BSL Livingston Co. MI

[heather]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... /805190332

that is terrible.. I can't help it but I just fill with hate when I think of this type of policy. it doesn't help that the director of Animal Control supports the law. That sucks.. I am sure that the council members thing that being a director of AC makes one an expert. As I know some AC employees are very much dog lovers and are very knowledgable, but many of them are nothing more than people who just needed a job and wouldn't worked any job.

[heather]

If this isn't a pit bull ban.. why is that the headline? It is so stupid since I seriously doubt there is a high correlation between people who adopt dogs from the shelter and those same dogs attacking people.


Livingston County Passes Pit Bull Ban

Some say pit bulls are dangerous, others say they've just gotten a bad rap.

Jennifer Armstrong of Howell owns this two year old pit bull named Mya.
She agrees with the later.

"I've owned American bulldogs," Armstrong said. "I've owned pit bulls. I just love them."

But after two people were mauled in Iosco Township last September, the director of the Livingston County Animal Control has been working for stricter laws for "bully breed" dogs.

"If I did nothing, I couldn't look at myself in the morning," Anne Burns, director of the Livingston County Animal Control, said.

Burns proposed a policy which discontinues adoptions of Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, Pit Bull Terriers, and American Pitt Bull Terriers from the shelter.

"I'm not banning pit bulls by any means," Burns said. "I'm just not going to adopt them out to the community that could be a potential for extreme harm."

The policy, which was adopted by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners Monday, also includes euthanizing the stray dogs picked up off the streets within days if the owners don't claim them.

But dog trainer Sami Sprague said the breed itself is not violent, it's the environment.

"Breed specific legislation is not the answer we're looking for," Sprague said.

"There are no bad dogs, only bad owners," Armstrong said.

Armstrong said Mya is one of the lucky ones, because she was adopted from the shelter before this policy was passed.


http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/19086779.html

[julie64]

[ptowngoalie]

I went to this meeting last night and the outcome was absolutely ridiculous. All of the commissioners were ignorant to everything about pit bulls. About 25 people stood up in opposition to this law and only 1 person stood for it. That doesn't seem like they are doing it in the best interest of the county. To see everyones reaction was just as bad as the outcome. A few people were crying and everyone was outraged. I'm still furious about this but there is a chance that it isn't final.

[heather]

what does the ordinance say? if your dogs were picked up and had microchips and a tag what would happen? what determines if you get a fine or a criminal offense?

[heather]

I wrote them a letter at Animal Control. I don't know what else I can do.

[6pak]

I take it the County Board of Commissioners are a elected group. Everyone who has a bully breed in this county needs to vote these people out of office. That is really the only thing that is going to change this BSL mentality. A council member may be less Pro-BSL if they know just suggesting the option may cost them their seat. We need to get organized quick because this is already getting out of control.

"I'm not banning pit bulls by any means," Burns said. "I'm just not going to adopt them out to the community that could be a potential for extreme harm."

A good question for Ann Burns would be "How many of the pit bulls or bully breeds that you adopted out have caused harm? And if another breed causes a similar incident, is she going to stop adopting out that breed also?

[jrsapbt]

6pak
These are elected officials, but who's to say their next opponent will be on our side? These people were going to pass the resolution no matter what was said. The 3 minutes we were allowed was just a formality.

heather
If your bully breed escapes without his collar you have 4 days to claim him before euth. You have 7 days to claim him if he has a collar or chip before euth. If you do claim him you face 90 days in jail and a $500 fine + court fees.

If your lab escapes you only have to bail him out of the shelter no jail.

[uid0]

I went to this meeting last night and the outcome was absolutely ridiculous. All of the commissioners were ignorant to everything about pit bulls. About 25 people stood up in opposition to this law and only 1 person stood for it. That doesn't seem like they are doing it in the best interest of the county. To see everyones reaction was just as bad as the outcome. A few people were crying and everyone was outraged. I'm still furious about this but there is a chance that it isn't final.

I was there too. I'm the guy with the pony tail. It may not be final but it's pretty darn close.

What happened was an administrative rule change for how animal control deals with "bully-breeds". The county a can't write laws or ordinances. It can only enforce state law. The local municipalities can write ordinances and the state writes the laws. That said. The public comment was the only input we had in the process. Yes, we can vote the commissioners out a election time but that's in the future.

I too am disappointed and concerned. I try walk my all three of mine for 3.5 miles just about every night. But now. . . I'll do it later when there are no people out.

I'm also putting up a covered run in my yard even tough I already have a six foot privacy fence.

