A little late in the night -- but here's the news from the week that was:
Cities/States and Laws
Cleveland, OH seems to be looking at a law that will restrict the hours a day in which a dog can be tethered. The law would prohibit overnight tethering and the amount of time a dog can be tethered during the day in order to prevent 24/7 tethering. I'm definitely supportive of this type of legislation -- as 24/7 tethering is not good for dogs. Finding a law that is enforceable is often tough, but I kind of like the "overnight" tethering restriction, at least in principle.
Miami - Dade's breed ban has been the topic of much debate of late as pressure mounts for the 22 year old law to be repealed. Two state laws are in discussion that would eliminate Miami's abilility to have its breed ban, and new Miami Marlins pitcher Mark Buerhle has been very vocal about his beloved family pet being banned from the city where he now pitches -- sparking an online petition (which is already over 10,000 signatures -- the original goal was 7500), and national media attention.
Fond du Lac, WI briefly discussed breed ban in their community -- until overwhelming public opposition to the ban caused them to back off. At the city council meeting, more than 30 people spoke out against the ordinance and 116 others were on record as being opposed to the ordinance. No one came out in favor of the ordinance -- causing the proposing council member to not only back off of his proposal but also appologized for offending anyone for his proposal. This, folks, is how to persuade people to not pass these laws -- get a groundswell of support for breed neutral laws and make your voices heard.
Wentzville, MO continues talking about repealing its breed-specific law by targeting dogs based on behavior instead of based on breed. The bill may be voted on on February 8.
Trail, BC residents are asking their city council to look at repealing its 22 year old breed-specific law.
Ventura County, CA is considering a new law that would require all 'pit bulls' to be spayed or neutered - -a law that has generally caused shelter intake for the selected breeds to increase and thus, euthanasia of these breeds to increase as well.
Dog Bites/Attacks
In Australia, a four year old girl was badly attacked by a Rhodesian Ridgback while she was jumping on a trampoline in her back yard. While Australian officials have been trying to push breed bans throughout the continent, actual knowledge and information about canine behavior has been lacking that may have helped a family prepare for such an unfortunate incident. One of the many reasons breed specific laws are ineffective is because they create a false education that breeds commit dog bites, instead of circumstances...
In the Moreno Valley, CA, a six year old boy lost his ear when he was attacked bya Bull Mastiff that had escaped from its back yard.
Abuse Cases
In Atlantic County, NJ, a 'pit bull' was found in very poor condition as it was found turned loose with its muzzle duct taped shut.
A Florida man got just 40 days in jail for tying a 30 lb dumbell around the neck of a pit bull and thrwing it out into a river to drown. If we really want to stop animal cruelty like this, we must have much harsher penalties for severe act of cruelty like this case.
Miscellaneous
In a story that has been widely circulated on the internet, down-on-his luck soap opera actor Nick Santino committed suicide this week. Santino's buildng where he lived had recently passed a ban on 'pit bull's in his building. Even though the law didn't apply to dogs already in the building, Santino began getting harassed by other residents. Because of the complaints, Santino had his healthy dog euthanized. Because of the regret of euthanizing his dog, Santino committed suicide -- noting that "today I betrayed my best friend". It's a horrible story on a whole bunch of fronts -- for Santino, and his dog Rocco -- and is a reminder that all of actions influence those around us and we need to be aware of this reality -- and that includes harrassing people because of the type of companion they choose to keep. For more thoughts on this, see Honest Dog or O is for Onward.
The first lady of Oregon helped come to the rescue of a pit bull and 2 cats that were among many animals needing help when the Willamette Humane Society had to close down and evacuate based on threatening flood waters. The dog and 2 cats have been living at the governor's mansion in Salem while they wait to find homes.
Kansas City News
On making life better for pets in Kansas City -- some very kind words about the KC Pet Project from the South Kansas City Observer.
Blogs
Niagra SPCA is a hellhole -- this isn't a blog, but rather an editorial written by the Buffalo News. A recent report called the shelter "poorly run", "Understaffed", "poorly run", "chaotic" and adoptioin numbers that are "abysmally low" and with a "culture of distrust". Does this sound like your local shelter? You're not alone. And change is possible -- but don't sit around waiting for someone else to fix it.
Prepared to fail - Seth Godin quotes someone who is ok with failure, and wants to succeed, but just doesn't want to end up "in between". Too many people settle for in-between -- and it prevents success.
Turning back the clock in California - Winograd weighs in on efforts to repeal the Hayden Act - -California's open access law.
The Poodle and Dog Blog has an awesome story about a US soldier in Afghanistan who rescued a young puppy and had a photo taken of it hanging out in his backpack. The soldier was injured in Afghanistan -- and soldiers arranged for the puppy to get back home to him.
The state of pit bulls in Ohio: Shelters' predicament -- Central Ohio Dog Blog discusses the plight of pit bulls in Ohio shelters under the state's current breed-specific law -- a law that is on pace to hopefully end soon.
Seven common stress signals -- Central Ohio Dog Blog takes a look at canine behavior and signs that a dog gives that it is stressed.
Help! My dog growls at my baby! -- a webcast by Family Paws Parent Education on how to handle toddlers -- who often make dogs feel uncomfortable.
Failing shelters dodge blame. News at 11 -- Dogged blog (Christie Keith) takes a look at shelters that are doing it wrong blaming others for their poor shelter performance.
Thirty percent of the top ten stories shared on Facebook were about animals - Dogged blog takes a look at the 10 stories on facebook and why animals (and animal journalism) is of legitimate interest to large numbers of people.
Thumper's Rule -- Wisconsin Watchdog notes that an old rule her mother had may not be the best advice -- and is glad the No Kill Movement hasn't followed it.
Yes, Pit Bulls Suddenly Snap --- a fun pictoral post at Life w/ Dogs
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