Dog lovers declare victory over proposal for breed banning

[roscoe]

Coral Springs dog lovers declare victory over proposal for breed banning

By Sallie James
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted October 18 2006

CORAL SPRINGS · Specific dog breeds likely won't be banned here or in any other Florida city anytime soon.

Before a crowd of about 75 dog lovers, city commissioners on Tuesday unanimously rescinded a Sept. 19 resolution asking the Broward Legislative Delegation to pass a state law giving cities the power to outlaw specific breeds. Commissioners said there is insufficient support for the measure locally and at the state level.

Instead, commissioners have asked dog owners to work with city staff to come up with a better way to deal with dangerous dogs.

"We are just trying to find a solution to help protect citizens and our first responders," said Commissioner Vincent Boccard, who proposed the initial resolution. "It would probably die at the state level anyway. Nobody wants to sponsor it, and it would get nowhere, so this would be a good compromise."

Dog owners burst into applause after the commission's decision.

"This breed-specific legislation is racism against dogs," said Ronda Gunnison of Plantation, who is with South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue. "You have to look at each individual dog and see why they bit."

In recent weeks, the subject of breed-specific dog bans became a hot topic after an exotic guard dog, a Presa Canario, fatally mauled its owner. The Coral Springs mother was bathing the animal in her backyard when the attack happened.

Mayor Scott J. Brook said the city reversed its action because of public outcry.

"We've heard from our citizens. There is not enough support for what we've done," Brook said on Tuesday. "I think we will be able to work with the residents to come up with a way to help our residents be safe without attempting to get legislation passed by the state that would be difficult to pass."

The state has a dangerous dog law, but it is not breed-specific and it prevents cities from developing dangerous dog regulations specific to a breed. Coral Springs officials wanted the legislative delegation to push for legislation that would have allowed such bans.

Coral Springs dog lovers declare victory over proposal for breed banning: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

[roscoe]

Now here's a city that gets it, that along with the fact the State of Florida outlawed breed specfic legistlation throught out the state. They've asked for dog owners to work with the city to come up with better way to deal with dangerous dogs!

This story should go a long way to entice dog owner who are against BSL to step up and be heard, the powers that be are are listening!

[TR Young]

That is a great post, Roscoe. I am glad to hear about it. I do have a question, though... I thought Dade County had a ban on 'Pit Bull' type dogs? Was that rescinded as well?

[Karyn]

YIPEEEEE! I plan on moving to Jupiter in about three years!!!!! I'll come back for Rott Stock.

[lovemypuppies]

That is some great news!!!! We have family in Florida and this makes me MUCH MUCH more inclined to buy there again!!!!!

[SABELLESMOM]

YAY! I have relatives in Fla., several, in fact! Not that I would impose my animals on them for a visit, but it's nice to know I "could."

[StephanieandToby]

It's nice to see that Coral Springs is a trend setter...not a trend follower.....

[MomMcpsl]

Originally Posted by TR Young

That is a great post, Roscoe. I am glad to hear about it. I do have a question, though... I thought Dade County had a ban on 'Pit Bull' type dogs? Was that rescinded as well?

The ban on Pit Bulls is still in effect for Dade County b/c it was passed in 1989 before the state ruled against breed specific legislation. Even though the state ruled against it, it is still an ongoing issue here. Every now and then certain towns, cities, municipalities try to pass a ban. From what I understand, the only bans that are allowed are that of homeowners associations. And trust me, 99% of hoa's will NOT allow a bully breed or a Rottie. That is why I left Palm Beach County b/c I wanted to get a house w/o having an HOA and that is hard to find in Palm beach county. So, we are happily in St. Lucie county right now with no HOA and and room for the dogs to run around!

[MomMcpsl]

Originally Posted by Karyn

YIPEEEEE! I plan on moving to Jupiter in about three years!!!!! I'll come back for Rott Stock.

Hey Jupiter isn't too far from me! But, I will warn you about the Home Owners Associations that I posted about earlier. A lot of the newer developments in Jupiter have HOA's, and HOA's don't like Rotties! I'm from NY originally and I've never had to deal w/HOAs until moving to FL and I am OVER them! There are a lot of residential areas in both Martin County and St. Lucie County that don't have HOAs and you are allowed to have whatever dog you want and paint your house any color you want! Just fyi!

