Garland County, Arkansas considering ordinance targeting specific breeds

In the wake of the fatal mauling of a child by a bullmastiff, officials in Garland County, Arkansas are considering an ordinance that targets specific breeds of dogs. Justice of the Peace Mickey Gates is crafting the ordinance that will not ban any specific breeds, but does list potentially dangerous breeds and require owners to adhere to restrictions in order to keep their dogs.

Even as the ordinance is being drafted, JP Gates concedes that his proposal would not have helped the child who was mauled in the home of a family friend. He insists, however, the new rules will provide recourse when owners don’t secure dogs capable of vicious attacks by issuing citations to the owners and making them “explain to a judge why they’ve failed to maintain control of their dog.”

The animal control problems Garland County is experiencing are not new. The issue of a breed ban was brought up in August 2012. County officials reached out to the community for input, and held public forums in that regard. Most of those who addressed the Justices of the Peace at these forums urged the county to prosecute irresponsible pet owners and not ban any specific breed of dog from the county. A committee was also formed to research the matter.

In November 2012, Justice of the Peace Mary Bournival announced that the Garland County Quorum Court would consider an amendment to the county’s vicious dog law at its meeting in January 2013. The committee, which was comprised of “interested, knowledgeable people,” helped develop the proposed amendment, and many of the changes were developed through the use of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s study titled “A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention” which discusses “responsibility by owners and how a community could come together and put together an ordinance for their community.”

Moreover, at that time, JP Bournival stated that all the research the committee gathered indicated that laws banning specific breeds of dogs are “ineffective,” and that enacting a breed ban after an attack would have been a hurried, emotional response that would not have addressed the underlying problems that lead to dog attacks.

As acknowledged by Mr. Gates, his proposal would not have prevented the fatal attack of a child that occurred in the home of a family friend. However, education on responsible ownership and dog bite prevention would lay the extremely important groundwork for safer interactions between humans and canines, whether those interactions are on public or private property. Responsible dog owners should not be penalized or singled out based simply on the breed (or perceived breed) of dog they own.

Please send your polite, respectful and informative opposition to breed specific legislation to the Garland County officials listed below. Please also include viable alternatives in the form of strong, breed-neutral ordinances for their consideration.  As always, in reaching out to any public official, keep in mind that you are representing responsible dog owners as a whole.  I cannot stress the importance of maintaining professional and respectful communications with officials at all times. 

The research has already been done in Garland County, and the community has previously spoken on this issue. Please encourage the Justices of the Peace to take all the information gathered into consideration and not make a hasty decision based on emotion.  Please also try to refrain from using form letters.  Last year, JP Bournival openly criticized the number of form letters she received, and admitted to deleting them upon reading the first few lines.  ALL the facts, statistics and data are on our side.  Pick a few talking points and add your own feelings on the issue.  Your letters need not be long and detailed explanation as to why you don’t support breed bans and, in fact, the more concise the letter, the better.   

Garland County Quorum Court Justices of the Peace
(Block copy and paste e-mail)
davetreagan4jp1@gmail.com,thomasja@sbcglobal.com,Marilyn@wattstreet.com,
Snoopybob65@gmail.com,becsingsrol@yahoo.com,rayowenjr@hotmail.com,
justicejpf@hotmail.com,ekvarhalla@yahoo.com,numeromckee@yahoo.com,
dhforjp@yahoo.com,frankyjohnny@hotmail.com,Donald@donaldlaymon.com,
logoknife@aol.com

Previous alerts for Garland County, Arkansas:

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2012/09/18/garland-county-ar-to-form-committee-to-look-at-vicious-dog-ordinance/

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/garland-county-ar-to-consider-county-wide-ban-on-pit-bulls/

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/garland-county-ar-to-vote-on-vicious-dog-amendment/

South Bend, IN considering moratorium of breed specific shelter policy

At a special committee meeting on animal care and control this week, South Bend, Indiana city council Vice President Oliver Davis proposed a moratorium on the euthanasia of pit bulls in the city shelter.  Under the current policy, any dogs that appear to be pit bulls are put down if they are taken to the South Bend shelter.

The committee is rewriting the chapter of the city’s municipal code that deals with animals because it has become outdated and discriminatory against certain breeds, specifically the American pit bull terrier.  The committee noted that animal control officers are not trained in identifying pit bulls, and the current procedures for identifying the animals are not accurate.  Because of this, the committee wants to change the current ordinance to apply to “dangerous dogs” without specifying any certain breeds.

Councilwoman Valerie Schey advised that the city is looking at the breed discriminatory language in the ordinance because animals are being judged simply on their appearance, not on their behavior or temperament.

