TN - next state on the BSL chopping block

[mrs1885]

Originally Posted by jlaack

I'm telling you it is one breed (Goldens too) that gets a free pass! Mental note to self, if you live in an area where rottweiler BSL passes dye the tan markings black and state your dog is a black lab.

LOL!!! What an idea!! I can just see Candy and Tyson when I come at them with a bottle of Ms Clairol!! LOL!!

[rbsuttn]

I'm currently in the Army and stationed at Ft Bliss (El Paso) Tx. The private housing has a BSL on the books and my family and I had to find off-post housing because we have a Rotti. The vet won't see him, and I can't take him on post to visit friends for fear of being turned into the MP's.

It's a sad, sad, thing.

[jlaack]

Yes it is. There is another thread on that specific topic too about base housing becomming affected by BSL too. I am glad that you were able to find a way to keep your Rotti despite the restrictions, especially having to move off base.

[JonandMichelle]

From what I understand, the individual who wanted the bill in TN had his mind changed due to a very special person who did some awesome fact finding about specific dog bite history in the state of TN, and exactly what type of breed was responsible for such bites. When the cold hard facts came to light that the dog bites were caused by OTHER breeds then Pit Bulls on majority of the cases, the facts spoke for themselves, and the bill (for now) has been put off. I wish I had the email explaining this, but I deleted it. Bottom line is, much research went into fighting TN's BSL, and it was very effective! My hat goes off to the incredible woman who spent her time doing such awesome fact finding, and had the guts to stand up to legislation!

[JonandMichelle]

Here is a recent update on the newest TN bill introduced on Jan 17th from:

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys

I just spent a good, long time on the phone with Senator Kilby’s assistant, Nadine, regarding SB3827, which hit the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. Nadine was extremely pleasant and helpful as she has been in all our discussions in the past.

This is what I was able to find out from our discussion:

The difference between SB2738 (which was withdrawn on January 18) and SB3827 (which was filed on January 17) is the Chapter and Title the bills refer to. As I understand it, the change in the Chapter and Title allows Senator Kilby to make broader, more sweeping changes to the bill. SB3827 affects Titles 39 and 44 and, as such, it opens the bill to a wider array of modifications. The previously filed bill only pertained to Title 39 and could only have been narrowly tailored from its original form.

Now that the bill is in the Senate Judiciary Committee, the committee members will start to make modifications and changes to it. I am assured that the breed specific language will be removed and, as we have all read, Senator Kilby has made public statements that he does not intend on proceeding with a pit bull ban. Moving forward now would certainly damage his credibility and trustworthiness.

As I understand, Senator Kilby is following procedure in order to craft a dangerous dog law that is enforceable and holds owners of all dogs to a higher accountability. I have also been assured by a dog loving member of the Tennessee House, that this is standard procedure.

NEVERTHELESS… standard procedure or not, we should continue to write to Senator Kilby and the nine members of the Senate Judiciary Committee (in the same polite and professional manner that was acknowledged before) regarding our opposition to breed specific legislation and encourage them to remove the breed specific language from the bill immediately.

Nadine reminded me that all the Senate Judiciary Committee meetings are open to the public, and she encouraged anyone interested to attend. Groups and/or individuals wishing to make presentations in support of their position are encouraged to do so.

In addition, Nadine has asked that we offer to Senator Kilby and the committee viable, enforceable, REAL solutions for the their consideration.

As stated above SB3827 was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday (January 23, 2008). It is very important for everyone to contact each members of the Committee with their polite and respectful opposition to this bill. We are also asking that you forward alternatives and ideas to committee for their consideration.


**PLEASE NOTE** It is too early to flood the entire Tennessee Legislature with our opposition. If the bill gets out of committee, we will then want to expand our opposition.