It's time to ramp up efforts to stop the growing number of communities that are considering breed bans.

Check this site for places where breed bans or breed discrimination is under consideration and how you can help stop it.  Use the Resources below as talking points and also send them to the legislators or county or city officials involved in drafting and passing these laws. Contact Animal Law Coalition for help in defeating breed ban or breed discrimination in your state or community!

Latest news: Denmark's ban of 13 breeds to go into effect July 1.

Forsaken No More: Reclaiming the Truth to Save Man's Best Friend

Read about Toronto Humane Society's survey that shows breed discrimination does not work.

Go to Pet News and Views for a series on pit bulls.

State Laws

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell added a provision to a Virginia bill that would make it illegal for public shelters to euthanize dogs solely based on breed. Virginia bill, H.B. 281, has passed the legislature and is on his desk for signature. This bill actually has nothing to do with breed discrimination. The Speaker of the House, however, has declared the new provision "not germane" to the legislation, meaning the legislature will not consider it.

The prohibition added by the governor is identical to a bill that failed earlier in the session. When he was the state attorney general, Gov. McDonnell issued an opinion that euthanasia of dogs solely based on breed is illegal in the state.     

For information about the Florida bill that would allow local governments to pass breed discriminatory laws.... 

For information about the Ohio bill to remove breed specific law....(This bill has now passed the state House of Representatives!)

For information about breed specific bills in Massachusetts...

Litigation

Lawsuit challenges Denver, Aurora breed bans

Lawsuit challenges enforcement of pit bull ban

Local Legislation

Russellville, Kentucky - Go here for information about the city's recently announced plan to round up "pit bulls".

Sioux City, Iowa 

Lynn, MA - July 13

The Lynn City Council will hold a public hearing on July 13 to consider a proposal to require regisration and restrictions on pit bulls. The proposal describes  American Pit Bull Terriers or Staffordshire Terriers as "dangerous animals" with "powerful instincts for dominance" and "unyielding aggressiveness."

The proposed ordinance would limit each address to 2 pit bulls and owners must fill out a registration form describing the dog, its health records and providing a separate sign-off provision for a landlord renting to a tenant who owns a pit bull. The registration fee would be $50.

The ordinance would require owners to muzzle the dogs or make sure they are "securely led and leashed" before taking them to public places.

Violators would face fines up to $300. 

Ironically, in 1989 the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued an opinion in the case American Dog Owners Association, Inc. v. City of Lynn, 404 Mass. 73, 533 N.E.2d 642 (1989). The issue was whether ordinances passed in Lynn, Massachusetts violated due process because they were unconstitutionally vague. The ordinances regulated or banned pit bulls. The court found the definition of "pit bull" was too vague to give people notice fair notice of the law or the kinds of dogs affected by it, to wit:

Unlike an ordinance which generally prohibits the keeping of a ‘vicious dog,' enforcement of which involves questions of fact whether the particular dog is vicious or known by its owner to be vicious..., the Lynn Pit Bull ban ordinance depends for enforcement on the subjective understanding of dog officers of the appearance of an ill-defined "breed," leaves dog owners to guess at what conduct or dog "look" is prohibited, and requires "proof" of a dog's "type" which, unless the dog is registered, may be impossible to furnish.  Such a law gives unleashed discretion to the dog officers charged with its enforcement, and clearly relies on their subjective speculation whether a dog's physical characteristics make it what is "commonly understood" to be a "Pit Bull."

The new proposed ordinance in Lynn is similar to the Boston pit bull law in effect since August 1, 2004. 

Lynn Council President Timothy Phelan and Ward 1 Councilor Wayne Lozzi are pushing this effort to adopt new pit bull restrictions.

Send your well-reasoned opposition to the proposed BSL:

Lynn City Hall, Room 408, 3 City Hall Square Lynn, Massachusetts 01901
(781) 586-6735
Fax (781) 477-7126
Email the city council:mailto:tyoung@ci.lynn.ma.us

Find all council members and their phone numbers here. Just click on their names for email addresses.

Marshfield, Wisconsin - City officials have floated the idea of banning pit bulls.

Send your well-reasoned arguments against breed discrimination to these officials: 

City of Marshfield, Wisconsin, P.O. Box 727, 630 S. Central Ave, 7th Floor, Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-6597

Mayor Chris Meyer
mayor@ci.marshfield.wi.us  

City Council members
kfeirer@verizon.net, feddick@tznet.com, dlafont@charter.net, district4@ci.marshfield.wi.us, district5@ci.marshfield.wi.us, district6@ci.marshfield.wi.us, district8@ci.marshfield.wi.us, tombuttke@verizon.net, pohendler@hotmail.com
 
Deb Hall, City Clerk
debbieh@ci.marshfield.wi.us

Shadyside, Ohio

The town government has formed a committee to study a possible pit bull ban. Ohio state law already defines "vicious dog" to include dogs commonly known as "pit bulls" and places a number of restrictions on dogs and their owners.

Some town officials want to go further and ban dogs believed to be "pit bulls".  

Let town officials know breed discrimination has not worked in Ohio and more of the same will not make them safer; instead breed discrminatory laws will only mean more costs for taxpayers and death for hundreds of innocent pets.

Mayors Office, 50 E 39th St, Shadyside, Ohio 43947-1303
740-676-5972
Fax: 740-676-1084

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Council member Debora Coelho has proposed an ordinance also similar to Boston pit bull law. 

