Imagine this — there’s a knock on your door and two policemen and an Animal Control Officer enter your house. They walk to where your dog is sleeping peacefully on his bed, put the loop from a pole around his neck and drag him out. He is euthanized that evening along with dozens of others.
His crime? He’s a pit bull and he lives in Ohio. This is called breed-specific legislation, and the worst I’ve ever seen has been introduced by a moronic legislator by the name of Tyrone Yates of Cincinnati. Here is the yutz himself.
The details are simple:
The bill requires all owners to surrender their “pit bulls” within 90 days of the effective date of the proposed law. The bill is unequivocal that the dog warden “shall” euthanize all pit bulls within 10 days of their surrender.
Also under this proposal a dog warden or other officer who has probable cause to believe that a dog is a pit bull dog, may apply for a search warrant. With the search warrant the officer will have the authority to seize the pit bull dog and surrender it to the dog warden to be killed.
There are so many things wrong with this bill. First and foremost — IDIOT…PIT BULL IS NOT A BREED. Secondly, isn’t this America? The courts have held that animals are property. Coming in like Nazi Stormtroopers and seizing people’s property seems kind of against that quaint piece of paper we don’t hear much about anymore — the Constitution. I love the fact that they paper over this by making the dog warden apply for a search warrant, which will be rubber stamped if there is “reasonable cause” to believe the dog is a “pit bull.” What a joke.
Seizing and killing dogs just because they are a certain breed is un-American and unfair.
Luckily we have courts to overturn these stupid laws. Um….not in Ohio. The geniuses on the Ohio Supreme Court have already upheld a law banning the ownership of “pit bulls” in Toledo. Here’s how it reads:
No person or organization or corporation shall own, keep, harbor or provide sustenance for more than one vicious dog, as defined by Ohio R. C. 955.11, or a dog commonly known as a Pit Bull or Pit Bull mixed breed dog, regardless of age, in the City of Toledo, with the exception of puppies commonly known as Pit Bull or Pit Bull mixed breed for which the owner has filed an ownership acknowledgement form in person with the Dog Warden of Lucas County, prior to reaching seven (7) days of age. The ownership of these puppies must be transferred according to Ohio R. C. 955.11 before they are three (3) months of age. Additionally, this section requires that all vicious dogs, as described in the Ohio Revised Code, or dogs commonly known as Pit Bull or Pit Bull mixed breed dogs are required, when off the owners’ premises, to be securely confined as described in Ohio R.C. 955.22 and muzzled.
(b) Any vicious dog, as defined in the Ohio R. C. 955.11, or Pit Bull which is referred to in Ohio R. C. 955.11, which is outside the premises of the dog owner, shall be kept on a leash and muzzled until the dog’s return to the premises of ownership.
So anyone who owns a “pit bull” has to keep him muzzled anytime they leave their house. And the courts say this is okay, because the government has “legitimate interests in protecting citizens from dangers associated with pitbulls.”
Dangers? As someone from Ohio pointed out, here are selected risks in their state:
Fatal Dog Attacks in Ohio as Compared to Other Selected Risks:
Fatal dog attacks: 1
Struck by lightning : 3
Farm animal-related deaths: 4
Bicycle-related fatalities: 18
Child (<10 yrs.) drowned: 21
ATV-related deaths 30
Automobile accident fatalities: 1,379
So there are 1379% more auto accidents than dogbites. Toyotas are the most likely to cause accidents. I think they should seize people’s Toyotas and crush them. What’s the difference really?
I know we have supporters in Ohio. Write the idiots you elected and let them know how stupid this law will be. In fact, anyone can do it. Just go to the Ohio General Assembly website. One last thing. Remember how I said Pit Bull wasn’t a breed? That’s one of the biggest problems with this legislation. Take a look at all of the dogs on this page. Not a single one is a Pit Bull.
