AKC Legislative Alert: Indianapolis Holds Public Hearing on Dog Violence, IN

[Rene Allegrini]

Indianapolis Holds Public Hearing on Dog Violence
[Monday, June 12, 2006]

In the wake of two vicious dog attacks, the Indianapolis Rules and Public
Policy Committee is holding a public hearing June 14th to discuss possible
legislative action. Concerned dog owners and fanciers are needed to attend
this hearing and educate legislators about why a breed-specific ordinance in
not an effective solution.

Mayor Brad Peterson has indicated in recent weeks that he might support a
breed-specific ordinance. In 2005, Councillor Franklin introduced a
breed-specific ordinance to declare Rottweilers, American Staffordshire
Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers
dangerous dogs, but the proposal failed to have a hearing within six months
of its introduction.

The American Kennel Club wholeheartedly supports legislators' desire to
protect their constituents and prevent tragic incidents from occurring.
However, breed specific dangerous dog laws are ineffective at keeping
communities safe. Rather than hold all dog owners accountable for their
behavior, these laws place restrictions only on the owners of certain breeds
of dogs. If specific breeds are banned, owners 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.

AKC believes 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:

Attend the public hearing on June 14th.
Room 260
City-County Building
200 E. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Contact Mayor Brad Peterson.
2501 City-County Building
200 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Phone: (317) 327-3601
Fax: (317) 327-3980
Contact your representative on the Indianapolis City Council.
To find out who represents you on the Indianapolis City Council, click here
http://imaps.indygov.org/GovntProfile/.
The Honorable or Councillor (Name)
241 City-County Building
200 E. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-4242
Points to Address:

Breed-specific laws are not the best way to protect communities. An owner
intent on using his or her dogs for malicious purposes will simply be able
to switch to another type of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety.
The list of regulated breeds or types could grow every year without ever
addressing responsible dog ownership. Deeds, not breeds, should be
addressed.

Breed-specific laws are hard to enforce. Breed identification requires
expert knowledge of the individual breeds, placing great burden on local
officials.

Breed-specific laws are unfair to responsible owners.

Breed-specific laws increase costs for the community. Shelter costs for the
community could rise as citizens abandon targeted breeds and adoptable dogs
of the targeted breeds could be euthanized at the shelter.

Some communities have had their breed-specific laws overturned on
constitutional grounds. Because proper identification of what dogs would be
included is difficult or impossible, the law may be deemed
unconstitutionally vague.

Strongly enforced animal control laws (such as leash laws), generic
guidelines on dealing with dangerous dogs and increased public education
efforts to promote responsible dog ownership are all better ways to protect
communities from dangerous animals.

Breed-specific legislation is opposed by the AKC, the American Veterinary
Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, the ASPCA, and
a host of national animal welfare organizations that have studied the issue
and recognize that targeting breeds simply does not work.


For more information please contact:

AKC's Canine Legislation department
919-816-3720
doglaw@akc.org