Just saw this on another list and though I would pass it along...
http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2421
Illinois Looks at BSL
[Friday, February 11, 2005]
Rep. Jerry Mitchell has introduced HB1128, a bill to allow Illinois municipalities to enact breed-specific laws. (A statewide dangerous dog law passed only two years ago prohibits such legislation.) The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation on Wednesday, February 16th at 2 p.m.
The American Kennel Club recognizes that legislators want to protect their constituents and prevent tragic incidents from occurring. To provide communities with the most effective dangerous dog control possible, however, laws must not be breed specific. Instead of holding all dog owners accountable for their behavior, breed specific laws place restrictions only on the owners of certain breeds of dogs. If specific breeds are banned, owners of these breeds intent on using their dogs for malicious purposes, such as dog fighting or criminal activities, will simply change to another breed of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety.
HB1128 will do little to address the root cause of dangerous dog problems—irresponsible owners. Rather, strongly enforced dog control laws such as leash laws, generic guidelines for dealing with dangerous dogs, and increased public education efforts to promote responsible dog ownership are all positive ways to protect communities from future dog attacks.
What You Can Do:
The House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation will hold a hearing on HB1128 on Wednesday, February 16th at 2 p.m. in Room D-1 of the Stratton Building at the Capitol in Springfield. It is critical that concerned dog owners attend the hearing to express their opposition to breed-specific language. Note: The House Ag Committee will also hear HB707, a bill that could require licensing for all hobby breeders and rescuers, at the meeting on Wednesday. Help is needed to oppose this measure as well. For more information, please read our alert on this bill.
If you cannot attend the hearing, immediately contact the committee members to express your opposition to HB1128 and HB707.
House Agriculture and Conservation Committee
Stratton Office Bldg #200-9S
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone:217/782-1018
MEMBERS
Rep. Kurt M. Granberg (D) [Chair]
Phone:217/782-0066, FAX:217/557-7598, Email:
kgranberg@housedem.state.il.us
Rep. Brandon Phelps (D) [Vice Chair]
Phone:217/782-5131
Rep. Mike Boland (D)
Phone:217/782-3992, Email:
mboland@housedem.state.il.us
Rep. Shane Cultra (R)
Phone:217/558-1039
Rep. Lisa Dugan (D)
Phone:217/782-5981, FAX:217/782-0945
Rep. Robert Flider (D)
Phone:217/782-8398, FAX:217/782-2528
Rep. John C. "Jack" McGuire (D)
Phone:217/782-8090, Email:
jmcguire@housedem.state.il.us
Rep. Donald L. Moffitt (R)
Phone:217/782-8032, FAX:217/557-0179
Rep. Richard Myers (R)
Phone:217/782-0416, FAX:217/782-5257, Email:
rpmyers@legis.state.il.us
Rep. Robert W. Pritchard (R)
Phone:217/782-0425, FAX:217/557-7205
Rep. David B. Reis (R)
Phone:217/782-2087, FAX:217/782-1336
Rep. Dan Reitz (D)
Phone:217/782-1018, FAX:217/782-0945, Email:
dreitz@housedem.state.il.us
Rep. Jim Sacia (R)
Phone:217/782-8186, FAX:217/558-7016
Rep. Keith Sommer (R), Phone:217/782-0221
Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D)
Phone:217/782-5970, FAX:217/558-1253
For more information, contact:
Illinois Dog Clubs and Breeders Association
Lotzadots101@aol.com
773-763-5773
Canine Legislation department
doglaw@akc.org