Contact city officials with your well-reasoned arguments opposing BSL:

City Clerk Rita Aruda, Rita.Arruda@newbedford-ma.gov
New Bedford City Hall, 133 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Tel:508.979.1400
Fax:508.991.6148

Mayor Scott Lang, Scott.Lang@newbedford-ma.gov
City Council:
Jane.Gonsalves@newbedford-ma.gov, nbward1councilor@aol.com, Linda.Morad@newbedford-ma.gov, DCNB2005@aol.com, Steve.Martins@newbedford-ma.gov, joseph.lopes@newbedford-ma.gov, Councilor@DaveAlves.com

Rockville Centre Village, NY

Update July 8, 2010 - The village has suspended enforcement of its breed specific ordinance pending further evaluation. The public outcry forced officials to take a look at New York law which prohibits breed discrimination and also at the evidence that breed profiling simply doesn't work to reduce dog bites or attacks. 

Update: July 1, 2010 - Residents turned out en masse to protest the new breed ban that went into effect June 8. 

Original Report: The village officials decided to ignore New York state law which prohibits breed specific legislation and  have passed an ordinance banning "pit bulls" and rottweilers. New ones, that is.  All "pit bulls" or rottweilers currently in the village can stay. There are exceptions for people driving thru the village with "pit bulls" or rottweilers, veterinarians who treat or care for the dogs, dog shows and shelters.

The village officials took this arbitrary action despite the fact there have been no bites or complaints filed involving these breeds.   

Contact the Board of Trustees:    http://www.rvcny.us/boardoftrustees.html with well-reasoned arguments why this ordinance is illegal and will not work to keep residents safe and instead will be a costly negative for the community.   

Hinds County, Mississippi (Jackson)

The county supervisor, George Smith, pursued a pit bull ban and instead the Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a requirement that "pit bull" owners must obtain a permit and a $500,000 insurance policy.  Read below for the efforts to pass BSL in Jackson.

San Bernardino County, CA - July 13 at 10:00 a.m.

The county Board of Supervisors is set to adopt an ordinance on July 13, 2010 that will require spay/neuter of all pit bulls over the age of 4 months. The ordinance applies to unincorporated areas of the County. The county supervisors claim they are overrun by "pit bulls" causing injury and even death.

The county does not have a vicious or dangerous dog ordinance.

California Health and Safety Code Section 122330-122331 allows local agencies to enact breed specific programs for spaying/neutering.

Find members of the Board of Supervisors here along with their phone numbers. (Just click on their names for address and email info) 

 Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin - July 20

Prairie du Chien already restricts pit bull breeds and dogs that are "partially" those breeds.  A town ordinance defines pit bull breeds and mixes as "vicious" and subjects the dogs to the same restrictions as "vicious" dogs.  A copy of the current law is here at Sec. 12.30.

Mayor Hemmer asked the Protection and Health Committee to consider a pit bull ban. The Committee has voted to table that proposal and at its July 1, 2010 meeting the committee voted unanimously to offer a resolution at the council's July 20th meeting that would remove pit bulls from the definition of "vicious" dogs, meaning these dogs would no longer be deemed "vicious" simply because of breed or appearance.

Send your well-reasoned arguments in support of repealing the town's BSL to:

City of Prairie du Chien, PO Box 324, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 53821
Phone - (608) 326-6406
Fax - (608) 326-8182

City Council Members:
jriebe@centurytel.net, kansas@centurytel.net, kdhein@mchsi.com, mwayne44@hotmail.com, ksolomon@centurytel.net, titlbachjk@yahoo.com, jruskey@dpndbl.com, djames73@centurytel.net

Sterling Heights, Michigan

A resident has demanded a ban on all "pit bulls".  The town officials are evaluating the current ordinances to determine if changes should be made. A copy of the current law can be found here, Chapter 8, Animals, Art. II, Sec. 8. 

City council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan  48313; 586.446.CITY (2489).

Contact the Mayor and City Council with well-reasoned arguments why BSL does not work and is instead a costly negative for communities:

Mayor Richard Notte, rnotte@sterling-heights.net
Joseph Ramano, cityhall@sterling-heights.net
Yvonne Kniaz, ykniaz@sterling-heights.net
Deanna Koski, dkoski@sterling-heights.net
Maria Schmidt, mgschmidt@sterling-heights.net
Michael Taylor, mctaylor@sterling-heights.net
Barbara Ziarko, bziarko@sterling-heights.net

Crawford County, Arkansas

Update July 5, 2010: It appears Justice of the Peace Sharon Partain's plan to introduce a bill to ban all pit bulls has failed. The current plan is to offer a breed neutral dangerous dog ordinance. 

Contact the County Quorum Court:
County Clerk Teresa Armer, tarmer@crawford-county.org
300 Main Street, Room 7, Van Buren, Arkansas 72956
479-474-1312
479-471-3236 (fax)

Contact Quorum court attorney Charles Baker:
cbaker@crawfordcountylaw.com
31 West Cherry Street, P.O. Box 700, Alma, AR 72921
(479) 632-8777
Fax (479) 632-6545

Butte-Silver Bow, Montana

There was discussion including some public comment on July 1 at the Health Dept. by the Animal Services Board about a proposal to restrict "pit bulls".

Commissioner Terry Schultz proposed an ordinance that would require that "pit bulls" be leashed or tethered. There would be a $100 fine on a first offense and $250 fine and seizure of the dog for a second offense.

Fortunately, it was agreed not to proceed with this ordinance, but there is still a possibility a new ordinance may restrict dogs by breed.

A copy of the current animal ordinances can be found here.

