The time is now for Ohio to overturn their statewide BSL

  Late last month, Ohio Representative Barbara Sears introduced House Bill 79 that would amend section 955.11 of the state code that declares all pit bulls dangerous and vicious based on their breed, not their actions. HB 79 would remove the breed specific language from the ordinance.

"In the 1970s it was German Shepherds, in the 80s, Dobermans, in the 90s it was Rottweilers, now it's pit bulls. Breed specific legislation dos not accomplish the goal," said Sears. "We want to take the focus of the law away from the breed and have it on the behavior of the animal, then hold the owner accountable."

That makes so much sense.

A lot has changed since the Ohio law was enacted:

Dozens of places have tried BSL and seen it fail. Entire countries like Italy and The Netherlands have repealed their breed bans. Cities across the U.S have also -- cities like Greenwood, MO and Westland, MI. Other places like the UK, Denver, Kanas City, KS and Toledo continue to see their BSL flounder yet stubbornly hang onto their archaic laws. But one thing has been universally proven. Laws targeting breeds, instead of targeting irresponsible pet ownership, have failed.

Meanwhile, based on trial and error, learnings, and study, we've now reached a point where every single group of animal welfare experts is opposed to breed specific legislation, including:

Association for Pet Dog Trainers

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

American Kennel Club (AKC)

Humane Society of the United States

National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors

National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA)

National Animal Control Association

No Kill Advocacy Center

The Coalition for Living Safely with Dogs -- a group of rescues, veterinarians, vet technicians, and animal control officers in the state of Colorado -- and a whole host of other regional organizations. In fact, outside of a few fringe individuals, it is unanimous that BSL is ineffective policy.

Meanwhile, even if, in spite of all of that, a representative in the state of Ohio still feels like 'pit  bulls' need special treatment, the time is STILL now to repeal the ban.

It's no secret that the United States is in the middle of a recession. In fact, the Governor of the state of Ohio has called the recession in Ohio  the worst in a half century. The state is currently looking to cut $1.3 Billion (yes, the "B" isn't a typo) from the state budget -- which is more than 10% of the entire state budget. Unemployment in the state rose 9.4% in February -- well above the national average of 8.1%.  Some areas of Ohio are facing a harsher reality, with nine counties facing over 15% unemployment, and 63 counties facing over 10%.  

This high unemployment rate that is affecting the state budget is leading to economic hardship in individual cities too.  Columbus , Ohio's largest city, is looking at a 6% decrease in budget -- forcing them to cut $24 million from the city budget, while a smaller community, Youngstown, is facing a $3.3 million shortfall. And these aren't in the counties that are hardest hit.  These budget shortfalls are causing cities in the state to have to cut really important services like police protection and fire services.

Enforcing breed specific legislation is not cheap. With virtually every city in the state being forced to make tough budget decisions, having the animal control resources to enforce BSL certainly doesn't seem like the highest priority.  HB 79 doesn't even elminate the ability for individual cities to enact BSL if they want to. Some may very well still choose to create local breed-specific laws and dedicate the budget necessary to enforce it. 

But many won't -- and cutting this ordinance that they have to enforce will free up precious dollars that they can use for other city services.

Times are hard, no reason for the state to make it harder for the struggling cities.

So even if a state representative truly believes that a pit bull ordinance is the right option, the idea of letting struggling cities decide for themselves only makes sense.

There is no better time for the state to repeal their statewide BSL. We've learned too much about these dogs over the past few year to believe it still works, and the economy makes it even more necessary to repeal the law now.  If you live in Ohio, contact your state representative.  Help Fido has the links. The time is now.

Comments

[PoochesForPeace]

As an Ohio resident, would you mind if I use some of the information you have provided when contacting them? (contacting them for the second time, that is :) )

[Brent]

It's all public information (even before I put it out there) -- use as how you see fit. And good luck.

[Carianne]

please everybody from oh write to rep. sears on this bill. last time i checked they had over 500 letters in support of it and 5 against it. i bet i know who one of the five are who are against it. could it be ineffective dog warden skeldon? using my church lady voice from old SNL's to deliver the last line...

[Selma]

KN probably took time out from his bizzy day as an unelected civil servant to fire off a missive as well. The old firecracker vs hand grenade thing gets them every time!

[Ernest Asteriades]

I support House Bill 79 that removes the breed specific language.All dogs are equal and should be treated equally.Pit Bulls are good dogs as long as they have good ownwers, Same as other breeds.