Dog Legislation Education by Pit Girl: January 2015

READ FIRST!!!

Educating not Discriminating

Dog Legislation Education (DLE) is for anyone on either side of the Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) fence. I wanted to provide a place where you can ask questions that otherwise might spark debate. This is not meant to be a place to argue the issues, but to help people understand why dogs bite, who's really responsible, and what types of legislation have proven successful in protecting the public and punishing human offenders. Anyone commenting on the blog will be removed from the group for being insensitive. My main focus will be for citizens of Springfield, Mo as the Animal Issues Task Force (AITF) has proposed new legislation, policies, programs to City Council. Because these proposals could help improve the safety of citizens anywhere, the blog is open to anyone.

The Root of Fear is Ignorance.

The one thing I have learned over the years, is that most people who have a problem with a specific breed of dog either had one bad experience or heard bad stuff on the news. Humans are allowed to be afraid...I'm afraid of spiders, hopefully no one faults me for that! What I hope to accomplish with this blog is to help Pit Bull and other Power Breed owners to understand that some people don't know any better than to be afraid. As dog owners we have to take our time and show the public that no one breed stands alone with behavioral issues. I hope to not only educate people who don't know the blessings our dogs bring, but also help educate people who may not know what is appropriate behavior for them and their dog. Though I don't believe Breed Specific Legislation is effective in educating the public, I do believe Potentially Dangerous Dog, Dangerous Dog, and Irresponsible Owner Legislation can not only educate, but improve public safety as well.

Please enjoy the blog, sign up for email updates, keep your filters on when commenting, and hopefully learn something new today.

To ask questions anonymously email at 417pitgirl@gmail.com

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Is it possible to take a step back at this point?

City Council Meeting January 26th at 6:30 pm

I am attending this City Council meeting, but have not yet decided whether or not to speak. I just want to jot down a few of my thoughts on this subject...

1) I hope that everyone who attends these city meetings, no matter how upset and passionate about the BSL subject, will show up and act in an appropriate manner. We are going to make no headway if we build a wall between "us and them".

2) If people are speaking, remember to keep personal stories, about their beloved pit bulls, out of their speeches. What we need now are facts and professionals that know what they are talking about, and for the citizens to take the time to learn about what they do not know....preferably before speaking.

3) We all need to focus on keeping the person liable for the dog's behavior, especially if it is repeated behavioral issues. Unfortunately, bites happen...but attacks shouldn't. People need to take the time to educate themselves on the body language of dogs. Here are some starting places...

Turrid Rugaas Calming Signals

Living With Kids and Dogs

4) We need to educate people on proper dog-dog behavior, proper human-dog behavior, and the real facts behind the statics.

5) Instead of blaming dog owners and city officials...no matter what side of the fence you sit on...understand their concerns and find a happy medium. Some people don't love dogs, believe it or not! In fact I know one person on the city council (the Mayor) that is a "cat" person.....

6) AND ABOVE ALL... Stand proud with your dog, even if it is a PIT BULL! And continue to socialize them, train them, raise them with your families, and show the world how great an animal they are when given the chance to shine!

There is a link to the legislation proposed to the City Council in 2014 on the right of this blog page...Here we go!!!