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

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Task Force Recommendations were presented to City Council



Do you have roaming dogs in your neighborhood? Do you have a neighbor that wont keep track of his dogs? How many times have you been chased by dogs while trying to enjoy an evening stroll with your four legged family member? 

The Animal Issues Task Force and Greene County Health Department FINALLY got to present their final draft of their Nuisance Dog, Dangerous/Vicious Dog, Reckless Owner (NDVR)policy to City Council at the meeting September 14th! It took two and a half years, but they are going to vote on the bill at the next meeting!

Why do we need this bill passed? Because it puts the focus on the animal owner! It's time Springfield steps up with the changing times and has legislation that is based off scientifically and physically proven legislation. Human and dog physiology have come a long way in the last ten years. Lets use that knowledge to create a safer city! We have all heard the saying, "It's how the dog is raised". Well, I do believe that to be mostly true, but if we don't put the blame for the bad management and training somewhere besides on the dog, this problem isn't going to get any better. 

Does this get rid of the Breed Specific Legislation in Springfield? Unfortunately, no. However, I am confident that this legislation will show the citizens of Springfield and City Council that it can keep citizens safe all on it's own. The NDVR will prove itself worthy in just months. I haven't heard of one city enacting legislation similar and going back to BSL. It is waaaay more time and cost effective to focus energy on offenders and not our law abiding citizens.

Here is the extremely short version of the NDVR

Here is a good article on debunking the myth of the Pit Bull jaw being anatomically different than other K-9's

2 comments:

  1. Hi Carrie, I'm thinking of moving back into town and was wondering if the city considers American bulldogs as a pit bull type breed? Should one error on the side of caution and register?

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  2. The ordinance does not specify American Bulldog. If there was an issue I have been told AC defaults to the owner. If u have vet papers that state Am Bulldog they shouldn't consider him a pit-type...I would call AC and see what their opinion is. I personally wouldn't register if my dog wasn't on the breed restriction list.

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