Lori.Berman@myfloridahouse.gov; Jeff.Brandes@myfloridahouse.gov; Jason.Brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov; Matt.Caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov; Daphne.Campbell@myfloridahouse.gov; Fred.Costello@myfloridahouse.gov; Ed.Hooper@myfloridahouse.gov; John.Julien@myfloridahouse.gov; Mark.Pafford@myfloridahouse.gov; Scott.Randolph@myfloridahouse.gov; Ronald.Renuart@myfloridahouse.gov; Jimmie.Smith@myfloridahouse.gov; Charles.VanZant@myfloridahouse.gov

Status page for HB 997: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=48233

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Ohio HB 14 passes Senate

Posted on January 31, 2012 by | 10 Comments

Edit 2/8/12: You are viewing an old post; HB 14 has advanced. View all alerts for HB 14: http://stopbsl.com/?s=ohio+hb+14

Ohio HB 14 has passed the Senate!

Because the bill was amended in the Senate committee, HB 14 now goes back to the House (or a conference committee) so that the House can approve the amendments. If and when the House approves the Senate version, the bill will go to the governor.

We do not know at this time where the bill is going to land in the House. However, you may wish to contact the governor, in anticipation of the bill reaching his desk, and ask him to sign HB 14 into law: http://governor.ohio.gov/Contact/ContacttheGovernor.aspx

Wondering how your Senator voted on HB 14?
The Senate vote was 27-5.
Voted FOR HB 14: Balderson, Brown, Burke, Cafaro, Coley, Eklund, Faber, Gentile, Hite, Jones, Jordan, Kearney, LaRose, Lehner, Manning, Obhof, Oelslager, Sawyer, Schiavoni, Seitz, Skindell, Smith, Tavares, Turner, Wagoner, Widener, Niehaus.
Voted AGAINST HB 14: Bacon, Beagle, Hughes, Patton, and Schaffer.

Wondering how your House Representative voted on HB 14?
The House vote was 69-29.
Voted FOR HB 14: Adams R., Amstutz, Ashford, Balderson, Beck, Blair, Blessing, Brenner, Bubp, Budish, Burke, Butler, Carey, Celeste, Combs, Conditt, Damschroder, Derickson, Dovilla, Duffey, Fedor, Fende, Gardner, Garland,Gentile, Gerberry, Gonzales, Goodwin, Goyal, Grossman, Hackett, Hagan C., Hayes, Hottinger, Huffman, Johnson, Kozlowski, Landis, Letson, Luckie, Lundy, Maag, Mallory, McClain, McGregor, McKenney, Milkovich, Murray, O’Brien, Okey, Patmon, Peterson, Phillips, Pillich, Rosenberger, Ruhl, Schuring, Sears, Slaby, Sprague, Stautberg, Stebelton, Stinziano, Szollosi, Uecker, Wachtmann, Winburn, Young, Batchelder
Voted AGAINST HB 14: Adams J., Anielski, Antonio, Baker, Barnes, Boose, Buchy, Carney, Clyde, DeGeeter, Driehaus, Foley, Hagan R., Hall, Heard, Henne, Hollington, Martin, Mecklenborg, Newbold, Ramos, Reece, Roegner, Slesnick, Sykes, Thompson, Weddington, Williams, Yuko

Tracking page for OH HB 14: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_14

All posts about Ohio HB 14: http://stopbsl.com/?s=ohio+hb+14

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