Ohio Dog-Fighting Task Force in Ohio

[Vicki]

PRESS RELEASE- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

URGENT! IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND RESPONSE NEEDED! PLEASE POST & CROSS-POST

OHIO FORMS DOG-FIGHTING TASK FORCE- MAY RECOMMEND CHANGES TO STATE DOG LAWS

August 1, 2001, Reynoldsburg Ohio.

The Ohio Dog Fighting Task Force met to discuss strategies to research the
problem of criminal dog fighting in Ohio. The task force will develop
recommendations, including possible revisions to State laws to control,
deter, and ultimately eradicate dog fighting in Ohio.

The Task Force is made up of enforcement personnel like prosecutors, police,
animal control officers and a veterinarian. There is no one on the Task
Force to represent dog owners, breeders or dog behavior and training
experts.

While the Task Force's mission is to investigate dog fighting, this meeting
focused almost exclusively on pit bull dogs. Ohio is the only state to
regulate pit bulls, classifying them as vicious dogs. Dog fighting is a
felony in Ohio, punishable by a fine of up to $2500.00 and/or 18 months to
five years in prison. In 2000, the penalty for a second conviction for dog
fighting was raised to a Felony 3 status, which has fines to $5000.00 and
2-10 years in Prison.

DOG OWNERS SHOULD BE HIGHLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE FOCUS AND DIRECTION OF THE
TASK FORCE.

Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon presented two videos to the Task force
members, and stressed that pit bulls are aggressive animals. One video
stated that: "Some dogs and select breeds are more aggressive and vicious
than others," as it showed the UKC Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire
Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Skeldon noted that: "Dog fighting is
strongly connected to pit bulls." He said that since Breed Specific
Legislation was passed in Ohio in 1987, people are getting around the law by
calling pit bulls by other names, such as the American Bulldog, Presa
Canario or Olde English Bulldog.

Sandy Rowland of the HSUS testified about the difficulty of identifying a
pit bull dog when attempting to prosecute a case. She reminded the task
force that taking away pit bulls will not solve the problem of dog fighting.

The panel also discussed what should be used as evidence for dog-fighting
Ms. Rowland suggested that the police look for awards like Best in Show
trophies, plaques or ribbons. Treadmills, springpoles, medications and
medical equipment, and books or magazines about fighting dogs were
discussed. Ms. Rowland advised the task force that: "Felony provisions can
only go so far", and alerted them to a successful marketing campaign in
Chicago, where: "they are getting a lot more pit bulls as a result."

Both presenters stated that weight pull events were nothing more than a
cover-up for dog fighters.

The Task force plans to present its findings and recommendations to the
State legislature in January, 2002. Michigan State's dog-fighting law may be
used as a template. More restrictions on pit bull owners are likely without
strong opposition from dog owners in the state. The panel also discussed the
ability to convict based solely on circumstantial evidence.

Melanie Tierney of Canine Friends of Cleveland, and Polly Ward of the Ohio
Animal Owner's Association spoke vigorously for the interests of responsible
pet owners in the state.

Lt. Governor Maureen O'Connor and Ohio Department of Agriculture Director
Fred Dailey both expressed a commitment to be mindful of the concerns of the
dog fancy and responsible pet owners. However, there is no one on the task
force to represent the dog fancy.

The task force will meet again on October 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ohio
Department of Agriculture building in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. All meetings are
open to the public, and public comments are welcome.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

1. Contact the task force and request that they conduct scientific,
well-designed research studies, in the following areas:
A) How much does it cost communities to enforce BSL?
B) Availability, costs and legal interpretation of the insurance requirement
C) Review the constitutionality of BSL
D) Review the ratio of successful prosecution of dog fighting cases compared
to dog-fighting 'busts'. Conduct a financial analysis of the costs of
prosecution compared to actual felony penalties
E) Investigation of what happens to repeat offenders
F) How animal control budgets are spent, what % on vicious dogs? What % on
other tasks, such as impounding unlicensed dogs, and picking up loose dogs?

2. Contact the Task Force and tell them you are opposed to any new
restrictions or regulations that target pit bulls or any other breed of dog.
Request that they remove any references to specific breeds as part of any
proposed changes to legislation.

3. Contact your State Representative and your State Senator and tell them
you are concerned about the goals of the task force. Tell them you are
opposed to any new restrictions or regulations that target pit bulls or any
other breed of dog. Complain that there is no representation for the dog
fancy on the task force. If possible, try to set up a personal meeting to
discuss these issues.

4. Be sure to tell the Task Force, your State Representative and your State
Senator that you do not condone dog-fighting. Tell them that you support
strong enforcement of laws that will effectively target and punish those who
engage in dog-fighting.

Contact the Task Force:

Ohio Dog fighting Task force C/O

Jim Hoekstra
ODA Enforcement
8995 E. Main St #1
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
614-728-6240
614-728-6328 FAX
hoekstra@odant.agri.state.oh.us

Please copy any materials or comments to the co-chairs of the Task Force:

Lieutenant Governor Maureen O'Connor
30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-466-3396
ltgov.o'connor@das.state.oh.us.

Ohio Agriculture Director Fred Dailey
Ohio Department of Agriculture
8995 East Main Street
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
614-728-6200
614-466-6124 FAX
agri@odant.agri.state.oh.us

-30-

Melanie Tierney
Canine Friends of Cleveland
PO box 37140
Maple Hts, OH 44137
216-556-5PET
aegis66@veriomail.comDog

[scottz1]

Great post, Vicki!

I will do everything that I can to stop the insanity. I live just north of Columbus and will consider attending the meeting. Too bad that it's on a weekday at 1:30 PM, though.

I own the ultimate argument against BSL. A mixed-breed dog that is often mistaken for a "vicious pitbull". She may or may not have one the breeds considered to be a pitbull in her bloodline. She clearly illustrates the difficulty in enforcing such laws. She's also very friendly toward people and toward other dogs. I wish that I could present her to this Tom Skeldon guy for his analysis. She would lick even his face.

Thanks again for your post and for the valuable contact information.

[Troy]

I contacted my State Rep, and those on this "task force".
The more noise the better.
You know...there are a lot of smart people in Ohio...why can't we get it right when it comes to dogs???

[Atti's Mom]

Thanks for the post Vicki!!! I will do what I can!!! Just wish my girl was still alive, I am about 4 hours from there, and I would have shown up with her, they wouldn't have been able to resist petting her! She would have been ab excellent example of "the good side" of the coin! ;) :)