Lafayette, Colorado Pit Bull and more breed ban

ThePitBullBAND-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com ^ | 2/28/2006 | sctweten@yahoo.com

[Glacier Honey]

Lafayette, Colorado is disguising BSL as Animals of Concern. 26 specific breeds are listed. Can you find yours?

Animals of Concern: means animals that based on factual studies, data, or identification by a recognized institute for breed behavior as having a propensity to be aggressive (6 traits) toward humans and domesticated animals; These animals have a higher risk of attack resulting in serious bodily injury and or death. They are identified as: “Pit Bull” for purposes of this chapter, is defined as any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds. Other Animals of Concern include; American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog), Dogo Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario), Presa Mallorquin (Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Ca de Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane di Macellaio, Sicilian Branchiero), Fila Brasileiro, Boerboel, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Chow Chow, Wolf Hybrid, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Doberman Pinscher, St. Bernard, Great Dane or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds.

See report: http://www.cityoflafayette.com/files/itemii022106.pdf

Please send your concerns to: City Council Members

Click here to send an email to all of the members of City Council. Or use the information below to contact them individually. Councilmember Address Telephone Email Mayor Chris Berry term expires 11/2007 1303 Lambert Circle 303-666-1246 Email Mayor Pro Tem David Strungis term expires 11/2009 1620 Sagrimore Circle 303-665-2458 Email Councilor Kerry Bensman term expires 11/2007 2047 Buchanan Point 303-665-8063 Email Councilor Chris Cameron term expires 11/2009 1366 Lambert Circle 303-926-9528 Email Councilor Frank Phillips term expires 11/2007 256 South Finch Avenue 303-604-0159 Email Councilor Carolyn Cutler term expires 11/2009 108 West Cannon Street 303-261-6530 Email Councilor Jay Ruggeri term expires 11/2007 501 North Bermont Street 303-665-5458 Email

[Texan5]

Two of us here have had Chows that were both good watchdogs and beloved family pets, gentle with children and other animals within the family "pack". Maybe my neighbor's Jack Russell used to be a junkyard dog and that is why he is vicious-being tossed into a junkyard would make me vicious, too-he is a hateful little beast, disliked by everyone who lives on this road. Dogs are pack animals-Huskies and Malamutes in particular exhibit strong pack behavior-their human family is their pack and the children are the "puppies" of the human alpha pair-and that alpha pair (the owners) must always keep the dog aware that they are dominant so there will not be problems-with any breed of dog.

[wolfcreek]

Thanks for the additional links! There's more to this story that I can't respond to at this time but, will post when appropriate.

[dervish]

Thanks for the ping

"or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits"

That amorphous criteria is an open door to anything the government wants to do.

[doberville]

Curious, isn't it. I've lived with 'killer dogs' all my life: GSD, Dobermans, Danes and the only dog who ever bit was a Scottie.

I've been bitten once: Cocker Spaniel. Our vets unfailingly mention small dogs: cockers, terriers. Never Dobes, who are amazingly stoic.

So, I've wondered about others sharing my paradoxical relationship with dogs.

[Glacier Honey]

Yes - Current laws should be enforced and I agree. I am not trying to defend aggressive dogs who attack and harm or kill Innocent people. I am just stating people should take responsibility for the pets they own and to know the type of breed they own and the requirements of that breed.

If someone owns an aggressive dog - no matter the breed - they need to take responsibility and either put the dog down or take the necessary steps to keep the dog secure to ensure it never hurts another human or animal. But don't punish responsible pet owners.

[Al Gator]

"AmStafs, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rotties are all wonderful dogs, but not for everybody."

Ay-Men!

I don't know how many times I would get folks p*ssed off with me because I refused to place a rescued Dobe in their house.

I would tell them that Dobes were good dogs, "but not a dog for everybody, and definitely not for you". It still amazes me that people take such great offense at that reality being pointed out to them.

Friends and family were the worst. Some still won't talk to me.

OTH, because I was so stubborn, I've turned around and placed some really HARD case dogs, the ones with two paws on the .38 and two on a banana peel, with great success for both the dog and the owners.

It aint the dogs, they're just dogs. Its the people who create the problems. And usually its ego that is the catalyst for the great amount of stupidity when dealing with dogs.

[Texan5]

I totally agree-this is just more nanny statism, along with a shameless attempt to extort "fees" for God-knows-what from pet owners-when we lived in the city, the city council voted to license CATS! When I went to the monthly town hall meeting, I asked my councilman what in the hell that was about-he just smiled and said "We need more money"!

[doberville]

Glacier Honey, it sounds like you have good sense - a commodity sadly lacking on this planet!

[absolootezer0]

hrm.. so i'm wondering how these people would look at my old neighbors dog.. german shepherd, rott, pitt, doberman mix. dog looks scarey, but is the most loving dog i've ever met- and not in an aggressive, jump on you, kind of way. he'd just trot up to you, and lean against you until you pet him.

[ZULU]

Increasingly our freedoms are being threatened by a coterie of politicians who pander to various pressure groups desiring a bubble-safe environment for everyone - like it or not.

The problem isn't "pit bulls" or any other brreds. Its irresponsible idiot owners who buy macho type dogs and don't have the slightest knowledge about how to control and train them, or simply are too lazy to do so.

The other problem are "puppy mills" which generate dogs of poor stock for mass marketing at discount prices and the fools who patronize them.

A well-trained "pit bull" from reliable stock can be a trustworthy companion - Teddy Roosevelt had one. so did General Patton.

[kx9088]

Sorry, but I see a big difference between someone owning a firearm and someone owning an animal.

