Anti-BSL Successes

Here are a few anti-BSL successes:

08-Jan-2003

Follow along with us as we continue to document each and every success that we are making._ Yes, it does matter if you email, fax, write, and call during these crucial times when your input is needed most._ It does matter how many people correspond with senators, legislators, and congressmen because the one that makes the most noise is the one that is listened to._ We are not mice in the corner but lions that must roar!

For all of these issues, it is important to remember that the individuals who voted against these proposals deserve a thank you for doing so. Show them that their vote was APPRECIATED. If not, what positive reinforcement is there if only negative reinforcement exists?

DE state- bill to limit number of pets owned by residents died in committee

Lawrence, KS- died before any action could be taken very strong local support against BSL type laws.

Washington, D.C.- just to let you know that the two bills before the DC City Council related to pit bulls have now expired as the session has closed. They were before the City Council for two years without a hearing, thanks to all of your efforts.

Victor Chudowsky
DC Dog Coalition

Delaware State- Breed specific language removed from law HB571 is now SB375 check out the information on this bill. Please reference the Current Legislation page for the fax numbers for thank you letters.

Knox County, TN- ban on wolfdogs defeated 24 June 2002

Pontiac, MI- ban repealed on APBT on 20 June 2002

Puppy Protection Act NOT attached to Farm Bill- After wading through reams of sensationalized material, Senators and Representatives determined that, although it was drafted with good intentions, the PPA offered only misguided, unenforceable public policy. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC), organizations that also promote animal well-being and oppose substandard breeding operations, also opposed the PPA. Thanks to everyone who worked to oppose this unenforceable and unconstitutional act.

Alabama- BSL was dealt a savage blow last week in an historic
victory for American campaigners when the Supreme Court in Alabama ruled
that there was no genetic evidence that one breed of dog was more dangerous
than another, simply because of its breed.

Hudson, NY- Finally, after two years of prodding by ADOA, the city of Hudson, NY has
given up the ghost. News columnist Bill Fallon of the Hudson Valley
Newspapers, noted "Meantime, it surfaced the city still has on its books a
provision that both rottweilers and pit bulls should be muzzled. The law
was struck down several years ago on the state level and it will be removed
from the books so no one is mistakenly charged."

There goes another one off the books.

Broward County, Florida HB 839- died on the calendar

Pendleton County, Kentucky- enacted a generic dangerous dog law

Baltimore City, MD- It is with joyous shout and ringing cheer that I announce the Baltimore City breed ban has been defeated._ It was close, 10-8._ Votes did change between the second and third reading, and some who voted in favor of the ban were conspicuously absent for the final vote.

Maryland HB 567-__ that would have prohibited specified bull breeds has now been withdrawn.

New Hampshire State-_ Due to the great turn out in NH, we were able to stop them from enacting a statewide bill against "pit bulls"._ The proposal died in committee.__

Louisiana State- We were able to successfully stop a total statewide ban on any dog that had at least 1/4 of the "pit bull" breed in their background._ This would have successfully banned Louisiana's own Catahoula Leopard Dog!

Washington D.C.- The pit bull bans died in committee._ They died in committee simply because we were there._ There are too many folks to thank here but they all know who they are._ But the biggest thank you of all goes to DC Dog Coalition for being on the forefront of this issue._ Without them, this would have been a win for the "other" guys. Check out the latest update!

New York State- The ADOA, AKC, and common citizens have proven that it easier to work with each other instead of against._ These folks were able to write into law a bill that would eliminate municipalities and counties from enacting any ordinance which is breed specific in nature.

Reading, PA- We pursued the issue that Pennsylvania has a state pre-emptive law that prevents municipalities of any size from enacting breed specific legislation._ We were able to go in and remove this previously anti-pit bull ordinance from their law books._ Thanks to the ADOA.

Wilmington, DE- After the passage of a breed specific ordinance, we were able to prove that BSL is not and will not work to solve their problems._ We were able to have this ordinance repealed._ Special thanks to J. Richardson.

Crawford County, MI- Dr. Stinson and the AKC were able to prove that BSL is not the way to go._ Instead having a well written dangerous dog law would actually work to protect more citizens._ Unfortunately, the governor went on to sign a bill that outlawed all wolfdogs within the state of Michigan._ Please email [email protected] for more info and to lend your support._ They are in need of much help to overturn this unconstitutional ruling.

Florida State- Due the amount of response from citizens across the country, Florida did not pass a breed specific proposal set forth earlier in 2000._ Individuals who want to learn more about Florida dog legislation should contact Diane Albers of the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (407-322-8980).

Cripple Creek, CO- Due to overwhelming response to the call for help, fighting city council worked._ Yes, we can make a difference and we did._ AKC's Canine Legislation Department is always willing to provide assistance to those trying to fight for fair and just laws designed to govern dogs and dog ownership