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Pit Bulls Banned in Madisonville Save Email Print
Posted: 9:15 PM Feb 14, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:13 AM Feb 15, 2008
 Reporter: Joe Brown
Email Address: brown@kbtx.com
442 comments
A | A | A

Pit bulls are no longer welcomed, or legal, in Madisonville. The city council passed an ordinance Monday effectively banning pit bulls within the city limits.

Those who already have the breed can keep them, but there are some rules to follow. You have to have at least $100,000 of liability protection and a $30 annual permit. The dog must be kept in a locked pen or muzzled and leashed when taken out of the pen.

A "Beware of Dog" sign must be posted and you have to provide a photo of the pit bull to the city. Also, you can't sell or transfer a dog within the city limits. And if your dog has puppies, you have 10 weeks to get them out of Madisonville.

Failure to comply with the ordinance could result in a fine of $50 a day.
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Posted by: Tammy Location: Hudson on May 5, 2008 at 08:43 PM
OKAY,THIS LAW IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS!!! AND ANYONE THAT AGREES WITH IT,SHOULD BE ASHAMED.ALL BREEDS SHOULD BE TREATED EQUAL.PITBULLS ARE WONDERFUL DOGS WHEN RAISED BY RESPONSIBLE OWNERS,"AND IT IS SO UNFAIR,TO PUNISH RESPONSIBLE OWNERS AND THEIR DOGS,THAT HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING WRONG." NO DOG IS BORN MEAN,ALL AGGRESSIVE DOGS ARE CREATED THAT WAY,BY THEIR OWNERS.IN ORDER FOR A DOG TO BE A GREAT DOG,WITHOUT ANY ISSUES,YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE THAT DOG WITH WHAT IT NEEDS AND THAT IS,"LOVE,FOOD,EXERCISE,TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION."ALL DOGS,OF EVERY BREED NEEDS THESE THINGS,IN ORDER TO BE GOOD DOGS.MAJORITY OF THE TIME,"ANY DOG,"THAT IS CONFINED TO A SMALL AREA OR LIVES ITS WHOLE LIFE ON A CHAIN WILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH AGGRESSION.AND THE SAD TRUTH IS, THIS IS THE WAY SO MANY POOR PITBULLS LIVE THEIR LIVES.PLUS YOU HAVE YOUR VICIOUS DOGS IN EVERY BREED.IF ALL PITBULLS WERE VICIOUS,THEN BELIEVE ME,U WOULD HEAR ABOUT A LOT MORE PITBULL ATTACKS THAN WHAT U DO.PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED!!!
Posted by: Celia Location: Lewiston, Idaho on May 2, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Yakima washington citizens filed a class action law suit against the city for the same thin and the citizens won....
Posted by: Charles Location: Arlington on May 2, 2008 at 12:12 PM
That's great!!! I wish more cities would do this. Good work Madisonville, keep it up!!! I still don't that's enough, but it's a great start!!! I can't wait until these dogs are nothing more than stuffed animals in a museum, where children ask their parents if we really had to live in fear of these dogs. And we can say "yes...at one time."
Posted by: b Location: oh on Apr 30, 2008 at 10:31 PM
i agree the best way to make a dog aggressive is to keep it pinned up in a cage and short leash. they dont require other dogs to be locked up all the time and have is mouth tied up all the time if you wanted to take them anywhere. why cant the make that for every dog? cause those stupid little dogs are the ones that bite all the time and noone ever says anything about them. and why is that? people are stupid leave the dogs alone go for the OWNERS. why cant people understand that.
