Even more good news out of the state of Ohio, as more and more communities are following the state's lead in repealing their breed specific laws and instead, moving to a breed neutral law that defines aggression based on behavior, not what a dog looks like.
Earlier this year we mentioned that Strongville and Geneva on the Lake repealed their breed-specific laws, following examples set by Shreve and Bay Village, and Cincinnati.
Next on the list are Avon Lake, OH -- who unanimously passed a repeal 7-0 on Monday. Councilman Dave Kos, who pushed for a repeal 3 1/2 years ago said that attitudes have definitely changed on the council over time and the council was much more agreeable this time around.
Also, North Royalton, OH repealed their breed-specific law -- and now 'pit bulls' in that community are no longer automatically dangerous under local law. Thanks to Jodie at Bless the Bullies for this update.
Also, Painesville, OH has removed pit bull-specific language from their city law. Thanks to Stop BSL for this link.
Meanwhile, Xenia, OH revised it's Breed-specific law, so certain breeds are not automatically considered vicious in Xenia -- unless a dog in the household bites someone, then they are, even if the offending dog is not of a targeted breed. Weird. Thanks to Jennifer at Stop BSL for keeping us up to date on this one as well.
So more good news out of Ohio -- three more repeals, and a lot of changing attitudes about what constitutes a dangerous dog in the state (hint -- it's how it actually acts). This is definitely a sign that we're moving in the right direction. Minds are changing. People are becoming more educated and more aware of what science and experts say about canine behavior. Hooray.
The politicians who pass BSL should take a test to prove they can identify the breeds they are criminalizing.
Is this dog a pit bull terrier?
Des Moines labels APBT as vicious and requires specific liability insurance. This may be slowing down Manny's adoption.
http://iowapetadoptions.com/manny-des-moines
Posted by: Erich | June 28, 2012 at 11:03 AM
I think they should all have to go down to their local shelter and meet some of the adoptable pit bulls at the shelter and meet them before they can vote. I wonder how many people have voted to pass breed bans that have only seen a pit bull on TV...
Posted by: Brent | June 28, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Pit Bulletin Legal News on blogtalkradio.com (Tuesday's at 8:00 p.m.) is doing a great job of keeping us informed and giving us more resources to educate City Councils along with you Brent at KCDog Blog. THANK YOU!!! We need to know how to effectively sway Council members to our way of thinking without making them dig in their heals. The more we know, the better we are at changing minds one-by-one!
Posted by: Robin | June 28, 2012 at 11:50 AM
Oh, previous broadcasts of Pit Bulletin Legal News are archived if you want to know what you've been missing!
Go to blogtalkradio.com and put Pit Bulletin Legal News in the search.
They list who the main speakers are for each show. You can download them or listen live on your computer or smartphone.
Posted by: Robin | June 28, 2012 at 11:54 AM
I completely missed my hometown overturning BSL - Go North Royalton! Tyra our pit bull of over 3 years said she doesn't feel any difference :-)
Posted by: Carianne Burnley | June 28, 2012 at 01:58 PM
KC Dog Blog and PBLN are my two favorite blogs to keep me up on dog-related news. It's so nice to be part of a group of rational thinkers, unlike many politicians and the general public. I agree that people enacting legislation should have to get to know pit bulls or mixes before making blanket decisions.
I recently heard about a documentary called "One Nation Under Dog" that sounds like it would be worthwhile for legislators to watch. It might put things in perspective before they jump on the BSL bandwagon. I've not seen it, but here's the link to the trailer.
http://www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/one_nation_under_dog-film39388.html
Posted by: Jen Brighton | June 28, 2012 at 04:35 PM