An alert was initially issued for Elgin, Illinois in June. There's been some back and forth as to whether or not breed specific regulations were, in fact, being considered. A resident of Elgin has just advised that BSL is still very much on the table there. Its important to note that Elgin is a "home rule" city.
Accordingly, please continue to send your POLITE AND RESPECTFUL opposition to the Elgin city officials. Contact information and links to a previous news story and council minutes are below.
Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys
www.blessthebullys. com
Elgin will revisit call for ban on pit bulls
June 11, 2009
http://www.dailyher ald.com/story/ ?id=299844
http://www.cityofel gin.org/archives /31/k%20- %20June%2010, %202009%20CC. pdf
City of Elgin, Illinois
Diane Robertson
City Clerk
150 Dexter Ct.
2nd Floor
Elgin, IL 60120-5570
Phone: 847-931-5660
Fax: 847-931-6027
robertson_d@ cityofelgin. org
City Manager
Sean Stegall
roder_n@cityofelgin .org
Edward Schock, Mayor Email: mayor@cityofelgin. org
Council Members:
Richard Dunne Email: rdunne@cityofelgin. org
Robert Gilliam Email: gilliam_r@cityofelg in.org
David Kaptain Email:kaptain_ d@cityofelgin. org
John Prigge Email: prigge_j@cityofelgi n.org
F. John Steffen Email:steffen_ j@cityofelgin. org
Mike Warren Email: warren_m@cityofelgi n.org
Elgin, IL
Re: Elgin, IL
crossposted:
An alert was initially issued for Elgin, Illinois in June 2009. There's been some back and forth as to whether or not breed specific regulations were, in fact, being considered. Its important to note that Elgin is a "home rule" city.
The amended animal control ordinanceis Item "F" on the city council agenda for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Council meetings take place begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Centre's Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL.
Accordingly, please send your POLITE AND RESPECTFUL opposition to the Elgin city officials TODAY. Contact information and links to a previous news story and council minutes are below.
Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys
www.blessthebullys. com
PREVIOUS ARTICLES ON ELGIN
http://www.dailyher ald.com/story/ ?id=299844
http://www.cityofel gin.org/archives /31/k%20- %20June%2010, %202009%20CC. pdf
CONTACT INFORMATION
City of Elgin, Illinois
Diane Robertson
City Clerk
150 Dexter Ct.
2nd Floor
Elgin, IL 60120-5570
Phone: 847-931-5660 847-931-5660
Fax: 847-931-6027
robertson_d@ cityofelgin. org
City Manager
Sean Stegall
roder_n@cityofelgin .org
Edward Schock, Mayor Email: mayor@cityofelgin. org
Council Members:
Richard Dunne Email: rdunne@cityofelgin. org
Robert Gilliam Email: gilliam_r@cityofelg in.org
David Kaptain Email:kaptain_d@cityofelg in.org
John Prigge Email: prigge_j@cityofelgi n.org
F. John Steffen Email:steffen_j@cityofelg in.org
Mike Warren Email: warren_m@cityofelgi n.org
Item F on tomorrow's council agenda:
http://www.cityofel gin.org/archives /32/2-24- 10%20COW% 20Agenda. pdf
Elgin looks to beef up pit bull laws
February 22, 2010
Elgin city leaders are considering rules that will require pit bull owners to: pay $100 for a three-year registration of their dogs; have $500,000 worth of insurance; and have their pets leashed and muzzled when they are being walked.
Violators could receive a $1,000 fine if they do not comply with the proposed laws that automatically deem pitbulls "dangerous" dogs.
Dangerous dogs also are required to be kept in a yard with a six-foot-tall fence with locks.
Mayor Ed Schock supports the proposal, which the council will take up at 6 p.m.
Wednesday in the Centre's Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way.
Schock said a pit bull ban would be "too extreme" and the new law helps protect the public, hold bad owners responsible while allowing pit bull owners to keep their dogs.
"This is a compromise," he said. "It really strengthens our animal control ordinance, which compared to other communities was outdated and relatively weak. It puts additional
restrictions on them on our belief that they are potentially more dangerous than the average dog."
