Last night, Clayton, MO (Population 16,000) in suburban St. Louis UNANIMOUSLY voted to repeal its ban on "pit bulls". Instead, the laws will now deem any animal to be dangerous "based on demonstrated conduct and characteristics and not mere assumptions...."
I've not read the full context of the bill, but it sounds like they followed through with details for behavior-based standards, as well as an appeal and hearing process to protect owners as well.
Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, Bradford City (Population 9,000) passed a measure to remove "pit bulls" from it's dangerous dog list. In this case it was brouth to the city's attention that the law violated Article V Sec 459-509A of the Pennsylvania State statutes that prohibit municipalities from enacting laws targeting specific breeds.
Thus, the city solicitor and the police chief looked at the issue and said they wanted the law "off the books." And now, it is.
Then, 11 days ago, Waterloo, WI passed a repeal of its breed specific law.
These communities have now joined Canton Township, MI; and Bonner Springs, KS; in repealing their breed-specific laws already this year.
This is FIVE communities already this year that have repealed their breed bans in favor of breed-neutral, behavior based laws. It's January 29th. Others, like Aurora, CO; are also currently looking at repeals.
Six years ago it was rare for a community to repeal its breed ban. However, now, cities are overwhelmingly deciding to replace their breed-targeted laws with breed neutral laws that focus on the the bahavior of the dogs (and owners). Having five communities in a single month (which isn't over yet) repeal their bans is a huge testiment to how quickly the tide is turning.
Logic, common sense, and the advice of experts is taking priority over the "hysteria of the moment." This is good for communities. And good for dogs. And good for pet owners. It's great to see the turning tide.
Great news!
I also just found this update on an individual dog who's been incarcerated for three months: "Update 1/28/14: Astro is out of the facility and in foster care! - http://www.examiner.com/article/dog-kenneled-for-months-at-animal-control-is-going-crazy-behind-bars
Posted by: Chris | January 29, 2014 at 07:49 PM
And that's only five communities recently with many others repealing their BSL in the past few years. I feel so blessed to be a part of the pit bull advocating community today with everything that's happening. There's a lot of positive things going on for pit bulls and the people who have them and it's only going to get better as we continue to advocate for them in the calm and rational way we should be.
Posted by: Cheryl Huerta | January 30, 2014 at 01:59 PM