If they lived in Ohio they’d be either muzzled or dead. The breeds, from the top picture:
American Staffordshire Terrier, Tyrone “The Yutz” Yates, Presa, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Boxer, Alpha Blue Blood. The pictures are from the website Find The Pit Bull. He comes to a great conclusion. “So where is the pit bull? He is at home…but you can bet that the media will blame him for any and all dog attacks in his neighborhood.”
Meet Phantom. She’s an American Staffordshire Terrier. She was saved from euthanasia 6 years ago and is living the high life at the DeAngelis house. If I lived in Ohio I’d be looking at real estate listings right now.
Let’s end this ignorance and stupidity.
363 Derby Road
Middletown, NY, 10940
(845) 386-9738
– Dog Team: Ext. 2
– Cat Team: Ext. 3
Daily: 10 am – 4 pm (EST)
Thanks for the update Matt…I just wrote to the Gov. of Ohio through the following link asking for an immediate “cease”.
http://governor.ohio.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=448
I think if enough individuals write on behalf of discriminatory practices being employed through this Bill and that in order to effectuate change of animal behavior the rudimentary element is prosecuting and preventing animal cruelty through prosecution of those who are guilty and through education as to “best practices” for proper animal care in the home. Prosecute the people who are doing harm to the animals not the animals individually or as a whole.
Do you know if there is any intervention currently being implemented to stop this Bill? And if yes, by which Organizations? Thanks…
sorry guys, but, i think this is a very much needed law, pit bulls are much tooooo dangerous!
Matt
I too, have written letters to the Governor of Ohio and Mr. Yates. I encourage everyone to please write as many letters as possible. Ohio first, what State next?
Maria
Sheila, Please tell me what you base that on.
I have seen these dogs abused, taught to fight, left on the streets to die. It is sickening! I have had the opportunity to know two loving “Pitt Bulls” and they where such a joy to be around. So full of love and energy! It is not the dog – it is the owners that make a dog the way it is! Love your dog and you will have a loving companion!
Matt,
I found this in the 6/11/08 NJ Bergen Record. The world section page A-21.
I quote: Headline “Ban on pit bulls will be rescinded”. Amsterdam, Netherlands – “The Dutch government says it will lift a long-standing ban on pit bulls because it did not lead to any decrease in bite incidents.”…
“Instead, the country will focus on enforcing local leashing laws and owner education programs.” (End Quote)
Duh!! Really now. What a great idea. Enforce the law. It further went on to say that the ban had been in place after 3 children had been killed by pit bulls.
Although I do feel for the parents of the children, it should be obvious to any educated person that the animal is not necessarily the problem. Almost all animals react to other animals and people the way they have been trained, or not, or mistreated. As we all know the majority of the time it is the human who should be held responsible for what the pet under their control does. Not the pet itself.
Just thought you would be happy to hear another country is coming to its senses. Blame the owner not the pet.
Frank
Sheila, June 7th,
As Kerry requested please give us your stats. I have had numerous occasions to deal with sheltered and some family “Pitt Bulls” as they are called. Even some dog’s that are suppose to be “Pitt Bulls” and have had no personal experiences with any of these dogs being anything but normal animals. Most animals are a reflection of their environment, just like people. Treat them kindness and they will be kind and gentle and will react like any other dog. So far over the last 25-50 years people have accused numerous dogs as being dangerous, from German Shepherds to Dobermans to even Dalmatians. What’s next, Labs, Retrievers or Poodles?
Please do not let any personal feelings that you have towards “Pitt Bulls”, or any animal, create a false sense of fear in anyone’s eyes. It’s obvious you have no stats to back up your claim since there are none out there that I have ever seen.
Frank
Hi All:
Okay…Just received another email from Ohio Governor Strickland. I called the suggested numbers and here is the info. Please make two calls. St. Francis Terriers as we know can be wonderful dogs, and allowing Government to regulate which dogs you can have as a decent pet owner upsets me to no end. Why? I have a few also have raised Dalmatian’s. None have been biters and euthanizing is not the answer. Changing legislation & prosecuting offenders is where change begins. Abuse a dog; you will abuse a child. Paws.org.