For years, the city has aimed to give its animal control laws more teeth, but demands from residents for the city to do something about pit bull attacks reached a crescendo last summer when scores of people recounted devastating attacks.
And this past weekend, police found 21 aggressive pit bulls during a raid of an indoor marijuana growing operation and had to shoot six dogs.
Opponents of a pit bull ban railed against "breed specific legislation" saying it was better to punish the deed instead of just one breed.
The police department could not immediately specify how many dog attacks were reported in the city this year or last year and said a Freedom of Information Act request needed to be filed.
City Manager Sean Stegall and Corporation Counsel William Cogley said the laws, the first update in more than 20 years, hopefully will help prevent attacks.
"What we're trying to do is prevent the first bite here," Cogley said. "When (pit bulls) do attack, they attach with a relentlessness and ferocity that is different from other breeds."
full article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=361149&src=5
An alert was initially issued for Elgin, Illinois in June 2009. There's been some back and forth as to whether or not breed specific regulations were, in fact, being considered. Its important to note that Elgin is a "home rule" city.
The amended animal control ordinanceis Item "F" on the city council agenda for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Council meetings take place begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Centre's Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL.
Accordingly, please send your POLITE AND RESPECTFUL opposition to the Elgin city officials TODAY. Contact information and links to a previous news story and council minutes are below.
Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys
www.blessthebullys. com
PREVIOUS ARTICLES ON ELGIN
http://www.dailyher ald.com/story/ ?id=299844
http://www.cityofel gin.org/archives /31/k%20- %20June%2010, %202009%20CC. pdf
CONTACT INFORMATION
City of Elgin, Illinois
Diane Robertson
City Clerk
150 Dexter Ct.
2nd Floor
Elgin, IL 60120-5570
Phone: 847-931-5660 847-931-5660
Fax: 847-931-6027
robertson_d@ cityofelgin. org
City Manager
Sean Stegall
roder_n@cityofelgin .org
Edward Schock, Mayor Email: mayor@cityofelgin. org
Council Members:
Richard Dunne Email: rdunne@cityofelgin. org
Robert Gilliam Email: gilliam_r@cityofelg in.org
David Kaptain Email:kaptain_d@cityofelg in.org
John Prigge Email: prigge_j@cityofelgi n.org
F. John Steffen Email:steffen_j@cityofelg in.org
Mike Warren Email: warren_m@cityofelgi n.org
Item F on tomorrow's council agenda:
http://www.cityofel gin.org/archives /32/2-24- 10%20COW% 20Agenda. pdf
Elgin looks to beef up pit bull laws
February 22, 2010
Elgin city leaders are considering rules that will require pit bull owners to: pay $100 for a three-year registration of their dogs; have $500,000 worth of insurance; and have their pets leashed and muzzled when they are being walked.
Violators could receive a $1,000 fine if they do not comply with the proposed laws that automatically deem pitbulls "dangerous" dogs.
Dangerous dogs also are required to be kept in a yard with a six-foot-tall fence with locks.
Mayor Ed Schock supports the proposal, which the council will take up at 6 p.m.
Wednesday in the Centre's Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way.
Schock said a pit bull ban would be "too extreme" and the new law helps protect the public, hold bad owners responsible while allowing pit bull owners to keep their dogs.
"This is a compromise," he said. "It really strengthens our animal control ordinance, which compared to other communities was outdated and relatively weak. It puts additional
restrictions on them on our belief that they are potentially more dangerous than the average dog."
For years, the city has aimed to give its animal control laws more teeth, but demands from residents for the city to do something about pit bull attacks reached a crescendo last summer when scores of people recounted devastating attacks.
And this past weekend, police found 21 aggressive pit bulls during a raid of an indoor marijuana growing operation and had to shoot six dogs.
Opponents of a pit bull ban railed against "breed specific legislation" saying it was better to punish the deed instead of just one breed.
The police department could not immediately specify how many dog attacks were reported in the city this year or last year and said a Freedom of Information Act request needed to be filed.
City Manager Sean Stegall and Corporation Counsel William Cogley said the laws, the first update in more than 20 years, hopefully will help prevent attacks.