Local residents, including Samantha Collier, owner of All About the Dawg dog daycare, has organized opposition to any breed discrimination. Contact Samantha, sam@allaboutthedawg.com for more info.

Center, Missouri

Center officials have banned all dogs commonly known as "pit bulls" including mixes. Dogs that look like pit bulls or that officials think are pit bulls will, as usual, be targeted. Residents have 30 days to remove prohibited dogs from the town.  The law was effective immediately when it was passed on June 2.

Lincoln Parish, Louisiana

Lincoln Parish's Police Jury has approved an ordinance that requires "dangerous" dogs and "pit bulls" to be confined inside or in an enclosed pen. Warning signs must be posted. If the dog must be muzzled and also leashed or restrained in some way if he is off the owner's premises.

There are exceptions, such as when dogs are used for hunting or herding other animals.

Violators face a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail. 

Kirksville, Missouri

From Jodi Priess, Bless the Bullys, http://www.blessthebullys.com/ "Kirksville, Missouri is currently considering an ordinance that would regulate the ownership of 'pit bulls' and 'other animals deemed vicious.' While the ordinance being drafted includes a grandfather clause, Councilman (and Mayor Pro Tem) Richard Detweiler is pushing for a total ban with no grandfather clause.... 'Kirksville has a generic vicious dog ordinance which, if properly enforced, would adequately address any vicious dog - not only those labeled as 'pit bulls.' 

"From 2006 to 2010, there were 63 reported dog bites, 17 of which did not break the skin. Of the 46 that did, only three were said to be from "pit bulls". 

Find current ordinances for animals here.

"Please send your POLITE, RESPECTFUL and INFORMATIVE letters in opposition to breed specific legislation to the Kirksville, Missouri officials listed below. Please also list viable alternatives and suggestions for their consideration, as well.

 The city council meets the first & third Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. City Council Study Sessions are held the first & third Monday of every month at 4:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers".

City of Kirksville, 201 South Franklin Street, Kirksville, MO 63501
660-627-1225
Toll Free: 888-299-1223
660-665-0940 (fax)

Mayor Todd Kuhns, tkuhns@kirksvillecity.com
City Manager Mari Macomber, mmacomber@kirksvillecity.com
City Clerk Vicki Brumbaugh, vbrumbaugh@kirksvillecity.com

City Council members
Richard Detweiler, rdetweiler@kirksvillecity.com
Carolyn Chrisman, cchrisman@kirksvillecity.com
Tony Fajkus, tfajkus@kirksvillecity.com
Martha Rowe, mrowe@kirksvillecity.com
 

Auburn, California

The city council is considering a measure that would require spay/neuter of "pit bulls" and dogs that resemble "pit bulls" except those held by breeders! The exemption would also apply to pit bulls used for show or who are at serious of harm or death from spaying or neutering, or are less than six months old, or have been in the city for less than 30 days.

Three residents, Dawn Capp, Renee Harding and Jackie Marshall, have been on a hunger strike in protest of the proposal. They said they will only eat 180 calories a day for the entire month of June. 

Contact city officials:Mike Holmes, Mayor
njrhs@inreach.com

Bridget Powers, Mayor Pro Tempore
bridgetpowers@sbcglobal.net

Keith Nesbitt, Council Member
mr.auburn@sbcglobal.net

Kevin Hanley, Council Member
hanleykh@jps.net

Dr. Bill Kirby, Council Member
flyingsurgeon210@yahoo.com

City Council, City of Auburn, 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: (530) 823-4211, ext. 112
Fax: (530) 823-4216

City Manager Office, 1225 Lincoln Way, Room 9, Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: (530) 823-4211, ext. 191
Fax: (530) 823-4216

Robert Richardson, City Manager
(530) 823-4211, ext. 192
rrichardson@auburn.ca.gov

Garland, Texas

Though Texas law prohibits breed specific laws, Sec. 822.047, there is this news release from the city of Garland, Texas: Garland Animal Services is preparing to enforce new fencing requirements for pit bull dogs or pit bull crossbreeds. Pit bull dogs or crossbreeds thereof have been responsible for the most dog bites since statistics have been kept (2004). Additionally, 27% of the dogs caught while running at large are pit bull dogs. In response to this growing public safety problem, Garland Animal Services has developed an ordinance based directive that requires owners of pit bull dogs to maintain the animals within a six foot fence.

Specifically, the fence must meet the following requirements:

• The fence must be six feet tall, measured from the ground.
• The fence must be constructed of wooden planks at least ½ inch thick or 11 gage chain link fencing.
• There may be no gaps or openings larger than 2 inches.
• Fencing must be firmly attached to brace posts buried no less than 18 inches deep.
• All gates must have a locking mechanism that keeps the gates securely closed.

These directive requirements become effective August 1, 2010.

Pit bull dog owners are exempt from the aforementioned requirements if their dogs are properly registered prior to August 1, 2010 and if they maintain compliance with all applicable Animal Service Ordinances such as the display of city tags and not allowing the dogs to run at large. Pit bull dogs not registered prior to August 1, 2010 must be maintained within an enclosure that meets these requirements. Owners who obtain pit bull dogs after August 1st must consider the cost of fence construction as a cost of owning a pit bull dog.

Fencing Requirement - Pit Bull Dogs

The city has not been adopting out pit bulls, arguably another violation of Texas law. The city says with this directive, animal control can adopt out pit bulls. 

The next public meeting of the committee: 12:30 PM on Friday, July 16, 2010 in the City Council Work Session Room at City Hall, 200 N. 5th St.

