Lowell, Massachusetts
January 17th, 2009The STCA AKC Delegate, Holly Stump, took a proactive approach to prevent the passing of a proposed Breed Specific ordinance in her home state. The following is her first hand account of how she fought BSL in Lowell Massachusetts and got legislators to see that there is a better way:
In preparation:
I have been talking with two rescue groups from area to help get folks to attend. Also Lowell Humane Society executive director ( Jill O’Connel ) and the Lowell ACO officer ( Bill Potter ). I wrote to city solicitor, city manager and mayor and all council members and attached lots of good info. One councilor ( Ammand Mercier ) has a daughter Pauline who is involved with PBRC. I have been trying to reach her to see if we can get to him. I am constantly told councilors are also controlled by mayor who is very much the drive behind this thing. I confirmed with city clerk that the meeting is open to non residents. Found out the Lowell Sun journalist who has been covering this is a Pit Bull owner.. Jennifer Myers. I wrote to her as well…. I obtained a copy of what they put in place Dec 23, 2008 ( basically Haverhill’s that many of us contributed to last year ) and what they are proposing to layer on top ( pit bull specific ). This includes muzzling when off of owners property, No open windows or screened doors in structures where dogs are present, required singe for areas dog is to be confined (indoor and outdoor), not allowed in city Dog Parks, special license ( max 2 per household), required spay/ neuter with medical exemption only . “ The ACO is authorized to immediately impound any PB in violation of article IV and which does not fall within the listed exceptions listed therein. The ACO is authorized to house and/or dispose of any impounded PB at his/her sole professional discretion. ACO is authorized to expand the provisions of article IV to include additional breeds of dogs upon ordinance amendment approval by Lowell City Council; based on a cursory showing of the reasons for such expansions. Any PB or any dangerous or vicious dog found within the city, as determined by ACO, or any police officer of the LPD, to be a dog trained for dog fighting, or a PB or any dangerous or vicious dog owned or harbored on property known for drug trafficking or gang activity shall be impounded and destroyed by the ACO. The ACO or any LPD officer may shoot a PB or any dangerous or vicious dog trained for fighting or kept in connection with drug trafficking or gang activity if it is reasonably believed that said PB or any dangerous or vicious dog is attacking or about to attack the ACO, the police officer or any person.
At the public hearing:
13 spoke in opposition and two in favor. The two in favor were Lowell residents. One had a dog attacked by a loose PB. The other had a dog attacked by a mastiff that blasted through a screen door. The 13 that spoke in opposition were a mix of outside experts, Lowell organizations and Lowell residents (I think 6). There were more ( about 12 ) residents there opposed but they did not speak, they sat with the opposed group so the numbers were noticed. Myself ( representing NAIA and Mass Fed of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners ), Emanuel Maciel ( New Bedford ACO and President of MA ACO’s Association, Alan Borgal ( Director of the Center for Animal Protection/ Animal Rescue League of Boston), Dr, Amy Marder ( Vet and behaviorist ), Mike Keiley ( Manager MSPCA MA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farms Methuen ), Kara Holmquist ( Advocacy MSPCA), Lowell Unleashed (group of 10- one speaker) all spoke against the ordinance with focus on different areas of expertise. This testimony combined with well delivered and highly factual testimony from local residents had very positive results. Some of the council openly admitted to coming to the meeting with minds basically made up to support this proposal. They all however voted to postpone the vote on passing the ordinance. This was lead by Councilor James Milinazzo’s (Public Safety Committee chair) reversal of the committee’s recommendation formed just two weeks ago on this ordinance. This move proves that democracy and local government can and does work when given a chance. Many of the organization present offered to help Lowell and the offer was accepted. There is lots of work to be done, as some councilors are not yet fully on board with going to something that is 100% non breed specific, but we do have the door open and we will be part of the ongoing efforts in the city of Lowell.
Holly
I sent letters to city staff, mayor and council as well as a letter to the editor of local paper acknowledging and commending them all on the dedication which they are demonstrating while addressing the issue of dangerous dogs in Lowell.