The majority of serial killers began with killing pets. Prosecuting the the offender is what is required not euthanizing an animal since we do not do the same to abused children.
Please take a moment and place the following calls to Ohio’s 127th General Assembly, House Bill 568.
Tyrone Yates and his assistant Kerry McDonald at 614-466-1308.
State Representative David T. Daniels[of the 86th District] at 614-466-3506.
Here is the overall response from the Governor’s office of Ohio:
Dear Ms. X: [I deleted my name from on-line here]
Thank you for writing with regard to particular breeds of dogs. I appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns and opinions with me.
At this time, there is legislation pending before Ohio’s 127th General Assembly having to do with this issue, namely House Bill 568. Please be assured I will be mindful of the views you expressed. I also encourage you to communicate your views with your legislators as bills before the General Assembly are reviewed by your State Senator and Representative.
If you would like to contact your State Senator and Representative, you may call the Ohio Senate Clerk at (614) 466-4900 and the Ohio House of Representatives Clerk at (614) 466-3357.
Once again, I appreciate your writing to me. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can assist you in the future.
Sincerely,
Ted Strickland
Governor
77 South High Street
30th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 644-4357 Constituent Hotline
(614) 466-9354 fax
Contact the Governor, click here.
Responses to this email address are not monitored.
Should you need additional assistance, please call the Constituent Hotline or visit the Governor’s website to submit another inquiry.
This message and any response to it may constitute a public record and thus may be publicly available to anyone who requests it.
——————————————————————————–
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 3:36 PM
To: Strickland, Governor
Cc: Governor Reply
Subject: Governor Site Issues
Name: X
Email: X
Address: X
City, State ZIP: X
Phone: X
Comments:
Dear Governor Strickland; As a Board of Director Member for the Dutchess County Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and a Master of Public Administration; I was shocked to read of Ohio State’s stance on Bill 955.11 et. al. Immediate surrender and euthanizing of specific animals which fall under a guideline termed “Pit-bull” is morally wrong and a crime against animals which fall under this term. Recall “Pit-bulls” are not a “breed” and treatment of any animal as such is discriminatory practice not to mention inhumane. In NYS we have many of these pets; however, a small population have been harbored by those without morals and trained for fighting, as have specific AKC breeds. The matter falls upon Law Enforcement and the local District Attorney’s office to prosecute those who are “offenders” in conjunction with Humane Law Enforcement. The issue is not the dog it’s the owner. Why not ban people from performing such cruel acts against animals and rewarding those which save the unworthy pets? “Pit-bull” dogs are know to be one of the sweetest & caring dogs which do well in households where people know how to care properly for their animals. Why not effectuate change through legislation? How effectuate change is demonstrated employing the following model [followed by the DCSPCA]: http://www.paws.org/help/report/connection.php This specific site should be the benchmark for all states. I strongly urge you to place an IMMEDIATE stop on the euthanizing and surrenders of your legislation through the bill aforementioned. I am appalled by such actions and more so of your inability to place a cease to the Bill as the Governor for the State of Ohio. Please stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves; the helpless & voiceless pets within your state.
Respectfully Submitted,
“X” BOD Member for the DCSPCA [www.DCSPCA.org]; Member of The American Society Of Public Administrators. Master of Public Administration.