"What we're trying to do is prevent the first bite here," Cogley said. "When (pit bulls) do attack, they attach with a relentlessness and ferocity that is different from other breeds."
full article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=361149&src=5
Re: Elgin, IL
The final vote on the ordinance is March 10, 2010.
Elgin city council puts a tight leash on pit bulls
Restrictions move but divide council
By Harry Hitzeman | Daily Herald Staff
Elgin residents who own pit bulls are in for a whole new set of rules come this summer if a city council majority holds.
By a 4-3 vote, the council on Wednesday advanced a measure that would declare all pit bulls a "dangerous" breed, requiring their owners to obtain $500,000 insurance, muzzle their dogs when they are walked, erect a 6-foot-high fence if the dogs are outside, pay $100 for a three-year license and put signs on their homes warning of a dangerous dog or face fines starting at $1,000.
"Something needs to be done," said Councilman John Prigge, who was joined by fellow council members Robert Gilliam, Mike Warren, and Mayor Ed Schock. "This is the best plan for Elgin and its safety. It treats the cause and effect. It targets the owner and punishes them for bad behavior."
Council members David Kaptain, Richard Dunne and John Steffen voted against the law, which is part of the city's first full-scale revision of its animal control ordinance since 1986.
The three council members supported new rules but had concerns about muzzles, that fence heights would be incompatible with historic districts and new subdivision covenants, and the logistics of requiring people driving through town with their pit bulls to obtain permits from the police department.
full article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=361843
Elgin city council puts a tight leash on pit bulls
Restrictions move but divide council
By Harry Hitzeman | Daily Herald Staff
Elgin residents who own pit bulls are in for a whole new set of rules come this summer if a city council majority holds.
By a 4-3 vote, the council on Wednesday advanced a measure that would declare all pit bulls a "dangerous" breed, requiring their owners to obtain $500,000 insurance, muzzle their dogs when they are walked, erect a 6-foot-high fence if the dogs are outside, pay $100 for a three-year license and put signs on their homes warning of a dangerous dog or face fines starting at $1,000.
"Something needs to be done," said Councilman John Prigge, who was joined by fellow council members Robert Gilliam, Mike Warren, and Mayor Ed Schock. "This is the best plan for Elgin and its safety. It treats the cause and effect. It targets the owner and punishes them for bad behavior."
Council members David Kaptain, Richard Dunne and John Steffen voted against the law, which is part of the city's first full-scale revision of its animal control ordinance since 1986.
The three council members supported new rules but had concerns about muzzles, that fence heights would be incompatible with historic districts and new subdivision covenants, and the logistics of requiring people driving through town with their pit bulls to obtain permits from the police department.
full article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=361843
Re: Elgin, IL
Pit bull crackdown 'like racism against dogs'
Elgin council advances tough restrictions on pit bulls
Comments
February 25, 2010
By MIKE DANAHEY mdanahey@stmedianet work.com
By a 4-3 vote, the Elgin City Council Wednesday night approved moving along an amended animal control ordinance that puts tough restrictions on owners of pit bulls, which would be labeled "dangerous dogs."
At a committee of the whole session held at The Centre to accommodate an audience of more than 100 people, Councilmen Dave Kaptain, John Steffen and Rich Dunne had wanted to table the item, asking staff to look into several issues. But Mayor Ed Schock and Councilmen Robert Gilliam, Mike Warren and John Prigge brought the matter to a vote to move the matter along to an upcoming city council agenda. The same four voted for the changes as written -- with Prigge calling the issue a proactive measure and a safety issue for the city -- while the other three men voted against them.
The amended ordinance would put strict requirements on pit bull owners, and those not following the new rules would face fines of $1,000 or more. It calls for the owners to:
• buy three-year licenses for their dogs at a cost of $100;
• put an identifying microchip in the dogs;
• and have homeowner's or renter's liability insurance coverage.
Pit bulls would have to be spayed or neutered and would be required to undergo obedience classes.
full article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/cour ... 25.article
Elgin council advances tough restrictions on pit bulls
Comments
February 25, 2010
By MIKE DANAHEY mdanahey@stmedianet work.com
By a 4-3 vote, the Elgin City Council Wednesday night approved moving along an amended animal control ordinance that puts tough restrictions on owners of pit bulls, which would be labeled "dangerous dogs."
