Category Archives: California

Ventura County, CA: Breed-specific MSN proposal approved by commission

Posted on January 28, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The Ventura County Animal Regulation Commission has unanimously voted in support of mandatory spay/neuter for all ”pit bulls.”

[...] The commission, made up of elected officials from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and city councils, unanimously voted to support a mandatory spay-neuter policy for pit bulls, which means each city and the county will consider such an ordinance.

If the ordinances are adopted as proposed, owners of any of the three terrier breeds commonly referred to as pit bulls would get what amounts to a “fix-it ticket” if they are discovered with an unaltered adult dog. [...]

Full article retrieved 1/28/12 from http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jan/26/activists-push-for-no-kill-animal-shelter/

Remember, breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter (BS-MSN) is based on appearance alone, and is as flawed, unequal, and subjective as any other law that is based on what a dog “looks like.” It is entirely up to an animal control official, based on his or her subjective visual assessment of your dog’s physical appearance, to determine whether you and your dog fall under this ordinance.

The ordinance presumably now goes to the county board, and all of the city councils within the county, for consideration. Because there are now so many areas to watch with respect to this issue, and because we do not know whether or when the cities will consider the ordinance, we would definitely appreciate assistance from locals who are able to monitor the agendas in these areas and alert us if the issue comes up for discussion.
Ventura County Board of Supervisors
Cities: Ojai, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Moorpark, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Port Hueneme

All alerts for Ventura County: http://stopbsl.com/?s=ventura+county

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Posted in BSL Proposed, California

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Ventura County, CA: Breed-specific MSN proposal to be discussed, Jan 26

Posted on January 23, 2012 by | 2 Comments

Back in August 2011, Ventura County Animal Services director Monica Nolan said she would introduce an ordinance to mandate spay/neuter for all “pit bulls” in the county. A draft proposal will be brought forward for discussion and direction at the next meeting of the Animal Regulation Commission.

The Animal Regulation Commission will meet on January 26 at 9:00 AM at the Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA. Click here for the current agenda: http://portal.countyofventura.org/portal/page/portal/animalreg/AnimalRegulationCommission/
The mandatory “pit bull” spay/neuter proposal is item 4.
Item 5, a discussion about how to reduce shelter killing, increase adoptions, and achieve no-kill status, is another important topic that may affect the commission’s decisions about the BS-MSN proposal.

If you are local to Ventura County, please attend this meeting and show your opposition to breed-specific laws. Remember, breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter (BS-MSN) is breed-specific, and is as flawed, unequal, costly, and subjective as any other law that is based on what a dog “looks like.”

These were the members of the Animal Regulation Commission as of May 2011. Many of the members are councilmembers of the cities within Ventura County. We do not know where they stand on BS-MSN, so please be respectful when you correspond with them.
Kevin Kildee, council@ci.camarillo.ca.us
Brian Sipes, loansbyBrian@msn.com
Janice Parvin, JParvin@ci.moorpark.ca.us
Carlon Strobel, Strobel@ci.ojai.ca.us
Dr. Irene G. Pinkard, Irene.pinkard@ci.oxnard.ca.us
Jonathan Sharkey, Jon@sharkey.com
Rick Cook, calwestrickcook@verizon.net
Barbra Williamson, Simivalleygal@gmail.com
James Monahan, jmonahan@ci.ventura.ca.us

Email block for cut-and-paste
council@ci.camarillo.ca.us; loansbyBrian@msn.com; JParvin@ci.moorpark.ca.us; Strobel@ci.ojai.ca.us; Irene.pinkard@ci.oxnard.ca.us; Jon@sharkey.com; calwestrickcook@verizon.net; Simivalleygal@gmail.com; jmonahan@ci.ventura.ca.us

The BS-MSN proposal has not been publicized in the news media for six months, the animal commission hasn’t met for seven months, and the online meeting agenda is difficult to find if you don’t know where to look (or have no reason to look). Due to the lack of official action on this issue since last summer, StopBSL had removed Ventura County from the BSL watchlist.

We sincerely appreciate the contribution of an anonymous site visitor who alerted us to this new meeting information! Ventura County is another case where we are extremely grateful for locals who are able to get us necessary details that we would not get elsewhere.

All alerts for Ventura County: http://stopbsl.com/?s=ventura+county

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Posted in BSL Proposed, California

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Petaluma, CA: Breed-specific MSN proposal rejected

Posted on December 8, 2011 by | Leave a comment

One of the Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee members asked that the committee consider mandatory spay/neuter for “pit bulls.” Last night, the committee voted 6-1 against breed-specific MSN. The issue probably will not come up again in the foreseeable future.

Thank you to Gabe Kearney, Petaluma City Councilman and member of the Animal Services Board, for this update.

All alerts for Petaluma: http://stopbsl.com/?s=petaluma

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Petaluma, CA: Breed-specific MSN under consideration

Posted on December 7, 2011 by | 9 Comments

The Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee will be discussing “dog breed-specific mandates on spay/neuter” tonight, Dec 7, at 7:00 PM. The committee meeting will take place in Petaluma City Council chambers, City Hall, 11 English Street, Petaluma, CA 94952. One of the committee members has asked that the committee consider MSN for “pit bull” types.