[Terriers known as the alias of Pits]
“No more vicious than golden retrievers, beagles or other popular dogs! In a recent study of 122 dog breeds by the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), pit bulls achieved a passing rate of 83.9%. That’s as good or better than beagles … 78.2%, and golden retrievers … 83.2%. How did your favorite breed do? See for yourself: ATTS.org”
BSL is just too close to being BS! I have a “pitty mix” and while I’m always on top of her behavior around other dogs (as I am with my harmless beagle mix, a kitten, or any other pet), she has been nothing but a loving, loyal family member to me and my other pets. She tried to nurse a litter of orphaned kittens I fostered! The pitbull and Amstaff get bad reps because they are strong enough to do damage if they are taught to do so. I’ve met Pits that are not only family dogs, but I’ve met pitty cupcakes that are certified therapy dogs that visit hospitals & nursing homes and children’s centers. Just because they are bred to be strong & muscular, doesn’t mean they will use that strength to harm anyone. That is almost always learned behavior. The most damage I’ve experienced from a pitbull (i’m a vet tech, volunteer at a shelter, and an assistant dog trainer), is from their tail wagging so hard against me! I feel for those who have been the target of an agressive dog, but please keep in mind that the behavior is taught, not necessarily inherited.
Petey from the Little Rascals was a pitty & he’s looked at as one of our beloved dogs before anyone knew what breeding he came from. You’ll have a hard time finding a breed of dog that’s more devoted & loving to it’s family!
this is scary, for a few reasons, and for everyone not just pit bull lovers.
For one, this will be killing a lot of dogs based on looks alone. Any dog with a muscular build, short hair and a hint of a bigger head/jaw will be labeled dangerous. I believe I read they have to look 51% “pit bull”, so even hints of these things could lead to its demise. The pit bull rescue in our area has started DNA testing on its dogs, with all the dogs coming back with different lineage. Out of all the dogs he tested, each dog was 100% unique to the next. Lots of these dogs were missing ANY breeds that would be found in the original “pit bull” yet they were dogs that someone had labeled a pit bull, and DNA tests says that is an inaccurate statement. Unless you were labeling by looks alone. Since when is it ok to kill based on looks?
2ndly, I know in Detroit and other places, the “pit bull” population has not gone down after the ban, and the city is certainly not any safer. Even if the “pit bulls” were all taken away, the irresponsible owners and fighters will find another breed to take its place. Might be your favorite breed of dog next.
There should be something done about the abuse, fighting issues, and treating them like weapons. (if your dog hurts someone they should charge YOU not the dog. YOU are responsible for the dogs actions and behavior)
but killing thousands of dogs..most of which have never had an issue and are 100% innocent..is just not the way to go. I’m so very sad that anyone could even think it might be.
this is just a few reasons..there are many many more reasons that prove this situation is terribly wrong.
Mandating education for proper & ethical treatment of people & pets should be the focus of government interventions. Not mandatory death sentence. This is why I like working on educational issues with the public and to urge people to change the system through legislation and advocacy of people/animal rights–not mandatory death sentence since one falls under a specific term.
I have seen Dals tossed to the wayside since many thought they were pits, tried to use them to fight and when not worthy or damaged from being “bait” dogs…worked with them. Changing the public’s perception of animals should be the focus and strict humane law enforcement for offenders carried out through prosecution of the people who violate humane law.
I think this is sick! I have to admit I am somewhat afraid of “pitt bulls”. Im slightly afraid of all large breeds but that doesnt mean I want to kill them. I think it is all in the way they are raised which is why I dont understand instead of passing a bill to kill them why didnt they make a bill saying if you own a “pitt” then they have to go to obiedence training or get tempermant testing to see if they are vicious if they are that concerned. I have a japanese chin puppy she bit my face and split my chin open at only 3mos of age should we Pass a bill that japanese chins be put down as well a toy breed known for how sweet natured they are? She was a puppy who needed training! Just like these “pitts” do responsible owners thats what this state needs! So pass a bill sayin that if you want to own a “pitt” then you need to get educated in how to train and take care of your pet prior to getting one fine but killing these gorgeous dogs???. I will never understand it! What happeneds to the people who run dog fights? fines? a lil jail time maybe? You know what happens to the dogs? They die they get put down thats whats bull! They need to get put down! I know of just today 4 wonderful pitts who are getting gassed in one shelter because of the way the laws have made it difficult to rescue one it is so sad!!!!! PRAY! thats all I can say!