Contact information for city officials:

Jason Chessher, Deputy Director of Health, JChesshe@ci.garland.tx.us
972-205-3534

Diana Oats, Animal Services Manager, DOats@ci.garland.tx.us
972-205-3545

Mayor Ronald Jones, mayor@ci.garland.tx.us
972-205-2400

Douglas Athas, council1@ci.garland.tx.us
972-205-2121

Laura Perkins Cox, council2@ci.garland.tx.us
214-364-9319

Preston Edwards, council3@ci.garland.tx.us
972-271-1908

Larry Jeffus, council4@ci.garland.tx.us
972-686-5698

John Willis, council5@ci.garland.tx.us
214-957-7979

Barbara Chick, council6@ci.garland.tx.us
972-276-2524

Rick Williams, council7@ci.garland.tx.us
972-495-9545

Darren Lathen, council8@ci.garland.tx.us
972-465-0435

Hollister, California

The City Council has given the city attorney permission to draft an ordinance to mandate the sterilization of all Chihuahuas and "pit bulls" in city limits. 

This is in response to a recent report by the Hollister Animal Control stating that there has been a significant increase in shelter intake, euthanasia, and dog attacks among these breeds, although the term "pit bull" is not defined. 

Contact information is as follows:

Mailing address for all city officials:

The Honorable _______ (Insert Name)

City of Hollister

375 Fifth Street

Hollister, CA 95023

Mayor Victor Gomez

Phone: (831) 245-6446

E-mail: victor.gomez@hollister.ca.gov

Vice Mayor Pauline Valdivia (Also represents District 3)

Phone: (831) 637-9275

E-mail: jantano@aol.com

Council Member Ray Friend (District 1)

Phone: (831) 419-1984

E-mail: rmfriend3@yahoo.com

Council Member Eugenia Sanchez (District 2)

Phone: (831) 801-9057

E-mail: es@eugeniasanchez.com

Council Member Doug Emerson (District 4)

Phone: (831) 637-8399; E-mail: dae11dae@pacbell.net

Carthage, Mississippi 

The city has enacted a harsh ban of pit bulls and pit bull mixes. There is no grandfather clause. The city's mayorJimmy Wallace, announced, in fact, officials would begin rounding up pets deemed to be pit bulls or mixes. The ban applies to American pit bulls, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, any dog which substantially conforms to any of these breeds and any pit bull mix, any dog commonly referred to or recognized as a pit bulls, and any dog whose owner believes or has registered the dog as a pit bull.

The law even directs animal control to "capture" these dogs.

City attorney Alan Rhea was quoted as saying "By putting in the ban on the specific breeds....you eliminate having to prove the dogs are dangerous."

Clarksdale, Mississippi - The local government is discussing an ordinance that may ban or restrict pit bulls and rottweilers. Contact the mayor and city officials with well-reasoned arguments why breed discrimination does not work:  

City of Clarksdale
121 Sunflower Avenue
Clarksdale, MS 38614
621-8164
mayor@clarksdale.com

Barnhill Village, Ohio

Barnhill Village city council has adopted breed discriminatory laws, claiming the ordinances were adopted as "emergency" measures. The emergency is apparently the existence of a pit bull rescue that recently opened in town. Under the new laws citizens will be limited to one "pit bull" per household. To keep even one pit bull dog, the residents will be required to pay a $50 registration fee, obtain liabity insurance, and provide a secure enclosure.

The town council met on May 8 and heard opposition to the new ordinance. Many believe there was no "emergency" and that the new ordinance was passed to shut down a pit bull rescue in town. Catherine Parrish, operator of the rescue, said she was not contacted at all prior to passage of the ordinance and it was based on a misinformation about her dogs.   

Despite opposition to the new ordinance, after the May 8 hearing, the town council remained resolved and refused to rescind it. 

 

Topeka, Kansas 

Topeka bans "pit bulls". Sections. 18-141-18-159 Now, city officials are finding enforcement costly, and the city attorney, Jackie Williams, has observed the dogs being confiscated are not dangerous so residents are not any safer because of this effort. 

Maybe the time has come that Topeka officials will consider repeal of this onerous ordinance.

Contact these city officials with your well-reasoned arguments in favor of repeal of the pit bull ban: 

Mayor William W. Bunten, Fax: 352-368-3850, Phone: 352-368-3895

Ginny Burghart, Assistant to the City Council
215 SE 7th, Room 255
Topeka, KS 66603-3914
785-368-3710 Tel
785-368-3958 FAX
council@topeka.org

Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. - City Manager, Fax: 352 368-3909, Phone: 368-3725

City Clerk - Brenda Younger, Fax: 352-368-3943, Phone: 352-368-3940

Public Information Officer - David Bevens, Fax: 352-368-1902, Phone: 352-368-1642

Garfield, New Jersey

Update May 15: After a public outcry against breed discrimination, the Garfield, New Jersey City Council has tabled the proposed pit bull restrictions.

Original report: Though breed discrimination is illegal in New Jersey, the city of Garfield has announced a final vote on May 11 on an ordinance that the council has already approved to restrict "pit bulls".

The measure defines "pit bull" as "any canine bred or used for fighting with other animals or with people" and includes Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and "dogs that have the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of these breeds of dogs."

The ordinance requires the owners of "pit bulls" to obtain special licenses, $100 for the first one and $75 for each subsequent license.  

The ordinance requires the dogs to be muzzled and leashed when off the owner's property. The leash must have a "minimum tensile strength of 300 pounds" and restrict the dog from moving 3 feet from the owner. Only one pit bull can be walked at a time.

