Tag Archives: animal control

Mount Clemens, MI: Commissioners vote to repeal BSL

Posted on February 22, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Please THANK the Mount Clemens commissioners for their smart decision:
bdempsey@cityofmountclemens.com; lhill@cityofmountclemens.com; gblash@cityofmountclemens.com; rbunton@cityofmountclemens.com; rcampbell@cityofmountclemens.com; mdreger@cityofmountclemens.com; jrheker@cityofmountclemens.com

Mount Clemens removes pit bulls from dangerous animal ordinance

Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012

By Mitch Hotts, mitch.hotts@macombdaily.com

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted 5-1 Monday night to remove language targeting pit bulls from a dangerous animal ordinance, a move that will alleviate pit bull owners from a number of regulations.

Commissioners said the breed specific wording that was included in the law back in 2009 was discriminatory because it assumed all pit bulls were dangerous, and made the ordinance difficult to enforce. [...]

Full article retrieved 2/22/12 from http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2012/02/22/news/doc4f445dc2054de356797997.txt?viewmode=fullstory

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Posted in BSL Repealed, Michigan

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Ohio HB 14 signed by governor

Posted on February 21, 2012 by | 5 Comments

Ohio HB 14 was signed by the governor this morning. This bill repeals Ohio’s state-level BSL and overhauls the state’s dangerous dog laws. I believe the bill will go into effect in 90 days.

Many thanks to the advocates and ordinary citizens who worked diligently to get this passed. It is a huge step forward not only for Ohio, but for those places around the U.S. and the world that have looked to Ohio when discussing or passing their own dog laws.

Please note, this bill only affects the law at the state level. Municipalities are not required to change their own ordinances. If a city or county within Ohio has BSL or a breed ban, that will not change, so please exercise caution when traveling in Ohio with your dog. Know the local laws!

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Posted in BSL Repealed, Ohio

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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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Posted in Missouri, Proposal to Repeal

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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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Posted in Missouri, Proposal to Repeal

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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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Posted in Ohio, Proposal to Repeal

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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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Posted in Missouri, Proposal to Repeal

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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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Wentzville, MO update: Proposed ordinance would repeal BSL

Posted on January 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Wentzville, MO, has finally made public a draft of the proposed dog ordinance. You can read the draft here. It is breed-neutral and, if passed, would repeal the city’s current “pit bull” restrictions.

The police department is revising some sections (should remain breed-neutral) and the proposal will be officially introduced on Feb 8.

Although this proposal is a positive step forward for Wentzville, public reaction to repeal of BSL has been mixed. Some residents are opposed to BSL repeal, and the local news media has been covering the story inaccurately and somewhat negatively.

Please keep up the positive and respectful correspondence with councilmembers and encourage them to repeal their breed-discriminatory ordinance.
Wentzville City Hall, 310 West Pearce Boulevard, Wentzville, MO 63385
636-327-5101
636-639-2017 fax
Online contact forms for aldermen: http://www.wentzvillemo.org/mayor-and-alderman.aspx

Join a Facebook group that is working on this issue: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Change-Breed-Specific-Laws-in-Wentzville-Missouri/227898083944306

Alderman, Residents Talk About Pit Bull Ordinance

Police chief to make changes before presenting the board with the legislation Feb. 8.

By Brian Feldt

[...] More than 60 concerned residents waited nearly three hours until the Wentzville Board of Alderman began discussing its new animal control ordinance, which will likely seek to put the onus of harsh or vicious dogs on the owners rather the pets.

The city has long had certain restrictions on pit bulls. Now, officials and concerned residents are pushing to repeal those restrictions and replace them with a new policy that would enact harsher penalties on owners of any dog that displays vicious characteristics. [...]

Full article retrieved 1/26/12 from http://wentzville.patch.com/articles/alderman-residents-talk-about-pit-bull-ordinance

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Posted in Missouri, Proposal to Repeal

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Wagmatcook, NS, Canada: Pit bull ban on agenda

Posted on January 25, 2012 by | Leave a comment

According to the news article, the call for a “pit bull” ban was prompted by a bite from a loose dog that had previously bitten another person.

