Lawsuit $$$

I'm certainly not one to sound like Wayne Pacelle over at HSUS and use everything as an opportunity to raise money, but hey, some things need to be done.

BSL is threatening the Constitutional rights of law abiding citizens everywhere.  Illegal searches and seizures.  Forced signings of guilt.  Guilty until proven innocent decisions.  And failed ADA compliance just to name a few.  Dozens of dog owners are winning their freedoms back, but it's taking some money to do.

My friend Lee was out paying her utility bill a year ago, and was challenged that her service dog, Friscoe was a 'pit bull' -- which are illegal in Kansas City, KS.  Friscoe is indeed a Staffordshire Terrier (covered under KCK's ban).  Friscoe is also a trained and certified service dog.  Lee is fighting the system to keep her registered service dog and not have to sell her home.  The KCK judge (judge Ryan), ruled that service dogs were subject to the city's pit bull ban (a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act).  Her appeal to the state level is costing her thousands of dollars and she is living on a fixed budget income due to her disability.

If you can spare some change to help Lee out you can do so here.

While you're at it, the folks in Ontario at Banned Aid are collecting funds to help them fight the Constitutionality of the BSL in that Canadian Provence.  They are coming down the homestretch and every dollar helps.  You can help them here.

Meanwhile, this post would not be complete without mentioning the Endangered Dog Breeds Association who have helped with many lawsuits here in KC and continue to find great cases and get wins for dog owners who have been unfairly treated everywhere.  You can find out more about them here as well as make a donation.

Comments

[s kennedy]

ADA 'problem' with SB861 in CA re SF pitbull law has supposedly been settled and plaintiff will drop lawsuit. I have not seen the settlement, BUT judge chesnut (as we call her,not her real name) says when she sees the stipulation then she will drop the next hearing scheduled. So conceivably the Plaintiffs might get their fees awarded. I don't know if that was agreed upon. I can check down the line. PS chesnut is the judge that said: "If there are less pitbull then less kids will be killed by pitbulls." I don't think an appropriate reply exists. also mandated MSN in Los angeles is being challenged in superior court.

[s kennedy]

Vermont Supremes will be hearing an AR case saying cats are more than property. AR atty who teaches AR law is counsel. http://www.divorceproblem.wordpress.com also the writ of mandamus petition challenging MSN for Los angeles is on there via pdf.

[Caveat]

Thanks for the mention, Brent. We are looking forward to going to the Court of Appeals where we hope to have the law struck down in its entirety.

As it was already found unconstitutional at the Superior Court of Justice level, we are optimistic. It is unusual for that Court to make such a finding and we didn't expect to win at the SCJ.

We are suing in the public interest, as decided by the Court, so it would be nice if more of the Canadian public would support us financially.

We wish everyone who is pursuing a case anywhere in the world every success possible. Together, we can and will eventually win this war against dog ownership.

Unfortunately, the damage that has been done by the mindless may never be fully repaired but at least we will have saved dogs' lives and regained our equality as citizens.

[PAMM - People Against Mad Mothers]

The fact is, if every pet owner would donate $25 to these lawsuits we wouldn't have BSL/MSN/weight limits/restrictive pet limits anymore. $25 will ensure your right to own a pet - and some of your other rights too! Like that pesky old "Due Process". Pretty cheap if you ask me...

[s kennedy]

http://divorceproblem.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/new-lawsuit-filed-in-ca-challenging-los-angeles-msn/

(sorry, the MSN Los Ang wasn't apparently showing up before when I gave the link)