California municipalities may not pass breed-specific laws, except for breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter. Please note that breed-specific MSN, like any breed-specific law, discriminates against people based on their dog’s looks, and has all the flaws and quandaries of any law based solely on a dog’s appearance. Breed-specific laws of any kind, including BS-MSN, are not an ethical or effective solution.

Please send respectful, informative, and helpful correspondence to the committee, including effective breed-neutral alternatives for their consideration. I wish to re-emphasize respectful. The committee members need your help, not hate.

Contact information for the entire Animal Services Committee can be found here: http://cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/citycommittees.html
Not all members of the committee have email. Here are the email addresses that are published:
sjdonovan@yahoo.com; nrdyer@comcast.net; headley622@att.net; councilmemberkearney@me.com; jonlong@usa.com; larichardson2@comcast.net; sartainj@gmail.com

Sincere thanks to Gabe Kearney, Petaluma City Councilman and member of the Animal Services Board, for submitting this BSL alert!

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Posted in California, Whispers of BSL

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City of Sonoma, CA: Council decides against BSL

Posted on September 8, 2011 by | Comments Off

**Not to be confused with Sonoma County, CA**

All alerts for city of Sonoma: http://stopbsl.com/?s=sonoma

Sonoma council member Joanne Sanders previously asked city staff to research the possibility of breed-specific regulations or a ban on “pit bulls.”

Sonoma Passes On New Vicious Dog Laws

Council favors extra money for spay/neuter clinics, community forum

By Alexis Fitts

Pit Bull advocates crowded the Sonoma City Council meeting Wednesday for an emotionally charged vote where the council declined to amend current vicious dog legislation—opting for a greater emphasis on informal outreach events and low cost spay/neuter programs instead. [...]

“If we don’t do something these bad dog owners are going to ruin it for the good dog owners,” [Councilmember Joanne] Sanders said. “If the one good thing that comes out of [these talks] is more money for spay and neutering, [even] if it’s not breed specific, I can live with that.”

Full article retrieved 9/8/11 from http://sonoma.patch.com/articles/sonoma-passes-on-new-vicious-dog-laws

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City of Sonoma, CA: Council to discuss vicious animal regulations, Sept 7

Posted on September 4, 2011 by | 2 Comments

**Not to be confused with Sonoma County, CA**

Council will discuss possible changes to the vicious animal ordinance during the September 7 council meeting that begins at 6 PM. Sonoma council member Joanne Sanders previously asked city staff to research the possibility of breed-specific regulations or a ban on “pit bulls.” California state law prohibits municipalities from passing breed-specific laws, with the exception of breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter. Upon finding this out, Sanders backed away from earlier statements in favor of a breed ban. We do not know what options will be discussed during the council meeting, but locals and residents are encouraged to attend and encourage the council to choose revisions that do not discriminate against owners of any one breed or general type of dog.

Contact information for Sonoma City Council
City Council, City of Sonoma, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA 95476
City Clerk: (707) 933-2216
Steve Barbose, sbarbose@vom.com
Ken Brown, ken@bearflagsocialclub.com
Laurie Gallian, lauriegallian@comcast.net
Joanne Sanders, cityhall@sonomacity.org
Tom Rouse, SonomaRouse@gmail.com

Email block for cut and paste
sbarbose@vom.com; ken@bearflagsocialclub.com; lauriegallian@comcast.net; cityhall@sonomacity.org; SonomaRouse@gmail.com

The regular meetings of the Sonoma City Council are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM.

Council agendas: http://www.sonomacity.org/default.aspx?PageId=50

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Posted in California, Whispers of BSL

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City of Sonoma, CA: Councilmember to push for BSL or ban

Posted on August 17, 2011 by | 3 Comments

**Not to be confused with Sonoma County, CA**

Sonoma council member Joanne Sanders has asked city staff to research the possibility of breed-specific regulations or a ban on “pit bulls.” California state law prohibits municipalities from passing breed-specific laws, with the exception of breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter. City staff is therefore likely to suggest breed-specific MSN.

Please note that breed-specific MSN, like any breed-specific law, targets dogs based on their looks, and has all the flaws and quandaries of any law based solely on a dog’s appearance. Breed-specific laws of any kind, including BS-MSN, are not an ethical or effective solution.

Contact information for Sonoma City Council
City Council, City of Sonoma, No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA 95476
City Clerk: (707) 933-2216
Steve Barbose, sbarbose@vom.com
Ken Brown, ken@bearflagsocialclub.com
Laurie Gallian, lauriegallian@comcast.net
Joanne Sanders, cityhall@sonomacity.org
Tom Rouse, SonomaRouse@gmail.com

Email block for cut and paste
sbarbose@vom.com; ken@bearflagsocialclub.com; lauriegallian@comcast.net; cityhall@sonomacity.org; SonomaRouse@gmail.com

The regular meetings of the Sonoma City Council are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. Next council meeting: September 7.