It is extremely important that residents of South Bend, Indiana reach out to city officials and let them know you support the moratorium, as well as the removal of breed specific language in the municipal code.  Dogs are individuals, and each and every dog, regardless of breed, should be judged on his or her disposition, temperament and behavior. 

Officials reportedly hope to have a decision by the end of the month.

Connecticut HB6311 signed into law by governor!

On June 6, 2012, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed HB6311, the bill that prohibits cities and towns in the state from regulating specific breeds of dogs.  HB6311 was introduced by Representative Diane Urbin in February, and easily passed through both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly. 

Now that the bill has been signed by the governor, the law will take effect on October 1, 2013.  The passage of HB6311 means that in drafting animal control ordinances, cities will have to tackle the root cause of dangerous dogs – irresponsible dog owners – rather than pass a blanket law that regulates all members of a specific breed and punishes responsible dog owners.

Its great news that we can add another state (the second of the 2013 legislative session!!) to the list of those that ban breed specific legislation and reap the rewards of laws that have to target irresponsible dog owners rather than single out specific breeds of dogs and promote a false sense of security!!

Congratulations Connecticut! 

Great Bend, KS: Summary of first committee meeting on pit bull ban

The first meeting of the committee formed to study a ban on pit bulls in the Great Bend, Kansas city limits was held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.  The group was empaneled by Mayor Mike Allison to study a ban, seek public input, and present ideas to the city council. Information packets that included copies of the existing regulations were handed out to the committee members.

During the 90-minute meeting, it became clear that many of the nine committee members, as well as all nine community members in the audience, believe the dog problem in Great Bend goes beyond one specific breed of dog.  In fact, at-large committee member RaShann Southard advised the members that the general issue of vicious dogs has needed to be addressed for a long time. As a side note, Mr. Southard contacted me via e-mail to advise that it was his hope to work with fellow committee members on developing a breed-neutral vicious dog ordinance.

Another at-large committee member, Reggie Kern, advised it was not just a matter of canines, but a matter of irresponsible dog owners, and Bobbi King, director of the humane society, stressed the importance of basic obedience training and socialization of the animals.

The committee discussed better enforcement of existing vicious dog ordinances, more costly fines, new and stronger ordinances, and more funding for Golden Belt Humane Society operations. 

The group also discussed with respect to pit bulls and dog, generally: 

Licensing fees for and restrictions on breeding; stronger emphasis on spaying and neutering; the use of microchip tracking devices; rescue operations in which dogs are moved from shelter to shelter for adoptions; humane and effective containment of dogs; the use of tethering; and pit bulls being considered as family members.

Some of those in attendance also criticized law enforcement for its unwillingness to take dog complaints.

The committee next meets on Wednesday, June 19 at 6:00 p.m., at the City Council chambers, 1209 Williams. An evening time was selected to make it more accessible for citizens to attend and take part. City officials and committee members are encouraging as much public input as possible.

Previous alerts for Great Bend, Kansas:

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/great-bend-ks-meeting-set-for-committee-studying-pit-bull-ban/

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/great-bend-ks-committee-selected-to-study-pit-bull-ban/

Flemingsburg, KY tables proposed pit bull ban

The Flemingsburg, Kentucky city council voted on Monday, June 10, 2013 to table a decision that would ban pit bull-type dogs within the city limits.  An ordinance currently in place allows dogs identified as “pit bulls” to be kept within the city limits, but they are required to be registered ,and owners must maintain liability insurance.  According to the mayor, the ban was proposed after he received complaints of the dogs running loose and posing a threat to other animals.

During Monday’s meeting, Kentucky Houndsmen Association President, Doug Morgan, spoke on behalf of Flemingsburg citizens as to why the city should not ban pit bulls.  Mr. Morgan passed out information to council members with statistics regarding pit bulls and bans in other cities. He also discussed the fact that the city currently has a vicious dog ordinance sufficient to handle problem dogs.  Mr. Morgan asked if irresponsible owners didn’t follow the current law, what made the council think they would follow a new law.  He also discussed the difficulty of identifying “pit bulls” and shared various pictures of dogs frequently misidentified as pit bulls.  Morgan ended his talk by asking the council not to make a decision at the meeting but, instead, research the issue thoroughly in order to make an informed decision. 

The council unanimously voted to table the discussion until a later date. The next council meeting is July 8, but the mayor stated he was not sure if this issue would be brought before the council at that meeting. 

Before adjourning, council members expressed their personal thoughts on the proposed ban.  The majority of the members, including the mayor, agreed that they did not know enough to make an informed decision, and more time and research on their part was necessary. 

Council member Kathy Moore and Scott Manning both still support the ban, however, Ms. Moore did acknowledge steps needed to be taken to address any vicious animal, while Manning simply stated he “still doesn’t like pit bulls.”