[ZULU]

Klaphake und Schultz -

Ve vill make you safe effen iff you don't VANT it!!!

[kanawa]

Sorry, but I see a big difference between someone owning a firearm and someone owning an animal.

Of course there is a big difference...if you're looking for differences.
If you look at the importance of personal responsibility in dog or gun ownership
and the nanny state attempt to penalize responsible owners
for the misdeeds of criminals or irresponsible owners
then the similarities become apparent and significant.

[kx9088]

But there is one big difference: You can't always control what a dog does.

[Sensei Ern]

I do not remember who said it about the Nazi's: "When they came for the Jews, I said nothing. When they came for the fundamentalists, I said nothing, then they came for me and there was no one to say anything about it." (I know it's a paraphrase as this was something I learned and forgot more than 20 years ago.

First they came for the pitbulls, and I I said nothing.
Then, they came for the Rotweillers, and I said nothing.
Now they are coming for my German Shepherd.

Really, if they want to eliminate the most irritating dogs, outlaw Pekinese.

[PeteB570]

The most rude dogs are of the ankle bitter class.

"Mommy and Daddy" think precious poo is just "so cute" as she is snarling, yapping and tearing at your pant leg.

All dogs like that need to be drop kicked to the corner.

[Katya]

More famous pits: Petey, the dog from the little rascals , the RCA Vitrola dog, Buster Browns dog. In films pits are often use, because they have that typical dog look to them. The American pit breeds were considered THE American FAMILY dog circa 1914..times have changed and over the last 40 years we've gone through a slew of so-called "killer" breeds from German shepards, dobermans, rottweilers, to the current so-called awful dog the pit breeds. Adding to the confusion, that quite a few breeds are classified as pits, so it is difficult to say that "which" one is the problematic animal.
I have two dogs, a min-dachs and an American Pitbull terrier....the dachs is the Alfa male.

[Darnright]

The nanny statists are on the move. Here is the new legislation facing residents of Louisville, KY. Note that this shotgun approach law doesn't solve any problem.

Most dog-related problems, including overpopulation and biting, can be solved with enforcement of old fashioned leash laws:

Proposed Louisville Animal Ordinance Endangers Dog Owners
February 6, 2006

Help is urgently needed! The Louisville Metro Council will soon consider changes to its animal control ordinance that impose a number of burdensome fees, expensive licenses, and punitive restrictions that will be harmful to all dog owners.

It is unclear what problems this disjointed proposal attempts to solve. In fact, the provisions of this ordinance will create significant problems for responsible dog owners committed to socializing their animals. The proposal provides that an intact male dog can only be walked by an adult, and prohibits the animal from contact with other humans and dogs. Incredibly, the measure further prohibits a female and her litter from having contact with humans other than the owner until four months of age! The recent draft contains many such examples of regulations that prevent dog owners from acting responsibly.

Additionally, this restrictive measure would:

* Require an annual $57 license for each unaltered dog or cat over four months old.

* Define anyone who sells or gives away an animal as an "animal dealer" and require purchase of both an animal dealer license and a kennel license.

* Require persons with more than 5 altered animals to purchase a kennel license.

* Further require purchase of a kennel license by residents with less than 5 animals if they breed, show, or compete in field or obedience trials.

* Establish a $5 "show dog" fee for every dog participating in conformation that can not show proof of license in another jurisdiction.

* Specify that an animal may not be deemed dangerous solely because it bites or attacks.

In applying for any animal dealer or kennel license, dog owners would be forced to comply with a long list of provisions, including submitting to property and record-keeping inspections. Breeders would also be required to report all sales and provide license tags to new owners.

As dog owners may recall, in late 2005, Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton introduced a breed-specific proposal targeting Rottweilers and "pit bulls," defined as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of these breeds. While AKC applauds the council's decision to pursue strong dangerous dog and animal control legislation in lieu of a breed-specific ordinance, this proposal does nothing to address irresponsible ownership, makes it harder to declare a dog dangerous and places severe burdens on responsible dog owners.

[ZULU]

I saw a show on TV about the GESTAPO animal police visiting people in England when their pit-bull laws went into effect - seizing and destroying family pets for no justificable reason other than that they "looked" like pit bulls.

This country is going the way of Sweden and England.

[RepoGirl]

It is curious, isn't it. When I was a toddler, I was attacked by the family Yorkshire Terrier. I nearly lost my eye. When I used to cycle in Boston--the only dogs to ever give me grief were terriers: mostly Scotties, but I nearly killed a Jack Russel (the yappy little sh#t!). Little dogs have always struck me as either stupid or nervous, or both. But in saying that, I am aware that's as broad a statement as saying all rotts/pits/dobes are killers just waiting to snap. (it has been my experience, though)

My husband and I have a rottweiler named Ursa. She's a very gentle female, with a clownish sense of humor and a definite feisty streak: she had a stand off with a black bear in our back yard and won. She's not a big girl, only 70 lbs, but she's a total alpha. Most importantly, she was protecting her pack. After the bear ran off, she slept in my daughter's room, where she felt she was needed most, I'm sure.

She's also in training to be a therapy dog, and will sit for her Canine Good Citizen test shortly. The relationship she has with my three year old daughter is nothing short of magical. And I know she's safe with Ursa in the house.

Now, yes--if a rottweiler or a pit--or a Golden Lab or any dog for that matter-- is raised by a negectful owner, they are capable of great damage. But, to this day, I will avoid all small dogs iff possible. ps-- The Dobies I've met have always impressed me with how good natured and smart they are. (They's just too dang skinny for my taste!) ;-)