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Parker, Florida Needs an Enforced Leash Law, Not BSL!
After a so-called “pit bull” attack has occurred in a city, citizens and often elected officials alike are quick to knee-jerk and request or even demand a breed ban or some other form of breed-specific legislation (BSL). For instance, after a dog, Annie, was attacked in her backyard by two so-called “pit bulls” (though…
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Illinois HB 1080: What Illinois Representative John Bradley Doesn’t Know about Animal Control Could Amount to Alot of Dead Dogs
March 18, 2011 update: According to HB 1080’s status page, HB 1080 has been kicked back down to the Rules Committee where its sponsor is most likely hoping for an assignment to a more amenable committee. We hope HB 1080 dies a well-deserved, dishonorable death in the Rules Committee because the bill and its…
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Illinois HB 1080 Would Allow Breed-Specific Legislation in the State of Illinois
March 18, 2011 update: According to HB 1080’s status page, HB 1080 has been kicked back down to the Rules Committee where its sponsor is most likely hoping for an assignment to a more amenable committee. We hope HB 1080 dies a well-deserved, dishonorable death in the Rules Committee because the bill and its…
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Family of Dog Mauling Victim Pushes for “Pit Bull” Ban in Texas
Editor’s note: For many reasons it is always cause for concern when dog mauling victims and/or their families push for a breed ban (especially for “pit bulls” since “pit bull” is not a breed). Their anger is understandable of course, but I submit to them that they should instead lobby for dangerous dog…
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Aberdeen, South Dakota May Consider “Pit Bull” Ban
March 1, 2011 update: Looks like, according to this article, a breed ban is off the table in Aberdeen. Bravo to Aberdeen for choosing instead to step up enforcement of their leash and animals-at-large laws. Editor’s note: A hint at that age-old urban mythology about “pit bulls” supposedly having locking jaws, etc. is…
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Dismissive Saginaw, Michigan Councilman Bill Scharffe Seemingly Thinks Patriots are Selfish
In the last ten years, I have seen so much conspicuously unconstitutional legislation that little surprises me anymore. Yet, when I received a form letter from Saginaw Councilman “Doctor” Bill Scharffe last week, even my jaw dropped. I have only one time prior ever seen such arrogance, such dismissiveness, and such belligerence in…
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Oklahoma’s SB 362 Would Allow Breed-Specific Legislation in the State of Oklahoma
February 8, 2011 update: After a second reading, SB 362 was referred to the General Government Committee. Those pushing this bill appear to be trying to ramrod it through quickly before Oklahomans can mobilize against it. Please write the General Government Committee here and oppose this bill. Oklahoma’s SB 362, sponsored by Senator…
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Waxhaw, North Carolina May Consider Breed-Specific Ordinance for “Pit Bulls”
Editors note: Media reports conflict as to whether Waxhaw is looking at a breed-specific ordinance or not, but since they are researching new legislation, perhaps it would be a good idea to send them some information about the ineffectiveness of breed-specific legislation (BSL). Indeed, in the aftermath of the death of little 5-year old…
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Shelby, North Carolina to Consider Breed-Specific Restrictions for “Pit Bulls”
Editors note: In the aftermath of the death of little 5-year old Makayla Woodward and the serious injuring of her great grandmother, it is all the more important to address the problem of free-roaming dogs with legislation that encompasses all dogs, because pit bulls (and pit bull is not actually a breed) are not the…
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Ohio’s HB 14 Would Remove “Pit Bulls” from Definition of “Vicious Dog” in State Law
Finally, Ohio is realizing that the dogs they call “pit bull” are no different than any other breed (though “pit bull” is not a breed). Last week Representative Barbara Sears introduced HB 14 which would remove “pit bulls” from the state’s “vicious dog” definition. You can track the bill’s progress here. HB…