Owners of "pit bulls" must obtain $50,000 in liability insurance to cover injuries and damages inflicted by the dogs.

No one under 18 years old can own, care for or even walk a "pit bull". Any minor who violates this provision will be considered to have committed an "act of delinquency".

Violations can mean fines up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Lodi, New Jersey

Update: Lodi, like Garfield, has decided to table further discussion of breed discrimination.

Breed discrimination is illegal in New Jersey, but, like Garfield, Lodi officials were considering restrictions on pit bulls. The restrictions are like those listed above that were to be included in the Garfield ordinance until a public outcry prompted officials in that city to table the matter.  

       

Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana

Parish Police Juror Russell Young is pushing the parish to adopt a  ban on pit bulls, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, boxers, Akitas, chow chows, and maybe other "breeds". A legislative committee has proposed restrictions on these breeds as well as dogs declared dangerous and which include registration, micro-chipping, proof of current vaccinations, payment of a $50 fee; also, owners would be required to be at least 18 years old and never convicted of a felony, keep the dog secured at home or behind a fence and also muzzled and leashed when in public. Violations could mean fines up to $500 for the first offense, a minimum fine of $300 for the second offense and a minimum fine of $500 for a third and subsequent violations.

The parish attorney is reviewing the proposal, and at a police jury meeting on May 25, members appear unpersuaded by arguments against breed discrimination. The police jury has asked the City of Roads, the largest city in the parish, to adopt the restrictions as well.  

Send your well-reasoned arguments to these parish officials:  

Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury
P.O. Box 290, New Roads, Louisiana 70760
(225) 638-9556 - Fax (225) 638-5555

District 1: Allen Monk
P.O. Box 285, Batchelor, LA 70715
(225) 492-3704

District 2: John Pourciau
3768 La. Hwy. 419W, Batchelor, LA 70715
(225) 492-2701

District 3: Russell Young 
9005 Mandela Drive, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-3941

District 4:  Glenn Ray Cline
14110 Chenal Road, Jarreau, LA 70749
(225) 627-9511

District 5: Willie Olinde
P.O. Box 256, Ventress, LA 70783
(225) 638-8726

District 6:  Melanie Bueche
11850 Hwy 416, Lakeland, LA 70752
(225) 627-4055

District 7: Albert Dukes
8979 Rodney Drive, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-3383

District 8: Cornell Dukes
309 Railroad Street, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-8778

District 9: Janet Vosburg
9431 False River Road, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-8328

District 10: Kurt Jarreau
P. O. Box 383, Livonia, LA 70755
(225) 637-2540

District 11: Joseph Bergeron, Sr.
P. O. Box 90, Fordoche, LA 70732
(225) 637-3486

District 12: Clifford Nelson
P. O. Box 336, Ventress, LA 70783
(225) 638-3589

Laurel, Mississippi

An ordinance that has already passed a first reading would define these breeds as "vicious": "American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier [sic], American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler Breed Standard, Doberman Pinscher Breed Standard and Chow Chow Breed Standard."

Vicious dogs in Laurel must be kept in a secure building or fenced area or under the control of the owner. Violations would mean a fine of $250 for a first offense and $500 for a second offense.

Send your well-reasoned arguments to the following city officials:

City of Laurel, 401 North 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440
City Clerk Mary Ann Hess, maryannhess@laurelms.com

City Council Clerk councilclerk@laurelms.com
(601) 428-6444
Fax (601) 428-6417
Sharon King, Council Clerk, sharonking@laurelms.com
Elizabeth Raybourn, Deputy Council Clerk, elizabethrayborn@laurelms.com

Mayor Melvin Mack, mayor@laurelms.com
Office: (601) 428-6401
Fax: (601) 428-6403

Ward 1, Willie Lavonne Evans
Ward 2, Tony Wheat
Ward 3, Tony Thaxton
Ward 4, George Carmichael
Ward 5, Manuel L. Jones
Ward 6, Johnny Magee
Ward 7, Trey Chinn

The city council has given initial approval to a plan to require spay/neuter for all pit bull breeds except those held by licensed breeders or which are entered in shows or other competitions.

Send your well-reasoned arguments in opposition to this breed discrimination:

Mayor Scott Avedisian  (401) 738-2000 ext. 6200; email: mayorsoffice@warwickri.com

Council member Steven Colantuono (R)
Phone: (401)941-9399
Email: saco13@verizon.net

Council President Bruce Place (D)
Phone: 467-8734
Email: bdplace@verizon.net
bruce.s.place@warwickri.com

Council member Helen Taylor (D)
Home - 401 824-6490
Email: Lizzytaylor29@aol.com

Council member Joseph J. Solomon (D)
Phone: 739-2291
Email: JOSEPH.J.SOLOMON@warwickri.com

Council member John DelGiudice (D)
Phone: 390-2992
Email: Johnd1025@verizon.net

Council member Donna M. Travis (D)
Home - 738-9774
Email: Donna.M.Travis@warwickri.com

Council member Charles J. Donovan, Jr. (D)
Phone: 739-6784
Email: CHARLES.J.DONOVAN.JR@warwickri.com

Council member Raymond E. Gallucci (D)
Phone: 737-9477
Email: raymond.e.gallucci@warwickri.com
raycallucciward8@cox.net

Council member Steve Merolla (D)
Office: 739-2900 ext. 306
Email: STEVEN.B.MEROLLA@warwickri.com 

Update: Following an April 5 public hearing, Europa's city council and mayor approved the breed discriminatory ordinance. The provision requiring liability insurance was struck from the final ordinance though persons must show proof of such insurance after one violation of this law. 