Finally, most council members agreed that they would like to hear from more citizens of Flemingsburg on this issue.  In fact, some stated they haven’t heard from a single resident.  If you live in the Flemingsburg area, please reach out to the city officials and let them know you do not support BSL, and ask them to consider a breed-neutral ordinance that addresses and penalizes irresponsible dog owners as opposed to singling out specific breeds of dogs. 

The city officials are listening, and their tabling of the ordinance is an excellent opportunity to offer educational materials and alternatives for the Flemingsburg council to consider.  

Please send your polite, respectful and informative opposition to breed specific legislation to the Flemingsburg officials listed below. Please also provide city officials them viable alternatives and suggestions for their consideration. We recommend sending the city officials the NAIA publication, “A Guide to Constructing Successful, Pet Friendly ordinances.” The guide has some excellent points that would help lay the groundwork for an ordinance that will address the problems in the city.

Talking points and alternatives to breed specific legislation can be found here.

Contact information for the mayor and city council members is not available, however, you may send your correspondence to the city clerk, Joy Roark, with a polite request to forward on to each official.

Joy Roark, City Clerk
Phone: (606) 845-5951
joyroark@altiusbb.com

Previous alert for Flemingsburg, Kentucky:
http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/flemingsburg-ky-passes-1st-reading-of-pit-bull-ban/

Osawatomie, KS repeals 20 year old pit bull ban!

We learned on May 1, 2013, that officials in Osawatomie, Kansas were considering repealing the city’s 20+ year old pit bull ban.  The proposal, which was brought before the city council on May 9, would lift the ban on pit bull terriers, and deem dogs vicious based on their behavior, not their breed.  In addition, the ordinance would focus on irresponsible and reckless dog owners, and set forth significant fines and penalties aimed at making dog owners more accountable.

The proposed changes were brought to the council by two City Councilwomen, Tamara Maichel and Karen LaDuex, who were appointed to study the city’s pit bull ban and other animal control issues.  A panel of dog experts presented statistics and information to the full city council showing pit bulls have received biased media attention, and that other cities across the state have already repealed breed-specific ordinances and implemented anti-tethering laws in their place.

I spoke with the Osawatomie city clerk today, and the breed specific ordinance has officially been repealed.   A “News Flash” placed on the city’s website this afternoon states:

New ordinance 3709, which was published in summary in the June 5, 2013 issue of the Osawatomie Graphic, is now available on-line. 

The major changes in Ordinance 3709 are the repealing of breed specific bans, enhancing provisions dealing with definitions, regulations, prohibitions and penalties dealing with dangerous animals, strengthening cruelty to animal provisions and imposing restrictions on tethering. The City will be working with animal owners over the next few months to educate them about the new tethering provisions and to remind them of the need to register dogs, cats and ferrets with the City.

The entire ordinance is available online for review.

Congratulations to the residents, animal welfare advocates and city officials who worked together to bring about the demise of the two-decades-old breed specific ordinance in Osawatomie.

Job very well done!

Great Bend, KS: Meeting set for committee studying pit bull ban

On May 30, we told you that the city of Great Bend, Kansas had selected members for a committee that was charged with “studying the banning of pit bull dogs within the city limits.”   At that time, the city attorney had been nominated to chair the committee, and advised that he would provide notice as to when the committee would meet to discuss this issue.  The date has now been set, and a committee organizational meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, at 9:00 a.m.  

The mayor is encouraging the community to be involved with, and offer suggestions for, the committee to consider and discuss.  All meetings of the committee are open to the public, and will take place at City Council chambers, 1209 Williams Street.

For those of us who can’t attend the committee meetings, please continue to send your polite and respectful opposition to breed specific legislation to the Great Bend officials, as well as viable alternatives and suggestions for their consideration. Talking points and alternatives to breed specific legislation can be found here.

In addition, we recommend providing a copy of the NAIA publication, “A Guide to Constructing Successful, Pet Friendly ordinances” for the city officials’ review. This guide has some excellent points that would help strengthen and improve the city’s current ordinance.

Contact information for the mayor and individual council and committee members is not available, but you may send your correspondence, with a polite request to forward to each member of the committee, to the City Administrator, Howard Partington, or his assistant, Megan Cates.

City of Great Bend
1209 Williams Street
Great Bend, KS 67530
Phone:(620) 793-4111
Fax:(620) 793-4108

City Administrator Howard Partington
hdpart@greatbend.com

Megan Cates
(assistant to the Administrator)
meganw@greatbendks.net

Previous alert for Great Bend, Kansas:
http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/great-bend-ks-committee-selected-to-study-pit-bull-ban/