**ALERT** Lynn, Massachusetts

[Rene Allegrini]

Your polite and respectful opposition to breed specific legislation is necessary for the Lynn city officials listed below:


Mayor Edward Clancy, Jr.
3 City Hall Square
City Hall - Room 306
Lynn, MA 01901
Phone: 781-598-4000
Fax: 781-599-8875

City Clerk
Mary Audley
maudley@ci.lynn.ma.us
(781) 598-4000


Councilors-At-Large
Name Phone Address
Paul T. Crowley 781 593-4700 86 Holyoke Street, Lynn MA 01905
Loretta Cuffe-O'Donnell 781 599-1450 11 Lake Avenue, Lynn MA 01902
Charles T. O'Brien 781 581-5175 153 Marianna Street, Lynn MA 01902
John Timothy Phelan 781 592-0894 2 Meghans Way, Lynn MA 01904


Ward Councilors
Name Phone Address
Wayne A. Lozzi (Ward 1) 595-2389 335 Den Quarry Road, Lynn, MA 01904
William R. Trahant, Jr. (Ward 2) 592-7463 215 Verona Street, Lynn, MA 01904
Darren P. Cyr (Ward 3) 598-3601 50 Morton Hill Avenue, Lynn, MA 01902
Richard C. Colucci (Ward 4) 595-3048 265 Ocean Street, Lynn, MA 01902
Paula M. Mackin (Ward 5) 595-2041 57 Woodlawn Street, Lynn, MA 01904
Peter L. Capano (Ward 6) 598-4187 101 Alley Street Lynn, MA 01905
Richard J. Ford (Ward 7) 581-9581 9 Florence Street, Lynn, MA 01905


Another Lynn dog attack has Phelan talking action
By Robin Kaminski / The Daily Item

LYNN - In the wake of another dog attack in the city, Council President Tim Phelan said he and city officials are currently examining an increase in fines for unleashed dogs and whether a "Pit Bull ban" is a feasible option to protect residents from unruly animals.

Presently, the fine for having an unleashed dog in the city is $25, and each subsequent offense is $50.

While Phelan said he wasn't sure of the exact amount that the fine might be raised to, it would most likely be notably increased as early as this week.

"We're waiting for legal interpretations from the law department that should be ready this week," he said. "But we are definitely still moving forward on this matter."

Phelan said the council also plans to reach out to city postal carriers to identify any unleashed or unruly dogs while they are on their rounds in local neighborhoods.

"All options are on the table including revisiting a possible pit bull ban," Phelan said. "Nothing has changed and the possibility of a ban and the possibility for increased fines are still alive and kicking."

In addition, Phelan previously said that he plans to take a look at records of Pit Bull attacks that have taken place over the past five years to garner added information.

The most recent dog attack took place on Monday, where a teenager was bitten around 8 p.m. at 17 Ocean Terrace.

According to a police report, the victim and his brother were visiting friends at the apartment, where the Pit Bull, Buddy, reportedly attacked.

The victim apparently suffered a facial wound beneath his eye and was administered 25-30 stitches at a local hospital.


Animal Control Officer Kevin Farnsworth said the incident is still under investigation and did not release the dog owner's name or further information.

Aside from Monday's incident, two dog attacks in the city in last October have prompted city officials to tighten laws to protect residents.

Shoemaker school teacher and Lynn resident Julie Potter was violently attacked Oct. 17 while out for a jog on Lynnfield Street, after the mixed breed pit bull escaped from its leash and bit her on her arms and legs.

The owner, Robin Edwards of 407 Lynnfield St., surrendered the dog, Shadow, to Farnsworth and it was euthanized.

The second incident involved Lynn resident Claire Butcher and her neighbor's Pekingese dog on Oct. 22 near 252 Broadway. The dog has its eye torn out from its socket by a Terrier/American Pit Bull that was off of its leash.

The owner of the dog, Ashley Lupoli of 252A Broadway appealed a Magistrate's decision to have the dog euthanized, but it was later put down.

Deputy Police Chief Kevin Coppinger said any dog could be deemed a public safety threat if allowed to roam at its leisure.

"The bottom line is that if people took the time to put their dogs on a leash, and kept their animals under control, these incidents would not have occurred."

Another Lynn dog attack has Phelan talking action

[cerulean]

Below is a copy of the letter I am writing to the officials in Lynn, even though I live in Washington.... I am including it in case anyone wants to use parts/all of it.... just trying to do my little part, good luck, Rene.....
_____________________________________
Dear (....)
Please consider other options of the legislation currently before you, concerning the banning of a specific breed of dog, Pit Bulls.

While I thoroughly agree that dangerous dogs need to be controlled, illegal, and euthanized, this Breed Specific Legislation will not actually solve the problem, because:

1- Irresponsible owners are the problem.
2- Owners of powerful breeds need to do extra training and socializing to make sure that their dog is obedient and under their command.
3- Owners of ANY dog who tie their dog outside excessively, or neglect or mistreat ANY breed of dog, can create a vicious or fearful dog who will bite.
4- An irresponsible owner, if banned from owning one breed, will simply choose the next powerful breed, such as German Shepard or Chow, and inflict the same mistreatment, thereby creating another dangerous dog.

5- Police K-9, and Search-and-Recue, often favor these same breeds (Pittbulls, Shepards, Rottweilers) for their intelligence and power and loyalty. When PROPERLY trained and socialized, these breeds can truly be “man’s best friend”.

A quote from The Daily Item:
Deputy Police Chief Kevin Coppinger said any dog could be deemed a public safety threat if allowed to roam at its leisure.
"The bottom line is that if people took the time to put their dogs on a leash, and
kept their animals under control, these incidents would not have occurred."

Please consider legislation that enforces stronger fines and penalties for irresponsible owners including: dogs running loose; animal neglect or abuse, ESPECIALLY dogs who are confined on a chain excessively; large penalties for owners whose dogs DO bite or threaten.

Perhaps a special license for owners of specific breeds would allow responsible owners to keep their family pets. This could include:
- attainment of a title, such as Canine Good Citizen (CGC), offered by the AKC for dogs of any breed, pure or mixed. This title is attained by passing a test of socialization and advanced obedience.


Thank You,

[cerulean]

Just for fun I am also including a copy of the story about the Rotti and Staff. Bull Terrier saving the boy in Australia. Can't hurt....

Please let us know how this turns out... thanks