Posted by: milo Location: ottawa on Apr 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM
the best way to make a dog aggressive and dangerous it to lock it in a pen,or tie on short leash, and allow no socialization. my yorkie is aggressive,my schauzer is sweet.2 local pitbulls are wonderful and trustworthy,another local pit bull and golden retriever are not(and always leashed).its not the breed but the dog and the qwners
Posted by: Shawn Ashby Location: nebo ky on Apr 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
This is the stupidest coment I ever heard off thies are good dogs it's not the dog it's the owners how thear treted. Thats all
Posted by: Phillip Location: San Antonio on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Outlawing dogs will not stop dog fighting or drug dealing, those people will just find new dogs. Technically a pit bull is not a breed of dog, it’s a term typically used to group 3 breeds of dog, the American Pit Bull Terrier (ABPT, American Staffordshire Terrier(AMSTAFF) and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier(STAFFIE). According to the American Temperment Test Society, the APBT has a pass rate of 84.3%, that's higher than the Chihuaha(70.3%) and many other dogs, check yours-http://www.atts.org/statistics.html Also much of the problem stems from misidentification, can you spot the APBT? http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Findthebull/findpitbull_v3.html Finally many of americas finest are APBT's Stubby was the first and most decorated war dog, Popsicle made the largest drug bust on the Mexican border. So please do your research and get to know the real "pit Bull" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCafxL0x4xo http://www.understand-a-bull.com/ http://www.badrap.org/rescue/
Posted by: Jenel Location: minesota on Apr 2, 2008 at 03:46 PM
OMG! that is soooo mean 2 do. i cant blieve them. its not the way the dogs r wen thyre born but its how the ppl treat them and hurt or abuse them. i want to kill those ppl rite now 4 banning such swt natured animals.
Posted by: Katie Location: Arlington on Apr 2, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Oh my goodness! that isnt a very nice law at all!!! They act as though the dogs are born bad! Thats so horid to do! How could they!?
Posted by: Jeanah Location: Houston area on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:43 AM
How did this law get passed, and how is it envorced, I was just talking about this w/ my boyfriend last night
Posted by: Leroy Location: Amelia on Mar 22, 2008 at 01:03 PM
I'm from Fairfax, next door to Madisonville. I have a pit mutt and agree that when raised, treated and trained properly and responsibly these are great species. But many of you may not have realized before posting against this new law, that Madisonville is a drug dealer's haven. I'm sure there upstanding citizens there too, but growing up next to Madisonville, I know there's just as many if not more wrong doers living there. I say this is a good law for that area that is actually going to protect the species from being bred and living the dog fighting life. That's why there's more pit attacks there, there's more pits bred for and being fought. I say yea Madisonville for stopping the violence and do not take this as an unwelcome slap in the face but as a good deed that's going to prevent dealers and general trash from owning, breeding and fighting pits. And if you were considering moving there before this law, you're not missing anything except getting your stuff stolen.
Posted by: brantlee on Mar 13, 2008 at 02:31 PM
that is bull crap you should not have to pay for your dog
Posted by: LINDA Location: BROWN on Mar 10, 2008 at 02:18 PM
AREN'T YOU CARRING THINGS A BIT FAR?IT'S NOT THE BREED IT'S HOW THEY ARE RAISED!
Posted by: kristi Location: wyoming on Mar 10, 2008 at 01:02 AM
ok DARLENE!!!! you hate pitts and i hate you. a little yapper like what you talk of WILL attack some one also.so maybe you should get all the *&$&ing info before YOU stick YOUR nose in our business. I LOVE PITTBULLS!!!!!And just because you think you know all, where did you get your information? A pittbull hater book? it is people like you that goes for banning these types of dogs that tear away at familys hearts that own these wonderful loving dogs.so get a life and put your nose in something that you actully know things about!
Posted by: Carolyn Henry Location: Abilene Texas on Mar 7, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I work in the legal field in Abilene and I have researched this issue. Please dont get rid of your dogs. You can fight this illegal action of Madisonville in the courts. THe time is now to STOP BSL here in Texas!! BSL does not work!! If Abilene would have done this I would had been the first with the court date!!!
Posted by: Pitbull Owner Victor Location: Mexia on Mar 6, 2008 at 05:01 AM
Wow, it is horrbile to see people bash a wonderful animal like that. It's not the breed that is bad it is the owner. Darlene you say you researched but sounds to me like you need to check your sources. Any dog can be dangerous. It all depends on who is raising the animal. I have also done tons of research due to ignorant people such as yourself. In temperament testing pit bulls scored 84.3% which is above the avg of 81.6%. The ATTS test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat. Those are actual numbers for you Darlene. Madisonville is ignorant for banning dangerous dogs. Dangerous dogs come from stupid owners.