I understand the need to do "something". I just wish they did the right thing.

What we need to focus on now are our state representatives, state senators, and the governor. It was stated that this is going to be pushed up to the state level. Perhaps we can get some sort of preemptive non-breed specific legislation passed before we have BSL at the state level.

I still want to see the final version of the rule change.

[heather]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi- ... 1657.story


Livingston County passes pit bull adoption ban
Associated Press
6:18 PM CDT, May 20, 2008
Article tools
E-mail Share
Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Reprints Post comment Text size: HOWELL, Mich. - Livingston County officials have adopted a policy that prevents the county's animal control department from handling adoptions of pit bulls and other so-called "bully breeds."

The policy approved Monday night by the board of commissioners includes euthanizing stray dogs considered to be aggressive after four days if owners don't claim them. People will have to show proof of ownership and pay fees and possible fines to pick them up.

The breeds include Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, Pit Bull Terriers and American Pitt Bull Terriers.

A pack of bulldogs in September killed two people in Iosco Township.




Two pit bulls fatally mauled a horse in January in Handy Township.

[heather]

http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/19086779.html

Livingston County Passes Pit Bull Ban Save Email Print

Posted: 11:18 PM May 19, 2008
Last Updated: 2:35 AM May 20, 2008
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
Email Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com

10 comments

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No Pit Bull Adoptions Allowed



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A | A | A Some say pit bulls are dangerous, others say they've just gotten a bad rap.

Jennifer Armstrong of Howell owns this two year old pit bull named Mya.

She agrees with the later.

"I've owned American bulldogs," Armstrong said. "I've owned pit bulls. I just love them."

But after two people were mauled in Iosco Township last September, the director of the Livingston County Animal Control has been working for stricter laws for "bully breed" dogs.

"If I did nothing, I couldn't look at myself in the morning," Anne Burns, director of the Livingston County Animal Control, said.

Burns proposed a policy which discontinues adoptions of Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, Pit Bull Terriers, and American Pitt Bull Terriers from the shelter.

"I'm not banning pit bulls by any means," Burns said. "I'm just not going to adopt them out to the community that could be a potential for extreme harm."

The policy, which was adopted by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners Monday, also includes euthanizing the stray dogs picked up off the streets within days if the owners don't claim them.

But dog trainer Sami Sprague said the breed itself is not violent, it's the environment.

"Breed specific legislation is not the answer we're looking for," Sprague said.

"There are no bad dogs, only bad owners," Armstrong said.

Armstrong said Mya is one of the lucky ones, because she was adopted from the shelter before this policy was passed.

[heather]

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S= ... v=menu25_2

Pet Lovers Fuming Over Decision on "Bad" Dogs

Posted: May 20, 2008 08:13 AM EDT

Pet Lovers Fuming Over Decision on "Bad" Dogs

Dog owner: "It's the people, it's not the animals."

Dog owners in Livingston County are fuming over a resolution meant to protect local citizens. After a series of mauling incidents, the County Board of Commissioners takes action by regulating so-called "bully breeds." The board voted on this controversial issue which had dozens of dog owners fighting for man's best friend. Before the meeting, dog owners gathered outside in support of man's best friend.

Alison Bauer, Howell resident: "I would not accept a dog that had bitten someone, and if they have, I agree that they need to be put down, but they need to have a chance."

Inside, county commissioners listened as a packed room of angry dog owners voiced their opposition to the proposed resolution, one which would end adoptions of the so-called "bully breeds" and euthanize any aggressive breeds caught running loose within four days.

Dog owner: "These animals do not deserve to die. If there's a problem with the breeds, we need education, education, education."

Dog owner: "You can't just say pit bulls are bad dogs, because they're not."

Board members put the resolution on the table after a pack of bulldogs attacked and killed two people last September, and back in January when police say two pitbulls viciously attacked an Arabian horse. Owners call the resolutions a death penalty for dogs.

Dog owner: "We take care of these animals, we are responsible for them."

In the end, the board voted for the resolution.

William Rogers, Livingston Co. Commissioner: "We cannot afford to put one of those dogs out there and have happened, what recently happened, because that would be on our shoulders."

And the battle for man's best friend was lost. Commissioners say the resolution will take effect immediately across the county

[luckystar02]

I live in livingston county and its sad to me that these people on council wont even give the dogs a chance. I cant believe they think the solution is to kill them and not try to get them into a rehab or shelter that has the resources to properly temperment test them. Also bully puppies....to say they are evil and must be put down is rediculous...something has to be done here. I'm wondering if anyone has or is interested in starting up a organized group to fight this B ull S hit L aw. I would definatley be willing and interested in putting in time and effort to help a group get started if there isnt one.