Council agendas: http://www.sonomacity.org/default.aspx?PageId=50

Sonoma councilwoman wants crackdown on pit bulls

By DEREK MOORE, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 5:13 p.m.

A Sonoma councilwoman said she wants the city to reconsider regulating pit bulls and other dog breeds after a pregnant Pacifica woman was mauled to death last week by her family pet.

Joanne Sanders asked city staff at Monday’s City Council meeting to research options for regulating what she called vicious dogs.

In an interview Tuesday, Sanders said she personally supports banning pit bulls within city limits.

“I think pit bulls are a great start,” she said.

Sanders said the city previously considered but failed to enact legislation regulating certain dog breeds. [...]

Full article retrieved 8/17/11 from http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110816/ARTICLES/110819595?Title=Sonoma-councilwoman-wants-crackdown-on-pit-bulls&tc=ar

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Posted in California, Whispers of BSL

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Fontana, CA: Breed-specific MSN passed

Posted on August 11, 2011 by | 1 Comment

This appears to be a case of “the county did it, so we should too.” California state law prohibits municipalities from passing breed-specific laws, except for breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter.

Although it is a done deal, if you wish to contact the mayor and council, you can find their contact information here: http://www.fontana.org/Directory.aspx?did=3

Fontana enacts new pit bull law

Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/10/2011 06:32:02 PM PDT

FONTANA – The City council, by a 5-0 vote, has passed an ordinance requiring all owners of pit bulls and pit bull mixed breed to spay or neuter their dog before it reaches the age of four months.

The ordinance mirrors a law San Bernardino County enacted several years ago and adopted by many area cities.[...]

Full article retrieved 8/11/11 from http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_18656650

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Posted in BSL Passed, California

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Ventura County, CA: Breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter ordinance suggested

Posted on August 2, 2011 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.

Ventura County Animal Services, headed by director Monica Nolan, is proposing the ordinance.
Contact info for Animal Services:
Mail: 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
(888) 223-PETS from within Ventura County
(805) 388-4341 if you are outside the County
info@vcar.us
* Please include the name of the person you wish your email directed to (Monica Nolan) in the Subject line or it might not be forwarded in a timely manner.

Animal Services intends to present the ordinance to the county board of supervisors and to cities within the county. Please be aware that the board of supervisors has NOT yet been officially presented with this proposal.
Board of Supervisors contact info:
Steve Bennett, steve.bennett@ventura.org
Linda Parks, linda.parks@ventura.org
Kathy Long, kathy.long@ventura.org
Peter Foy, supervisor.foy@ventura.org
John Zaragosa, supervisor.zaragoza@ventura.org

Email block for cut and paste
steve.bennett@ventura.org; linda.parks@ventura.org; kathy.long@ventura.org; supervisor.foy@ventura.org; supervisor.zaragoza@ventura.org

Ventura County Animal Services considers ordinance to spay or neuter pit bulls

By Marjorie Hernandez
Posted August 1, 2011 at 7:07 p.m.

[...] Nolan said Ventura County’s ordinance would either be modeled after San Francisco County’s or San Bernardino County’s. There, owners are given a period of time to spay or neuter their pit bull after a first warning. In San Francisco city and county, a first violation would include a fine not to exceed $500. In San Bernardino, owners are fined $100 for the first violation, with subsequent offenses garnering up to $500 in fines.

Under Ventura County’s proposed ordinance, pit bulls that are registered with the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club would be exempt, Nolan said. In San Francisco, pit bulls under 8 weeks of age are exempt, as are dogs that cannot be spayed or neutered without suffering a serious injury or death because of a physical abnormality.[...]

Full article retrieved 8/2/11 from: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/aug/01/ventura-county-animal-services-considers-to-spay/

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Posted in BSL Proposed, California

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Santa Clara County, CA: Board rejects breed-specific MSN

Posted on May 12, 2011 by | Comments Off

County says no to mandatory spay/neuter of pit bulls, other dogs

May 11, 2011 By Lindsay Weaver

Pit bulls and other large dogs residing in unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County won’t be subject to a mandatory spay and neutering ordinance after the county board of supervisors Tuesday pulled back the leash on a strict ordinance proposed last August.

The board accepted the report by county staff and an independent advisory committee that decided the feasibility and challenges of enacting a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for pit bull-like dogs would not “achieve the desired public safety outcome,” according to the staff report.

Instead, the board agreed at Tuesday’s meeting to change some of the language used in an ordinance that will expand the free and low-cost spay/neuter program and explore starting a pilot program at elementary schools to inform students on how to act around dogs to decrease dog bites.

The ordinance will come back to the board for a first and second reading, then a vote for approval. The language changes had to do with attacks that happen on the dog owner’s property. [...]

Full article retrieved 5/12/11 from http://www.morganhilltimes.com/news/275649-county-says-no-to-mandatory-spayneuter-of-pit-bulls-other-dogs

All alerts for Santa Clara County: http://stopbsl.com/?s=santa+clara

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Posted in BSL Defeated, California

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