Posted by: Robin Location: Austin, Texas on Mar 5, 2008 at 08:08 PM
It is unconstitutional to ban ownership of an animal based on its breed. Regardless of the few narrow-minded individuals supporting this law, it is the people as a whole that is being denied their civil rights.
Posted by: samantha Location: killeen, tx on Mar 4, 2008 at 10:45 AM
banning an animal is so stupid. it makes no since we might as well not have any animals in the world.
Posted by: Lives in M-ville Location: Madisonville on Mar 3, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Amen to that! Darlene just sounds like a crazy animal hater!!!
Posted by: Greg Location: Florida on Mar 3, 2008 at 10:09 AM
It is the ignorance in posts like Darlene's that scares me more than any dog. Besides the misinformation and misunderstanding of dog behavior (and the facts), it is a scary tactic. The number of people who die in auto accidents is orders of magnitude higher than dog attacks. Why not ban SUVs and trucks that inflict more damage? This is crazy! Deal with the problem. Deal with the people who create the problem dogs! A breed ban doesn't fix the problem, it punishes responsible dog owners and innocent dogs in an attempt to get at the problem people and dogs. And the fact is, it just isn't effective.
Posted by: Darlene Location: Madisonville on Mar 1, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Pit bulls are the KILLERS of one in every three people killed in the US in fatal dog attacks. A Chihuaha isn't likely to KILL someone. I hate pit bulls!!! Even the ones that their owners say are friendly are not that friendly to strangers. It is the dog, especailly the pit bull, that is running loose and not under the control of their master, that needs to be off the streets and regualated. The pit bull was bred to fight bulls. Their wider, more muscular mouth rips and tears as they jump into the air and twist their bodies as they were bred to ---that inflicts so much more damage. The pit bull inflicts more damaging wounds to their victims than other breeds. I HAVE SEEN THIS< SO DON"T TELL ME THIS IS NOT TRUE! You need to research this type dog before you stick your nose in our business. ALSO the ban is not just for pit bulls but all dangerous vicious dogs. The loyal PET pit bull will attack others to protect all of you, even when you dont need protecting. That is the danger! GET REAL!
Posted by: aaron Location: alabama on Feb 28, 2008 at 07:14 PM
we are not democratic,the land of the free, or none of that anymore! goverment tells you what you can have in your lawns or yards, and now what you can have in your kennels. I think the ordinance sucks and everyone that voted for it does too!
Posted by: Concerned Location: Dallas on Feb 28, 2008 at 04:15 PM
If your police department can't protect the community from from what the citizens describe as drug dealers and criminals how in the world do you suppose they can enforce breed specific legislation! Madisonville, it sounds like you have a crime problem not a dog problem! I hope you are ready to foot the bill for an expensive court case at the taxpayers expense. A better solution for you is to adopt a good (legal) dangerous dog law that will protect you citizens from all dangerous dogs not one breed. The results are in on BSL and it is a proven fact that it just doesn't work. The dog bite statistics show that dog bites increased from 20% to 110% in communities that have passed BSL. Why would you pass the sam legislation and expect a different result?
Posted by: Marcia Location: San Angelo, Tx. on Feb 28, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Ban the mean dogs only with sufficient proof! Never take one family's word about a mean dog. Chihuahuas are still the meanest ounce per ounce than other dogs. They just can't nip much higher than ankles! Breed Specific Bans should NOT be allowed! So many times, a small, not on leash, dog starts a fight with the larger dogs on a leash.
Posted by: Holly Location: england on Feb 28, 2008 at 05:11 AM
it is perfetic banning the pit bull breed!! get a life and ban the owners
Posted by: Steven Jackson Location: Columbia,SC on Feb 27, 2008 at 09:12 PM
I am 100% against BSL = Breed Specific Legislation Punish the deed NOT the Breed.