The ordinance states a dog of one of the following breeds is "prima facie" dangerous:

1. Pit Bulls
2. Rottweilers
3. Dobermans
4. Chow Chows
5. Dalmations
6. Any type or breed of "guard dog" (a/k/a German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, etc.); and
7. Wolf hybrids

Dangerous dogs would be required to be registered as such, spayed/neutered, and have current rabies vaccinations. Owners must be at least 21 years old, pay a $50 fee and upon one violation, maintain $50,000 in liability insurance to cover injuries and damages caused by the dog. The dog must be kept in a locked enclosure with a top or a fenced yard with protection from the weather, and a photo of where the dog is kept must be provided to the clerk. When these dangerous dogs are walked, they must be on a leash and muzzled. No such dog could be walked within 50 feet of a school, public event, park or playground.

Members of the Board of Aldermen and the police chief cited loose dogs and an increase in people fighting dogs as reasons for the new law. 

Europa officials to contact with well-reasoned, polite arguments against breed discrimination:

City Clerk
390 West Clark Avenue
Eupora, MS
United States 39744
(662) 258-4121

City Hall
390 West Clark Avenue
Euporoa, MS 39744
(662)258 -2291

Mitchell, South Dakota

There is a growing call in Mitchell, South Dakota for a pit bull ban. This began after 3 dogs escaped from their owner' yard, and a frightened resident encountered one of the dogs said to be a pit bull mix. The dog did not injure the resident but she reportedly held him at bay with a shovel until help arrived.

The dog was declared dangerous and ordered to be removed from the city or euthanized. The owner, Susie Contreras, has said the dogs are not dangerous but has removed the one so declared from the city. The owner also says the dogs are boxers, not pit bulls.   

The Mitchell City Council meets the first and third Monday's of each month. City Council  meetings begin at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 612 N. Main.  Find the names and contact information for council members here. Contact the mayor here.  Politely urge them to avoid breed discrimination!

Yucaipa, California

California law prohibits breed discrimination except with respect to spay/neuter requirements. Yet, Yucaipa officials are at least listening to residents who have requested a pit bull ban or breed restrictions. The city is revising laws as they relate to vicious dogs.

Attend city council meetings which are open public meetings and are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Council Chambers of City Hall, 34272 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa, CA 92399.

Politely urge city officials to follow California law and avoid banning or restricting dogs based on breed:     

Mayor Dick Riddell, driddell@yucaipa.org
Mayor Pro Tem Allan Drusys, DVM, adrusys@yucaipa.org
Councilmember Denise Hoyt, dhoyt@yucaipa.org
Councilmember Tom Masner, tommasner@yucaipa.org
Councilmember Diane Smith, dsmith@yucaipa.org

Toledo, Ohio 

Mount Holly, North Carolina 

The city council is considering a pit bull ban. 

City officials to contact:

The City of Mount Holly, 400 East Central Avenue, Post Office Box 406, Mount Holly, NC 28120
Phone: 704-827-3931
Fax: 704-827-5672

  

Councilman Jim Hope
104 Stoneridge Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

  

Councilman Perry Toomey
203 Dogwood Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

  

Councilman Jerry Bishop
200 East Catawba Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

  

Councilman Bennie Brookshire
218 Rose St., Mount Holly, NC 28120

  

Councilwoman Carolyn Breyare
307 Eastwood Dr., Mount Holly, NC 28120

Regent, North Dakota

Go here for information about a proposed ordinance to ban several breeds in Regent, North Dakota  

St. Mary's Parish, Louisiana

Despite that not one resident spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance and many opposed it during a hearing this week, BSL passed unanimously in St. Mary's Parish, Louisiana. The new ordinances, effective July 1, places a number of restrictions on pit bull dogs in the unincorporated areas of the parish including: (1) the owner must pay a one time license fee of $50 per "pit bull", be at least 21 years old and live at the same physical address at which the dogs are housed; (2) there must be proof of rabies vaccinations; (3) the dog must be micro-chipped, (4) keep the dog in a secure kennel with a concrete floor, (5) "Beware of Dog" signs must be posted on the property.

Please send your well-reasoned arguments about why BSL does not work to keep communities safe to council members found here. You can also submit comments here. 

Beatrice, Nebraska

Beatrice City Council member Jason Moore proposed during a city council meeting this week that the city adopt a ban on all dogs that are part pit bull. Moore explained such dogs currently in the city could stay as long as the owner purchase $500,000 in liability insurance and muzzle their dogs when off their property.  Moore plans to submit a written proposal to the council soon.

Council member Al Fetty pointed out it is not possible to tell if a dog is a pit bull or other breed without a DNA test. Indeed.

Please send your well-reasoned arguments from the talking points and links below to the city attorney, Tobias Tempelmeyer, ttempelmeyer@beatrice.ne.gov and reach Mayor Dennis Schuster and city council members here:

City of Beatrice
205 N. 4th Street
Beatrice, NE 68310

(402) 228-5200
FAX (402) 228-2312

Livingston County, Michigan

Some good news for dogs. Livingston County officials are considering allowing pit bull dogs to be adopted. Currently, animal control determines if a dog resembles a pit bull in which case the dog is not allowed to be adopted. At a county commission hearing this week, members heard testimony about the difficulty, if not impossibility, of identifying breeds based on appearance and that as a result, many non-pit bull dogs are not adopted. They also heard from a researcher that pit bulls are not more violent than other breeds and their bad image is undeserved.