At a committee of the whole session held at The Centre to accommodate an audience of more than 100 people, Councilmen Dave Kaptain, John Steffen and Rich Dunne had wanted to table the item, asking staff to look into several issues. But Mayor Ed Schock and Councilmen Robert Gilliam, Mike Warren and John Prigge brought the matter to a vote to move the matter along to an upcoming city council agenda. The same four voted for the changes as written -- with Prigge calling the issue a proactive measure and a safety issue for the city -- while the other three men voted against them.
The amended ordinance would put strict requirements on pit bull owners, and those not following the new rules would face fines of $1,000 or more. It calls for the owners to:
• buy three-year licenses for their dogs at a cost of $100;
• put an identifying microchip in the dogs;
• and have homeowner's or renter's liability insurance coverage.
Pit bulls would have to be spayed or neutered and would be required to undergo obedience classes.
full article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/cour ... 25.article
Re: Elgin, IL
Therapy dog ‘dangerous’? Elgin targets pit bulls, other breeds
Council considering restrictions and new regulations for owners
By Amanda Marrazzo, Special to the Tribune
March 3, 2010
Elgin's effort demonstrates the difficult balance for communities in trying to protect citizens from dog attacks while avoiding the outcries — and potential lawsuits — from those who say pit bulls are unfairly demonized.
Joe Remijas dresses up his dog Taysia with feather boas and paints her toenails when he takes her on weekly visits to a nursing home and hospital in Elgin.
A certified therapy dog, Taysia has brought cheer to hundreds of ill and elderly people over the past seven years, he said.
Taysia is also a pit bull. So in order to keep her, Remijas will likely have to secure $100,000 in liability insurance and post a "dangerous dog" sign on his property,
restrictions the Elgin City Council will impose on dangerous and vicious dogs if an animal control ordinance it is considering becomes law. The measure narrowly won preliminary approval last week.
full article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... 3059.story
Council considering restrictions and new regulations for owners
By Amanda Marrazzo, Special to the Tribune
March 3, 2010
Elgin's effort demonstrates the difficult balance for communities in trying to protect citizens from dog attacks while avoiding the outcries — and potential lawsuits — from those who say pit bulls are unfairly demonized.
Joe Remijas dresses up his dog Taysia with feather boas and paints her toenails when he takes her on weekly visits to a nursing home and hospital in Elgin.
A certified therapy dog, Taysia has brought cheer to hundreds of ill and elderly people over the past seven years, he said.
Taysia is also a pit bull. So in order to keep her, Remijas will likely have to secure $100,000 in liability insurance and post a "dangerous dog" sign on his property,
restrictions the Elgin City Council will impose on dangerous and vicious dogs if an animal control ordinance it is considering becomes law. The measure narrowly won preliminary approval last week.
full article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loca ... 3059.story
Re: Elgin, IL
I have posted this all over several message boards, wrote emails and such and WILL be attending the meetings. Here is a Letter the CVMA wrote on March 2nd to the Elgin City Council.
To Elgin City Officials:
REGARDING YOUR PROPOSED BREED SPECIFIC (PIT BULL) LEGISLATION:
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association is the largest regional veterinary association
in the nation with nearly 1000 veterinarians and 4000 support staff who lovingly assist
more than one million Chicago area pets and their families. As undisputed authorities
in matters pertaining to animals, we would like to express our concerns and visions on
local animal legislation. We understand there is a current push to restrict "pit bulls" and
"pit bull type" dogs within communities in Illinois, and we do not support breed
specific legislation. We would like to become a springboard for information. As highly
educated animal experts, we are an invaluable resource for local City Councils and County
Boards when legislative matters involving animals arise.
