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

Friday, June 1, 2018

Springfield Missouri Against Breed Specific Legislation

(I am no graphic artist. Just having some fun!)

 So, let's get up to speed!

I have not blogged since August 2017. There has been so much that has happened! Precious K9s new office is up and running at full speed and the campaign for the vote against a Pit Bull Ban is in full swing! The following is a quick play by play of the last 8 months:

  •  On October 2, 2017 the Springfield City Council voted to ban "Pit Bull Type Dogs" after January 1, 2018 after much opposition from it's constituents.
  • Current residents with Pit Bull "Type Dogs" were allowed to make and appointment with Animal Control so they could look at their dog to see if it had the following features described below:  
    • "AmStaffs are stocky, muscular bull-type terriers standing 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder. The head is broad, the jaws well defined, the cheekbones pronounced, and the dark, round eyes are set wide apart". - AKC.org
  • The American Kennel Club has stated on multiple occasions that this is not a way to identify a Staffordshire Terrier, but only a general description of the breed. The Greene County Health Department and the Springfield, Mo City Council decided this was the way Animal Control was going to identify these"Pit Bull Type Dogs".  So, what about those "Pit Bull Type Dogs" that come in larger that the American Kennel Club description? No worries...they decided to use what the UKC and the ADBA describes as a breed standard for their "Pit Bull Mixes". (Insert eye roll here)
    • As a side note: you cannot fully identify any breed without a DNA test, and even in some of those cases you still can't tell what breed a dog is... BUT some of the City Council Members, with absolutely no professional K9 experience, think they can identify a dog's breed by looking at it.
  • Citizens only had until December 31, 2017 to spay/neuter, microchip, vet and comply with other ordinance restrictions.
  • No "Pit Bull Type Dogs" would be allowed in Springfield City Limits after that date. This included potential new residents that already had their dogs. They were expected to either get rid of their dog or not move to Springfield.
  • The only reason unregistered dogs would be allowed in Springfield City Limits after the first of the year would be for them to see the veterinarian or groomer. They would no longer be allowed in town for training, daycare, boarding, or even a simple car ride.  
  • This vote instigated a citizen-initiated petition, signed by more than 7800 Springfield voters, that would forced council to either repeal the pit bull ban or send it to a public vote.  
  • The vote to repeal the ban failed in a 5-4 vote.

(Council members Hosmer, Ollis, Fulnecky, and Schilling voted against the new ordinance to ban Pit Bulls)

  • On December 11, 2017 the council voted to send the decision to the voters putting the   January 1, 2018 Pit Bull Ban on hold until the August 7, 2018 vote.  


How to join us in the campaign to Vote "NO" for a Pit Bull Ban in Springfield, MO

 Our city cannot afford the amount of Animal Control officers we need as it is. This ban would increase their already heavy work load.

Adding a tougher ordinance isn't going to fix our problem with lack of education.

These Facebook pages will help you keep up to date on our campaign to raise awareness and get voters to the polls on August 7th to vote "NO" on a Pit Bull Ban...

Dog Legislation Education In Missouri

To donate to the campaign contact Carrie at 417pitgirl@gmail.com!


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