Send your well-reasoned arguments in support of allowing dogs regardless of breed, to be placed in good homes to county commissioners found here. (Just click on their names for contact info.)  You can also contact county officials here:

304 E. Grand River Ave. Suite 201

Howell, MI 48843

(517) 546-3520/Fax (517) 546-7266

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

The city has banned pit bull dogs except those currently living there can stay as long as their owner has the dog registered and micro-chipped and provides animal control with a photograph of the dog. Animal control will maintain a file on each dog believed to be a pit bull. April 1 was the deadline for compliance.

Elgin, Illinois 

Update Mar. 11, 2010: In the end, the Elgin city council backed away from enacting breed discrimination! Before a packed city council chamber this week, it was announced the council would adopt many of the changes previously approved but they would apply to all dogs determined to be dangerous or vicious and not pit bulls per se.   

Here are some highlights of the new law: Owners of dogs declared dangerous or vicious must obtain a 3 year $100 license, keep the retistration and rabies shot tag on the dog at all times, along with proof of spay/neuter and micro-chipping. These dogs must be kept within an enclosure with a 6-foot-tall locked fence. The owner of a dangerous dog must have $100,000 in liability insurance, and an owner of a vicious dog $500,000 in liability insurance.

The ordinance requires that dangerous dogs on public property must be muzzled and on a short leash under the control of an adult 18 years or older. A vicious dog is not allowed on public property at all. Go here for a complete copy of the new ordinance.

Illinois state law prohibits breed discriminatory ordinances, 510 ILCS 5/24, but the city of Elgin took the position there is an exception for cities organized under "home rule" that allows the city to decide to pass breed bans or breed discrimination regardless.

The Elgin City Council had passed b a 4-3 vote an ordinance that restricted "pit bulls".  The final vote was thought to be a formality. Fortunately, well-reasoned arguments won the day.

City officials to thank:

City of Elgin, Illinois
Diane Robertson, City Clerk
150 Dexter Ct., 2nd Floor, Elgin, IL 60120-5570
Phone: 847-931-5660
Fax: 847-931-6027
robertson_d@cityofelgin.org

Edward Schock, Mayor, mayor@cityofelgin.org 

Council Members:

Richard Dunne, rdunne@cityofelgin.org 

Robert Gilliam, gilliam_r@cityofelgin.org 

David Kaptain, kaptain_d@cityofelgin.org 

John Prigge, prigge_j@cityofelgin.org 

F. John Steffen, steffen_j@cityofelgin.org 

Mike Warren, mailto:warren_m@cityofelgin.org

 

Jackson, Mississippi 

Update Mar. 9: A city council rules committee has killed a proposed pit bull ban. Council President Frank Bluntson said the proposed ban was discriminatory and unenforceable.  "You can't even pick up the dead dogs, how can you enforce it with the live ones?" he asked Gerald Jones, animal control supervisor, during a meeting where supporters and  opponents faced off on the issue. The dogs won! 

Boaz, Alabama 

Update Mar. 24: The city council decided to amend the dangerous animal laws but did not target "pit bulls" as planned. The ordinance amendments contain no BSL!

Basically, owners of dogs declared dangerous because of a bite history or demonstrate aggressive behavior towards peopole by lunging, must obtain $500,000 in liability insurance and pay a one time $25 fee. 

Rochester Hills, Michigan 

It was rumored the City Council would consider a breed ban or other breed restrictions at its March 1, 2010 meeting, but that didn't happen. The city council may consider BSL, and it doesn't hurt to send members of the council polite, well-reasoned arguments opposing such restrictions. 

City officials to contact:

Leanne Scott, City Council Coordinator
Clerk's Office, City of Rochester Hills, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Phone: (248) 841-2460
Fax Number: 248-656-4744
citycouncil@rochesterhills.org

Greg Hooper, Council President, District 3
Voicemail: 248-841-2645
hooperg@rochesterhills.org

Vern Pixley, At Large
Voicemail: 248-841-2644
pixleyv@rochesterhills.org

James Rosen, At-Large
Voicemail: 248-841-2646
rosenj@rochesterhills.org

Michael Webber, At-Large
Voicemail: 248-841-2649
webberm@rochesterhills.org

Ravi Yalamanchi, District 1
Voicemail: 248-841-2643
yalamanchir@rochesterhills.org

J Martin Brennan, District 2
Voicemail: 248-841-2647
brennanm@rochesterhills.org

Nathan Klomp, District 4
Voicemail: 248-841-2648
klompn@rochesterhills.org

Natchez, Mississippi 

The city council is moving quickly to develop an ordinance either to ban or restrict "pit bulls".

City officials to contact to stop a breed ban or breed discrimination:

City of Natchez, Mississippi
Mayor Jake Middleton
City Hall, 124 S. Pearl St., Natchez, MS 39120
(601) 445-7555
mayor@natchez.ms.us

Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis, Alderwoman, Ward One
James "Ricky" Gray, Alderman, Ward Two
Bob Pollard, Alderman, Ward Three, bobpollard@natchez.net
Tony Fields, Alderman, Ward Four
Mark Fortenbery Alderman, Ward Five
Temple Hendricks, Assistant to the Mayor, thendricks@natchez.ms.us

Online contact form: http://www.cityofnatchez.net/contact/

Pearl, Mississippi

The city plans to review and perhaps revise its dangerous dog ordinances which are found here in Chapter 4 and may consider a ban or restrictions on pit bulls. It is not clear at this point, however, that there are any actual proposals for breed discrimination. 