Please review our position statement here:
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association supports proper training and
socialization of pets, as well as spaying/neutering. Since any dog can be
trained to be aggressive, responsible ownership is the key to this issue. The
CVMA does not support breed specific legislation. Forcing responsible pet
owners to surrender well-behaved dogs is both unfair and unnecessary. The
CVMA strongly supports enforcing leash laws, vaccination requirements and
the implementation of programs to teach responsible dog ownership. In
addition, we advocate setting clear guidelines to manage dangerous dogs on
an individual basis.
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association is prepared to offer expert opinions and
assistance in developing more successful bite prevention legislation.
We thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully Yours,
Dr. Shannon G. Greeley, DVM
Legislative Chair
SGG/dr
To Elgin City Officials:
REGARDING YOUR PROPOSED BREED SPECIFIC (PIT BULL) LEGISLATION:
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association is the largest regional veterinary association
in the nation with nearly 1000 veterinarians and 4000 support staff who lovingly assist
more than one million Chicago area pets and their families. As undisputed authorities
in matters pertaining to animals, we would like to express our concerns and visions on
local animal legislation. We understand there is a current push to restrict "pit bulls" and
"pit bull type" dogs within communities in Illinois, and we do not support breed
specific legislation. We would like to become a springboard for information. As highly
educated animal experts, we are an invaluable resource for local City Councils and County
Boards when legislative matters involving animals arise.
Please review our position statement here:
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association supports proper training and
socialization of pets, as well as spaying/neutering. Since any dog can be
trained to be aggressive, responsible ownership is the key to this issue. The
CVMA does not support breed specific legislation. Forcing responsible pet
owners to surrender well-behaved dogs is both unfair and unnecessary. The
CVMA strongly supports enforcing leash laws, vaccination requirements and
the implementation of programs to teach responsible dog ownership. In
addition, we advocate setting clear guidelines to manage dangerous dogs on
an individual basis.
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association is prepared to offer expert opinions and
assistance in developing more successful bite prevention legislation.
We thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully Yours,
Dr. Shannon G. Greeley, DVM
Legislative Chair
SGG/dr
Re: Elgin, IL
A rally organized by opponents of the pit bull rules is set for 9 a.m. Saturday outside city hall. Tomorrow 3/6/2010
Re: Elgin, IL
More changes coming for Elgin dog law
Comments
March 4, 2010
By MIKE DANAHEY mdanahey@stmedianet work.com
ELGIN -- Further modifications to Elgin's animal control ordinance will be presented at Wednesday's city council meeting. A vote on the matter is expected that evening, and any changes would go into effect in June.
As presented at the committee of the whole session Feb. 24, pit bull owners not following the new rules could face fines of $1,000 or more. As of the last council session, those rules include pit bull owners buying three-year licenses for their dogs at a cost of $100; putting an identifying microchip in the dogs; and having at least $100,000 of homeowner's or renter's liability insurance coverage.
Pit bulls would have to be evaluated, spayed or neutered and would be required to undergo obedience classes. The dogs also would have to be kept in fenced-in yards when outside with the fence at least 6 feet high and the gate locked and on non-retractable leads and muzzled when taken for a walk. Only people age 18 or older would be allowed to take pit bulls for strolls. And outsiders bringing their pit bulls to or through Elgin would need a pit bull passport, of sorts - a document from Elgin police permitting its passage.
full article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/cour ... 10.article
Elgin softens stance on pit bulls
By Harry Hitzeman | Daily Herald Staff
Contact writer
Calling it a compromise, Elgin leaders have toned down a new batch of laws aimed at controlling pit bulls.
"It's an attempt to try and compromise with concerns people have," said Councilman Robert Gilliam. "We're not set in stone. We're not trying to ram it down people's throats."
Under the proposed changes, pit bulls will still be declared "dangerous dogs" and violators of the lengthy ordinance still face fines of $1,000.
full article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=363639
Comments
March 4, 2010
By MIKE DANAHEY mdanahey@stmedianet work.com
ELGIN -- Further modifications to Elgin's animal control ordinance will be presented at Wednesday's city council meeting. A vote on the matter is expected that evening, and any changes would go into effect in June.
As presented at the committee of the whole session Feb. 24, pit bull owners not following the new rules could face fines of $1,000 or more. As of the last council session, those rules include pit bull owners buying three-year licenses for their dogs at a cost of $100; putting an identifying microchip in the dogs; and having at least $100,000 of homeowner's or renter's liability insurance coverage.
