With the nightmare that so many places have created in large part because of their breed-specific policies, it is a wonder that any city would even consider such a failed approach. But the failures of the ordinances have certainly causing a few places to take a closer look at their BSL and consider potential appeals -- just like Oak Harbor, WA did.
Ontario
In 2003, Ontario became the first major area of Canada to pass a ban on particular breeds of dogs. Next Wednesday, MPP Cheri DiNovo plans to introduce a bill that would keep the Dog Owner's Liability Act with one major change, which is to get rid of the breed-specific part of the ordinance.
Fred over at One Bark at a Time has an exclusive interview with DiNovo (it's a rough audio file, but well worth the time you'd spend listening). In here interview with Fred, she calls the law "ill conceived" talks about the many problems with the law's breed-specific measures including:
1) How the law is being enforced sporadically because of the over-broad definition in the law
2) The difficulty in determining which dogs fit the criteria
3) The unnecessary killing of thousands of healthy, well-behaved animals
She also notes that the breed specific law has not provided more safety to citizens (even citing that bites and deaths have actually gone up since the ordinance was put in place).
DiNovo also did a radio interview with Newstalk1010 that along with the sponsoring of the bill, will play a role in changing public perceptions and educating them about the problems with the breed ban.
If you are in Ontario, you can support her sponsorship of the bill next Wednesday, November 18th at Queen's Park.
Best of luck to Ms. DiNovo and the citizens of Ontario.
Sioux City, IA
Mayor Mike Hobart of Sioux City, IA thinks it's time for the council to tweak the city's controversial dangerous dog law.
The city passed it's dangerous dog law -- which includes a ban on 'pit bulls' -- in March of 2008, and it has been a huge black-eye and distraction for the city. Problems have included:
- animal control actively targeting people who spoke out against the ordinance at city hall
- the local veterinarian community announcing they would not help them with breed identification
-- issues stemming from paperwork people were forced to sign that was forcing them to admit guilt -- a violation of the 5th amendment of the US Constitution
- a city council member's Labrador Retriever biting a jogger, ending up being put on death row, and subsequently getting stolen from the shelter
-- led to a civil suit being filed against the city about the arbitrary nature of the enforcement of the law
-- and led to one of the council members who voted for the law, Jim Rixner, to be voted out of office last week in their most recent election (two others did not seek re-election)
Mayor Hobart said in front of his colleagues, "I have a perspective, having gone through this whole process. I do think there are several tweeks needed."
No timeline is set for when they will discuss, but they did determine to wait until the new council took over. Congrats to the folks in Sioux City for making their voices heard, and counted at the polls.
Toledo
Time might be winding down on Tom Skeldon's deadly reign as Dog Warden in Lucas County. I documented many of Skeldon's failings yesterday, but TODAY, Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop plans to urge his fellow commissioners to either fire, or demote, Skeldon.
"If you're killing innocent dogs, I think that inherently is cause for termination," said Konop.
Konop also called for Tom Skeldon's first cousin, Tina Skeldon Wozniak, who is also on the county commissioners to recuse herself from all future votes involving Mr. Skeldon because he doubted she could maintain impartiality. "Due to the integrity of the process I think she should recuse herself", he said.
Meanwhile, the Toledo Blade, the newspaper of record, had an editorial today encouraging the commission to terminate Skeldon.
End Skeldon's Reign
IF TOM Skeldon were a dog in his own pound, he would have been euthanized a long time ago. No longer a pup, he is obsessive, stubborn, and incapable of learning to modify his behavior, and it is time for the Lucas County commission to end the dog warden's reign of terror so the county can take a new direction in animal control that focuses on saving dogs as well as protecting county residents.
Where is Toledo's heart?
Each day it is more obvious that 22 years as dog warden has closed Mr. Skeldon's mind and narrowed his vision. He pays lip service to new ideas but is incapable of seeing any way other than his way, which is to kill as many dogs as the law allows.
And it appears that all of the readers of the Blade agree with their sentiment. It looks like the clock may be ticking for Tom Skeldon.
It should also be noted that Skeldon was one of only a couple of "experts" that were brought in by Michael Bryant to testify in Ontario on behalf of their breed ban in 2003. Meanwhile, Bryant has had his own set of problems.
Keep up the pressure Ohio! How about a recall on Tina?
Posted by: MichelleD | November 10, 2009 at 11:46 AM
""If you're killing innocent dogs, I think that inherently is cause for termination," said Konop."
What's with the infusion of common sense in Toledo?? Did someone put something in the water there? And can we get some and sneak it into Denver??
Posted by: EmilyS | November 10, 2009 at 12:14 PM