Wagmatcook First Nation is a reserve. This is all the contact information I have.

Council of Wagmatcook Band, P.O. Box 30001, Wagmatcook, NS B0E 3N0
Chief Norman Bernard, Wagmatcook First Nation
Tribal Council: Union of Nova Scotia Indians, P.O. Box 237 Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0
Phone: (902) 295-2598
Fax: (902) 295-3398

Call for pit bull ban after Wagmatcook attack

Girl, 7, bitten by dog while playing

CBC News Posted: Jan 24, 2012 9:20 PM AT

[...] Wagmatcook has a dog bylaw and a control officer visits about three times a week.

The Wagmatcook band council said banning pit bulls is on their agenda.

Full article retrieved 1/25/12 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/01/24/ns-pitbull-attack.html

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Canada

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Lima, OH: Council resolution opposes state-level repeal of BSL

Posted on January 24, 2012 by | 2 Comments

The Lima, OH, city dog ordinance defines “pit bulls” as vicious dogs, using the same language that Ohio state law currently uses. Ohio HB 14, which has a good chance of passing, would repeal this breed-specific language in the state law.

However, even if HB 14 were to pass, Lima is under no obligation to repeal their own BSL in their local ordinances. Therefore, Lima council’s newly-passed resolution to oppose HB 14 is entirely unnecessary. They can continue to discriminate against “pit bull” owners within their own city limits, as long as their ordinance remains in place.

One of the councilmembers, Kurt Neeper, sees HB 14 as support for repeal of Lima’s BSL. After all, if the state feels that its breed-specific “vicious dog” definition is not working, Lima’s BSL is probably not working either. Neeper suggests that if HB 14 passes and the state-level BSL is repealed, he will push for Lima to repeal its own BSL. We suspect the rest of the council felt the need to pass a resolution against HB 14 because HB 14′s passage would force Lima council to reconsider the validity of their own discriminatory law.

Lima City Council dogged by pit bull issue

January 23, 2012 9:12 PM
Bart Mills

LIMA — [...] Council voted 6-1 to pass a resolution opposing an effort in the state Senate to eliminate dogs belonging “to a breed commonly known as a pit bull dog” from the definition of vicious dog contained in the Ohio Revised Code.

[...] Councilman Kurt Neeper was the sole vote opposing the [resolution]. He said he voted in favor of the city’s current law, but has since studied the issue and changed his mind.[...]

Full article retrieved 1/24/12 from http://www.limaohio.com/articles/dog-78221-pit-bull.html

Please be respectful and informative when writing city officials. Tell them why you support Ohio HB 14 and demonstrate how Lima can become safer and more humane by removing the breed-specific language in the local ordinance.
Contact info for city officials:
Sally Clemans, Council Clerk, sally.clemans@cityhall.lima.oh.us
John Nixon, Council President, jmnixon@wcoil.com
Kurt Neeper, kurt.neeper@gmail.com (supports repeal of BSL)
Sam McLean, smclean@allstate.com
Jesse Lowe, jjlowe@drugsbringdeath.us
Tom Tebben, ttebben@woh.rr.com
Teresa Adams, 518adams@bright.net
Derry Glenn, (419) 221-5107 Option 6
Paige Townsend, ptownsend62@hotmail.com
David Adams, dsadams@wcoil.com

Email block for cut-and-paste
sally.clemans@cityhall.lima.oh.us; jmnixon@wcoil.com; kurt.neeper@gmail.com; smclean@allstate.com; jjlowe@drugsbringdeath.us; ttebben@woh.rr.com; 518adams@bright.net; ptownsend62@hotmail.com; dsadams@wcoil.com

Lima’s vicious dog ordinance: http://www.limapolice.com/City%20of%20Lima%20Ordinance%20-%20Vicious%20Dogs.pdf

Lima was in the news last year because their vicious dog ordinance was causing too much of a burden on the local court system. http://stopbsl.com/2011/05/31/lima-oh-pit-bull-law-changes-coming/

Thanks to Amber for the heads up about Lima!

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Posted in Ohio, Results of BSL

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