[TR Young]

Originally Posted by MomMcpsl

The ban on Pit Bulls is still in effect for Dade County b/c it was passed in 1989 before the state ruled against breed specific legislation. Even though the state ruled against it, it is still an ongoing issue here. Every now and then certain towns, cities, municipalities try to pass a ban. From what I understand, the only bans that are allowed are that of homeowners associations. And trust me, 99% of hoa's will NOT allow a bully breed or a Rottie. That is why I left Palm Beach County b/c I wanted to get a house w/o having an HOA and that is hard to find in Palm beach county. So, we are happily in St. Lucie county right now with no HOA and and room for the dogs to run around!

I figured that there would be some way around it. That stinks. Thanks for the info!

[targonrotts]

miami got grandfathered in, unfortunately.
i heard alot of the gulfstream rott club was there at the meeting...i missed it. had to work and had agility class...i would never had made it up there in traffic. but i helped by emailing letters to mr. gold and spreading the word.
every bit we do helps!
florida people, unite!

[MomMcpsl]

Originally Posted by targonrotts

miami got grandfathered in, unfortunately.
i heard alot of the gulfstream rott club was there at the meeting...i missed it. had to work and had agility class...i would never had made it up there in traffic. but i helped by emailing letters to mr. gold and spreading the word.
every bit we do helps!
florida people, unite!

Yes, Florida people unite, I agree! This is why I posted the following in chit chat, but I haven't seen any responses. In case you didn't see it I'll post it here as well: I just found about this today, the Luv a Bully March against BSL. It's on roverlution.org. I was pleased to see a march will be happening in West Palm Beach! There are 6 marches across the county all on October 28th. It's not just for bully breeds, but any breed targeted by BSL and anyone who is against BSL should march. There is strength in numbers. I'll be there w/my anti BSL rottie tshirt on! This is a worthwhile cause to all of us who could one day be affected by BSL. You can check the website to see if a walk will be held near you. Hope to see some of you in West Palm! (the website you can find out info on is roverlution.org, click on the state you want for the specifics on each march)
p.s. I'm going to email Yoly at ggar to see if they know about it! I think their halloween event is the same day but I'll try!

[targonrotts]

Originally Posted by MomMcpsl

Yes, Florida people unite, I agree! This is why I posted the following in chit chat, but I haven't seen any responses. In case you didn't see it I'll post it here as well: I just found about this today, the Luv a Bully March against BSL. It's on roverlution.org. I was pleased to see a march will be happening in West Palm Beach! There are 6 marches across the county all on October 28th. It's not just for bully breeds, but any breed targeted by BSL and anyone who is against BSL should march. There is strength in numbers. I'll be there w/my anti BSL rottie tshirt on! This is a worthwhile cause to all of us who could one day be affected by BSL. You can check the website to see if a walk will be held near you. Hope to see some of you in West Palm! (the website you can find out info on is roverlution.org, click on the state you want for the specifics on each march)
p.s. I'm going to email Yoly at ggar to see if they know about it! I think their halloween event is the same day but I'll try!

sorry, i missed your post. i usually pick a few posts to read a day and answer...since my typing is slow and the computer slower!
yes, email yoli to post to the grc groups. the rott club event is on the 29th in hollywood,fl.
i am scheduled to be at a flyball demo on the 28th in ft lauderdale at another dog event...but anything we can do to show responsible ownership and wherever, we must!

[MomMcpsl]

Originally Posted by targonrotts

sorry, i missed your post. i usually pick a few posts to read a day and answer...since my typing is slow and the computer slower!
yes, email yoli to post to the grc groups. the rott club event is on the 29th in hollywood,fl.
i am scheduled to be at a flyball demo on the 28th in ft lauderdale at another dog event...but anything we can do to show responsible ownership and wherever, we must!

Thanks for the response! Yoly told me she will post it to let the members know, although eveyone is busy getting ready for their event on the 29th.