Pit bulls would have to be evaluated, spayed or neutered and would be required to undergo obedience classes. The dogs also would have to be kept in fenced-in yards when outside with the fence at least 6 feet high and the gate locked and on non-retractable leads and muzzled when taken for a walk. Only people age 18 or older would be allowed to take pit bulls for strolls. And outsiders bringing their pit bulls to or through Elgin would need a pit bull passport, of sorts - a document from Elgin police permitting its passage.
full article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/cour ... 10.article
Elgin softens stance on pit bulls
By Harry Hitzeman | Daily Herald Staff
Contact writer
Calling it a compromise, Elgin leaders have toned down a new batch of laws aimed at controlling pit bulls.
"It's an attempt to try and compromise with concerns people have," said Councilman Robert Gilliam. "We're not set in stone. We're not trying to ram it down people's throats."
Under the proposed changes, pit bulls will still be declared "dangerous dogs" and violators of the lengthy ordinance still face fines of $1,000.
full article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=363639
Re: Elgin, IL
crossposted:
Subject: ALERT: Please help fight BSL Wednesday ELGIN ILLINOIS
Please crosspost even if you are far from Illinois, possibly someone knows
someone in the area who can attend.
thank you
karen
Karen Perry
Ouilmette4@sbcgloba l.net
PLEASE HELP FIGHT BREED SPECIFIC LEGSILATION WEDNESDAY!!
The Mayor and the city council of Elgin are trying to pass breed-specific
legislation that would make it almost financially impossible for the average
law-abiding citizen to comply with. It is just short of an outright ban on
pit bulls within the city of Elgin.
Please help us fight breed specific legislation by joining us at the Elgin
City Council meeting at 7:00pm Wednesday March 10th in the Heritage Ballroom
at The Centre, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, Illinois
Subject: ALERT: Please help fight BSL Wednesday ELGIN ILLINOIS
Please crosspost even if you are far from Illinois, possibly someone knows
someone in the area who can attend.
thank you
karen
Karen Perry
Ouilmette4@sbcgloba l.net
PLEASE HELP FIGHT BREED SPECIFIC LEGSILATION WEDNESDAY!!
The Mayor and the city council of Elgin are trying to pass breed-specific
legislation that would make it almost financially impossible for the average
law-abiding citizen to comply with. It is just short of an outright ban on
pit bulls within the city of Elgin.
Please help us fight breed specific legislation by joining us at the Elgin
City Council meeting at 7:00pm Wednesday March 10th in the Heritage Ballroom
at The Centre, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, Illinois
Re: Elgin, IL
Elgin didn't pass anything breed restrictive, they passed an ordinance to require licensing on all dogs.
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/me ... ulls-elgin
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/steve-d ... l-ban.html
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/me ... ulls-elgin
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/steve-d ... l-ban.html
Re: Elgin, IL
BSL was voted down in Elgin 7-0 last night! 
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/cour ... 11.article
"Mayor Ed Schock complimented pit bull owners on how they conducted themselves during the debate on the issue, and said the matter offered proof that democracy works."
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/cour ... 11.article
"Mayor Ed Schock complimented pit bull owners on how they conducted themselves during the debate on the issue, and said the matter offered proof that democracy works."
Re: Elgin, IL
Elgin councilman says pit bull laws inevitable
It's only a matter of time before Elgin leaders reconsider a package of laws that will require pit bull owners to register and muzzle their dogs, a city council member believes.
John Prigge, an Elgin councilman who pushed for a grandfathered pit bull ban but settled for a batch of laws with stiffer penalties for all dogs that attack humans and other pets, predicted a serious incident would occur this year.
And that, Prigge told the South West Area Neighbors group Monday night, would give himself and three other council members reason to revisit and pass pit bull-only laws.
"I do believe something's going to happen," Prigge said. "I think it's inevitable. I just pray to God it's not a tragedy."
In late February, the council voted 4-3 to advance a measure that imposed a new set of rules on pit bulls, automatically declaring them "dangerous" dogs.