I think the public needs positive information about these dogs...and also information on how bsl doesnt work...and it wont save anybody from bad owners. I know i'm preaching to the choir but this really grinds my gears. I'm now definatly going to get my dog certified as a therapy dog..and get her in the paper....bringing smiles to faces.

anyway if there is a group around here does anyone have info?

[heather]

County OKs euthanizing aggressive dog breeds

From The Ann Arbor News - Ann Arbor MI

http://www.mlive. com/news/ annarbornews/ index.ssf? /base/news- 11/1211553743319 150.xml&coll=2

Board of Commissioners action Monday follows 2 deaths last year

Friday,May 23, 2008 BY TOM TOLEN The Livingston Community News

Despite vocal objections from a hostile audience, the Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution earlier this week giving the county's animal control department the authority to euthanize so-called "bully breeds'' or "aggressive dogs'' under certain conditions.

Under the new rule, any stray, unlicensed dog considered dangerous or a bully breed that is picked up or surrendered to animal control faces possible euthanasia.

If it does not have a "collar, license, MDA tattoo or other evidence of ownership,'' the dog will be held for the state-mandated period of four days, "or seven days, with evidence of ownership,'' the resolution states. If not claimed by the owner, who must show proof of ownership and pay the required fees, the dog will be euthanized.

Breeds affected by the new rule include pit bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, American bulldogs, mixes, or any aggressive dogs. The resolution defines an aggressive dog as one that has an "observed or historical behavior that makes the animal a danger to the health and safety of people or other animal(s).''

Board Chairman Bill Rogers of Genoa Township emphasized the new policy isn't cast in stone. "If circumstances change down the road, it can be changed,'' he said.

Jennifer Armstrong of Howell was one of many people who pleaded with the board not to approve the policy. "You can't just eliminate breeds, you can't just say pit bulls are bad, because they're not,'' she told the board.

"We adopted a dog rescued from a pit bull dog ring and had him for six years,'' said Allison Bauer of Marion Township. "If you'd have passed the legislation (then), he'd have been dead.''

Callie Baker of Pinckney said she works at the Livingston County Humane Society shelter and called the board vote an "awful'' decision. "We get pit bulls, shepherds, bully breeds,'' Baker said. "Pit bulls are bred to be loyal, and we've never had to euthanize one.''

She noted the Humane Society has a different philosophy than that of the county's animal control department. According to the society's Web site, the agency's mission is provide "pet adoption services, lost and found assistance and education on humane treatment, responsible pet ownership and overpopulation' ' of animals.

After the vote, a few people in the audience yelled, "murderers!' ' as they left the boardroom.

Commissioner Steve Williams of Marion Township said the resolution was not a "knee-jerk'' reaction to the killings of two county residents by dogs last year but was a reasoned approach recommended by Burns after careful thought. Cheryl Harper, 56, and Edward Gierlach, 91, died Sept. 13 after four American bulldogs owned by Diane Cockrell crawled under a fence and attacked them in rural Iosco Township. Cockrell is awaiting trial on two felony counts of possessing dangerous animals causing death. She faces an evidentiary hearing on June 11 before Circuit Judge Stanley Latreille.

In another incident, in Handy Township just outside Iosco Township in January of this year, two pit bulls mauled a Polish Arabian mare, which was euthanized. David McGalliard, 44, was sentenced to 30 days in jail after pleading no contest to allowing animals to stray and having unlicensed dogs.

Rogers conceded that the policy would not have been adopted had the two county residents not been killed by one of the breeds cited in the policy.

"What bothers me is if an aggressive animal gets out (and kills someone), who is going to get hammered because we didn't do our duty?'' Rogers said.

<<How>>

Livingston County Animal Control Director Anne Burns said although the new policy goes into effect immediately, she has no dogs in the pound now that would be affected.

Burns also said she does not have a way to quantify the number of "bully breed'' dogs that come into animal control each year but was getting software that would allow her to keep track in the future.

Burns said the county dog pound has 37 cages for dogs, and the number of dogs housed "varies quite a bit, according to season.'' In 2007, Burns said 781 dogs were brought to the shelter. Of that total, 353 were returned to owners, 237 were adopted, 185 were euthanized and six were given to rescue groups.

Tom Tolen can be reached at ttolen@livingstonco mmunitynews. com or at 810-844-2009.