City officials to contact with polite well-reasoned arguments against breed discrimination:

email: city@cityofpearl. com
City of Pearl
P.O. Box 5948
Pearl, MS 39288-5948

Street Address:
2420 Old Brandon Road
Pearl, MS 39208
Phone: 601-932-2262
Fax: 601-932-3568

Worcester, Massachusetts 

The City Council has requested the administration to draft an ordinance that would require "pit bull" owners to harness or muzzle their dog when walking them on public streets.

City officials to contact to stop the breed discrimination:

City of Worcester, MA
455 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 929-1300

City Manager Michael O'Brien
City Hall Room 309, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1175, Fax: (508) 799-1208
CityManager@worcesterma.gov

City Clerk David Rushford
City Hall, Room 206, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1121, Fax: (508) 799-1194
clerk@worcesterma.gov

City Council
City Hall Room 112, 455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1049, Fax: (508) 799-1015
council@worcesterma.gov

GermainM@worcesterma.gov, LukesK@worcesterma.gov, PettyJM@worcesterma.gov, RushtonR@worcesterma.gov, ToomeyK@worcesterma.gov, SmithJA@worcesterma.gov, PalmieriP@worcesterma.gov, ClancyP@worcesterma.gov, HallerB@worcesterma.gov, EddyW@worcesterma.gov

Putnam County, West Virginia 

The county passed an ordinance in December, 2009 that defines "vicious" dogs to include dogs "commonly referred to as pit bull" or "clearly a mix thereof".  The ordinance requires vicious dogs to be held on a 4 foot leash when off their owner's property and behind a 6 foot secure fence when at home. 

Violators can be fined up to $1,000 for the first offense, and a $300 to $2,000 fine for the second offense. A third offense could mean up to a year in jail and a $300 to $2,000 fine.

Because of protests to the new law, the county council may consider overturning it if provided with alternatives.

County officials to contact:  

County Commissioners Gary Tillis, Stephen Andes, Joseph Haynes
Ph: (304) 586-0201
Fax (304) 586-0200

Exeter, California 

Update April 28: A dangerous dog ordinance was passed but it is not breed specific. The new ordinance classifies dogs that demonstrate aggression on one of two levels:  

Level 1: Any dog engaging in unprovoked attacks on humans that require a defensive action to prevent bodily injury, or that cause minor injury to other dogs.

Level 2: Any dog engaging in unprovoked attacks on humans that result in minor to moderate injury, or that cause moderate to serious injury to other dogs.

Whether the dog is dangerous or vicious at all would be determined at a hearing. The disposition of a dog determined to be dangerous including any restrictions would also be decided at a hearing.

Original report: Though California prohibits breed bans, (California Food & Ag. Code Div. 14, Chpt 9, Art. 5 §31683 except see Cal Health & Saf Code §122331 which allows local governments to target certain breeds for spay/neuter requirements) the city is considering an ordinance that would impose onerous licensing and confinement requirements on certain breeds, but mainly "pit bulls". The original proposal is being re-drafted, however.

Hemet, California 

California prohibits breed discrimination California Food & Ag. Code Div. 14, Chpt 9, Art. 5 §31683 except see Cal Health & Saf Code §122331 except that local governments may require spay/neuter of particular breeds. Hemet may consider a breed ban or restrictions though at the moment the mayor is hoping to avoid that.

City officials to contact:

City of Hemet, 445 E. Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92543
Phone: (951) 765-2303
Fax: (951) 765-3785
City council contact form: http://www.cityofhemet.org/forms/council_email.htm

Talking points and Resources

Dog Breed Specific Legislation: The Cost to People, Pets and Veterinarians, and the Damage to the Human Animal Bond 

Miami Dade County: Two decades of BSL has produced no positive results

Denver: Selective Counting and the Cost to Dogs and People

Denver pit bull litigation 

Denver's Holocaust: A Call for an End to the Pit Bull Ban

Ohio litigation challenging the state law defining vicious dogs to include "pit bulls"

States that prohibit breed discriminatory laws

There is not one major animal or health organization including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control, among many others, that supports breed discrimination.

Breed specific legislation does not work to make communities safe. Study after study has proven this. Dogs don't bite because of breed or appearance; they bite out of fear that could have been the result of poor socialization, neglect, abuse, tethering or confinement or isolation.  In other words, it is the owner's negligent or criminal actions that are responsible, not the dog's breed or appearance.

BSL penalizes responsible dog owners and means the death of dogs that are not in any way dangerous.

It is also well-established that people cannot look at a dog and determine its breed. Recently, in Denver Dr. Victoria Voith did a little test on animal shelter directors, dog trainers and others who work with dogs. 

They were asked to view 20 dogs on a videotape and identify each one by breed including whether the dog was a purebred or a mix. The professionals were surprised by how few dogs they identified correctly by breed. Voith believes as many as 75% of the pit bull identifications made by shelter workers, animal control or law enforcement are wrong. She is the author of Shelter Medicine: A Comparison of Visual and DNA Identifications of BREEDS of Dogs.  As DNA testing becomes more reliable, it is proving that many of the dogs identified as pit bull are actually a mix of dozens of breeds with little or none of the DNA of pit bull type dogs. 

That means a lot of dogs condemned by BSL are not even "pit bull" breeds.    

BSL is a very costly negative for a community and state and will create a climate where dogs are viewed as enemies rather than family members requiring proper care, management and love.  Go here for ways to improve relations in the community with dogs and also how to address the reasons dogs bite and keep communities safe.