The designation would trigger a set of pit bull-only laws, including requiring owners to: register their dogs at city hall; muzzle their pit bulls when they are walked or let free in a backyard that doesn't have a six-foot tall fence; and obtain $500,000 of liability insurance.
Violators would faces fines of $1,000.
But last week, after a flurry of protests, council members voted 7-0 on a softer set of laws that did not automatically classify pit bulls as dangerous.
Rather, if a dog - no matter what its breed - attacked another pet or human, it could be deemed dangerous and be required to register at city hall and wear a muzzle when outside. In addition, the dog's owner would need $100,000 of liability insurance.
However, if there was another serious incident or if Elgin police had to shoot a pit bull while executing a search warrant, Prigge pledged to revisit the stiffer set of laws.
"In this particular situation, we felt this was the right thing to do," Prigge said. "We need to have another occurrence to happen - hopefully it's not a tragedy - and then there's no turning back."
SWAN residents said neighborhood safety is still a concern.
Resident Mike Curtin said he was chased twice by loose dogs - one of them a pit bull - last week while on a run.
full story:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=366341&src=1
It's only a matter of time before Elgin leaders reconsider a package of laws that will require pit bull owners to register and muzzle their dogs, a city council member believes.
John Prigge, an Elgin councilman who pushed for a grandfathered pit bull ban but settled for a batch of laws with stiffer penalties for all dogs that attack humans and other pets, predicted a serious incident would occur this year.
And that, Prigge told the South West Area Neighbors group Monday night, would give himself and three other council members reason to revisit and pass pit bull-only laws.
"I do believe something's going to happen," Prigge said. "I think it's inevitable. I just pray to God it's not a tragedy."
In late February, the council voted 4-3 to advance a measure that imposed a new set of rules on pit bulls, automatically declaring them "dangerous" dogs.
The designation would trigger a set of pit bull-only laws, including requiring owners to: register their dogs at city hall; muzzle their pit bulls when they are walked or let free in a backyard that doesn't have a six-foot tall fence; and obtain $500,000 of liability insurance.
Violators would faces fines of $1,000.
But last week, after a flurry of protests, council members voted 7-0 on a softer set of laws that did not automatically classify pit bulls as dangerous.
Rather, if a dog - no matter what its breed - attacked another pet or human, it could be deemed dangerous and be required to register at city hall and wear a muzzle when outside. In addition, the dog's owner would need $100,000 of liability insurance.
However, if there was another serious incident or if Elgin police had to shoot a pit bull while executing a search warrant, Prigge pledged to revisit the stiffer set of laws.
"In this particular situation, we felt this was the right thing to do," Prigge said. "We need to have another occurrence to happen - hopefully it's not a tragedy - and then there's no turning back."
SWAN residents said neighborhood safety is still a concern.
Resident Mike Curtin said he was chased twice by loose dogs - one of them a pit bull - last week while on a run.
full story:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=366341&src=1
Re: Elgin, IL
Not sure if it was an innocent mistake or purposely worded by the reporter, but as we all know, there is no such thing as a "dangerous breed" of dog. Nevertheless, good news for Elgin.
Shooting of pit bulls won't affect Elgin ordinance
Law to remain nonspecific about dangerous breeds after attack
The shooting death by police of two pit bulls running loose in Elgin last weekend will not likely prompt further restrictions in a new ordinance regulating dangerous dogs, city leaders say.
Under the ordinance, which took effect Tuesday, dogs that are determined to be dangerous by an animal control officer are required to have special licenses, be kept behind 6-foot-high fences with posted warning signs and be muzzled in public. Their owners must buy liability insurance.
The law was not yet in effect on May 28 when police said two family pets, a male and a female pit bull, escaped from their cages at a house in the 100 block of South Porter Avenue.
Authorities said police encountered the dogs near Festival Park. While officers were trying to lure them into a vehicle, one dog lunged at a boy, pinching his arm with its teeth and pawing at his back, police said. The dogs then lunged at the officers, who shot them in the chest and head, respectively. The animals were later euthanized at a local animal hospital, the report said.
