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

Monday, August 24, 2015

What is going on with the BSL in Springfield now?


The last few months I have attended a few Plans and Policies Committee meetings and last week I attended another Animal Issues Task Force meeting. In all meetings we discussed the piece of legislation that gives Animal Control and Judges a more definitive way to assess situations with Nuisance Dogs, Dangerous/Vicious Dogs, and Reckless Owners (NDVR). The following is the final draft sent to the Council back in 2013. There are a few things that have been amended, due to legal issues, over the last few months, but nothing big.



So what IS going on in Springfield right now???

* First and foremost: There is nothing currently being decided on when it comes to Springfield's current BSL. 

*The City Council meeting on September 14th will have the NDVR legislation on the agenda. As far as I understand the Plans and Policies Committee will be presenting the document to the rest of the City Council. I believe they can take time to look it over it and vote later, or vote on it that evening. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION! The AITF and other city officials worked many hours to make this perfect for our city. If anyone wants clarification please feel free to email me at dlepitgirl@gmail.com and I will elaborate as much as anyone needs. 
    
 I will be at this meeting as well as most of the rest of the Task Force. Please come and support us in an appropriate manner. 

*The NDVR legislation is built as a stand-alone piece of legislation. It will work with or without the current Pit Bull ordinance. My hope, and many others' hope, is that this will undergo a trial period to show citizens, city officials, and those opposed to repealing the BSL that it will cover all breeds of dogs, thus keeping everyone safer than our current ordinance does. At the end of the trial period, hopefully it will be discussed as to whether or not the BSL is still needed.

*A great ordinance was discovered this month, by Clay Goddard, when talking with some officials in Joplin, MO. The AITF has been discussing different Anti-Tethering ordinances for a while now. This one is very plain and simple. After the initial mess the AC will have do deal with, this is built to completely end tethering in Springfield! As someone who specializes in dog behavior this made me want to dance in my seat at the meeting! I know many others that will be relieved if this is approved by the City Council. Here it is!

AS A MOTHER, CITIZEN, AND PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER I BELIEVE THE NDVR WILL BE ENOUGH TO KEEP CITIZENS SAFE AND WILL IN TURN PROVE THAT THE ADDED EXPENSES OF THE CURRENT BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION ARE UNNECESSARY.- Carrie Galvan CPDT

If you haven't checked out this website below, it has great information for adults and kids. Let's all become aware of the signs dogs give us BEFORE they bite!

STOP THE 77

Please take the time to read all of my post from over the years. There is a great amount of dog behavior information on my blog.

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