Illinois Looks at BSL

[Mochasmom]

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

[rott'nrottie]

This newest push for BSL is coming on the heels of a girl in my hometown being mauled by 3 Pit Bulls and a mixed breed. It makes me especially angry, because the owner of the 4 dogs has let his dogs (more than just these 4) run free as far back as I can remember. I can't say that I have much knowledge of these dogs specifically, but they had little or no obedience from what I understand.

The story on the mauling is that the girl snuck out of her house in the middle of the night to meet friends. As she went past the home of the 4 dogs (which is in the country), they attacked her, leaving her badly injured on the side of the road. She eventually died of hypothermia. While this greatly saddens me, and I agree with the euthanization of the dogs, I don't feel that BSL is the answer (as I know you ALL agree). As of right now, the owner has not faced any charges.

So please, do what you can to help stop this and future BSL.

And here is the link from our local newspaper on this story.Quad City Times