The dogs' owner, Sonia Torres, was cited for having two loose dogs and not having them inoculated. Torres could not be reached for comment.
Before voting on the dangerous-dog ordinance in March, City Councilman John Prigge had pushed for the law to label pit bulls as dangerous automatically and require all pit bull owners to have the special licenses.
Prigge had vowed in March to revisit the ordinance if any pit bull attacks occurred, but he acknowledged this week that he doesn't have the support on the council to revise the law.
"It's clear now that my colleagues do not agree a 9-year-old being attacked is worth revisiting," Prigge said.
He said he still thinks the breed is dangerous — a notion that many pit bull owners protested while the ordinance was debated.
"To me, the data and documentation are ultra-clear that these dogs pose a danger and a threat," Prigge said.
Councilman David Kaptain said he hopes the new ordinance as it exists now will be sufficient to overcome problems associated with dangerous dogs.
"It puts more of the responsibility of animal controls on the owner," Kaptain said. "I think we need to give that time to work."
He said he opposed singling out pit bulls because a dog of any breed can be classified as vicious depending on how it is treated.
Elgin Mayor Ed Schock also said he did not see a reason to revisit the ordinance because a majority of council members already decided not to make it breed-specific.
He also said the last weekend's incident will be a lesson to dog owners about the potential for consequences, including hefty fines, if they violate local animal control laws.
"If they don't exercise appropriate caution with their dogs, they're going to pay a price for that," Schock said.
http://www.chicagot ribune.com/ news/local/ northnorthwest/ ct-x-n-elgin- pit-bull- update-20100604, 0,3993031. story
Shooting of pit bulls won't affect Elgin ordinance
Law to remain nonspecific about dangerous breeds after attack
The shooting death by police of two pit bulls running loose in Elgin last weekend will not likely prompt further restrictions in a new ordinance regulating dangerous dogs, city leaders say.
Under the ordinance, which took effect Tuesday, dogs that are determined to be dangerous by an animal control officer are required to have special licenses, be kept behind 6-foot-high fences with posted warning signs and be muzzled in public. Their owners must buy liability insurance.
The law was not yet in effect on May 28 when police said two family pets, a male and a female pit bull, escaped from their cages at a house in the 100 block of South Porter Avenue.
Authorities said police encountered the dogs near Festival Park. While officers were trying to lure them into a vehicle, one dog lunged at a boy, pinching his arm with its teeth and pawing at his back, police said. The dogs then lunged at the officers, who shot them in the chest and head, respectively. The animals were later euthanized at a local animal hospital, the report said.
The dogs' owner, Sonia Torres, was cited for having two loose dogs and not having them inoculated. Torres could not be reached for comment.
Before voting on the dangerous-dog ordinance in March, City Councilman John Prigge had pushed for the law to label pit bulls as dangerous automatically and require all pit bull owners to have the special licenses.
Prigge had vowed in March to revisit the ordinance if any pit bull attacks occurred, but he acknowledged this week that he doesn't have the support on the council to revise the law.
"It's clear now that my colleagues do not agree a 9-year-old being attacked is worth revisiting," Prigge said.
He said he still thinks the breed is dangerous — a notion that many pit bull owners protested while the ordinance was debated.
"To me, the data and documentation are ultra-clear that these dogs pose a danger and a threat," Prigge said.
Councilman David Kaptain said he hopes the new ordinance as it exists now will be sufficient to overcome problems associated with dangerous dogs.
"It puts more of the responsibility of animal controls on the owner," Kaptain said. "I think we need to give that time to work."
He said he opposed singling out pit bulls because a dog of any breed can be classified as vicious depending on how it is treated.
Elgin Mayor Ed Schock also said he did not see a reason to revisit the ordinance because a majority of council members already decided not to make it breed-specific.
He also said the last weekend's incident will be a lesson to dog owners about the potential for consequences, including hefty fines, if they violate local animal control laws.
"If they don't exercise appropriate caution with their dogs, they're going to pay a price for that," Schock said.
http://www.chicagot ribune.com/ news/local/ northnorthwest/ ct-x-n-elgin- pit-bull- update-20100604, 0,3993031. story
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