Staffordshire Terrier Club of America - Legislative Committee

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,364641,00.html

“AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — The Dutch government says it will lift a long-standing ban on pit bulls because it did not lead to any decrease in bite incidents.

Agriculture Minister Gerda Verburg has informed parliament of the decision, which follows the advice of a commission of experts appointed to review the policy.

Instead, the country will focus on enforcing local leashing laws and owner education programs.

Spokesman Koen Geelink said Monday the ministry hopes to have a new policy in place by year-end, in which dogs that have displayed aggression will be tested by an expert.

The country banned the breeding and possession of pit bulls in 1993, after three children were killed by the dogs.”

PA Could Open Door to Breed Bans!
Ask Your Rep to Oppose HB 2553

June 2, 2008

A bill that would lift the statewide ban on breed specific legislation has recently been introduced in Pennsylvania. HB 2553, sponsored by Representative Galloway, has been referred to the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee for consideration. Under this new law, cities and counties would again be permitted to pass laws that discriminate against particular breeds of dog.

NAIA is adamantly opposed to any and all breed specific legislation and we need members like you to help us stop this extreme concept in its tracks anywhere it is introduced. Our motto is “punish the deed, not the breed.”

Breed-specific laws fail because they do not take into consideration the reality that any dog, regardless of its physical characteristics, must be raised, trained and socialized properly to become a good pet and canine good citizen. Breed bans undermine responsible dog ownership by diverting attention from the real issue, which is the need for dog owners to educate themselves about their dogs’ behavioral needs and to provide socialization and training consistent with those needs. Dog owners who understand this produce good dogs regardless of the breed or mix.

Of course the actions of criminals and drug dealing dog owners must be dealt with swiftly and appropriately when they are not inclined to educate themselves or adhere to the standards of responsible ownership.

Many jurisdictions in America have overturned their breed-specific laws, realizing that they are ineffective, expensive to enforce, and inadequate to protect citizens from dangerous or vicious dogs.

Those who use these dogs for status or to further criminal activity will continue to break the law just as they do now in cities with breed bans and restrictions.

Furthermore the time and money it would take to enforce the law and the public outrage it would generate make it highly unlikely that it would be enforced.

Please borrow from the talking points we have provided to write your representative and educate them about the harmful effects of this poorly conceived bill.

Here is the link to the full text of HB 2553.