Posted by: Connie Location: Post,TX on Feb 27, 2008 at 05:27 PM
I've got a lab/pit mix. Strangers walk up to him and pet him, kids waiting for the school bus in front of our house will go up to the fence and pet him, he loves the attention!Strangers have asked if they could have Harley! NO WAY! He's our baby! You should see him curl up in my husband's lap to sleep or come up and give me 'kisses'Lubbock Texas has had some pit bulls attack but they are in no way considering banning the breed. The Mayor has admitted the problem goes to irresponsible owners and NOT the dogs themselves. They are in the process of adding more officers to Animal Control to help enforce ordinances already in place. Madisonville should follow Lubbock's lead. Denver CO placed a ban on pits, you can't even drive through Denver without getting pulled over and having your pit taken from you. AND, dog bites are UP in Denver since the ban. I wonder why? Because irresponsible pit owners just went out and got another breed of dog to be irresponsible with. Ban irresponsible owners!
Posted by: Susan Location: Waco, Tx on Feb 27, 2008 at 03:50 PM
This is absolute proof that politics refuses to acknowledge a real problem -- after all, that might offend someone. Pits, or any other breed, aren't born 'bad', they're made that way by idiots who have no respect for themselves or anyone else. Seems more logical to enforce laws designed to protect innocent animals than ban them. Maybe you need to discontinue public handouts & force the losers in your community to get jobs to support themselves, then you can use that money to actually enforce laws that address the real problem. Do you people really think the losers won't find another breed to abuse? You're never going to 'fix' a problem until you actually address the real problem. Ban the idiots, not the dogs.
Posted by: El Location: Pampa, Tx on Feb 26, 2008 at 03:14 PM
What about the people such as myself who travel through Madisonville to other towns in the area. I keep my APBT with me whenever I travel for 2 reasons: companionship and protection. Will there be a fine sanctioned on me for traveling through Madisonville with a APBT?
Posted by: Julia Location: Leasburg MO on Feb 26, 2008 at 11:19 AM
BSL Never works.......Punish the deed NOT the Breed.....Hit iresponsible dog owners where it counts-in their wallet. Don't take it out on ALL owners!
Posted by: David Location: Milwaukee,WI on Feb 26, 2008 at 01:15 AM
I think that is a stupid law that has been passed. I have been attacked by a german shepard, and a shitzu so maybe you guys should ban those to.
Posted by: Megan DeAngelo Location: Bryan, TX on Feb 25, 2008 at 01:13 PM
BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) has been kept out of Texas at the state level thanks to petitions and calls to people in office. Keeping it out at the city level shouldn't even be an issue. BSL is wrong and unfounded. http://www.stopbsl.com has plenty of information about BSL and how to fight it including petition templates and http://www.dogwatch.com has effective letter writing templates. I am not from Madisonville but I am strongly against any BSL. Do your part to end the ignorance that plagues this city.
Posted by: shane Location: rockdale texas on Feb 23, 2008 at 06:19 PM
IGNORANT,IGNORANT,IGNORANT!! THIS IS UNREAL.BAN ALL DOGS IN YOUR CITY IF YOUR GONNA BAN ANY. IF YOU NAME ANY ONE BREED, ITS CONSIDERED BREED SPECIFIC. YES, VISCIOUS DOGS SHOULD BE BANNED. BUT YOU ARE BANNING ALL PITBULLS, VISCIOUS OR NOT. SEEMS THE CITY OF MADISONVILLE NEEDS BETTER LEADERSHIP AND MORE EDUCATED PEOPLE. TIME TO GET OFF THE FARM BILLYBOB.
Posted by: mel Location: madisonville on Feb 23, 2008 at 03:22 PM
must see video for pit bull owners/lovers. Go to www.youtube.com/user/vickyspin. Video block is at top of page.
Posted by: Lisa Boland Location: Jefferson County, TX on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Residents of Madisonville who are against the ban: GO, GO FIGHT THIS AT THE NEXT TOWN MEETING! NEVER GIVE UP! STAY ON THE COUNCIL'S BACKS UNTIL THEY LISTEN! I am an advocate of preventing BSL in Texas, and I can tell you that everyone has to keep fighting this, from experience. It is hard to keep pushing forward; however, people just have to keep this up. You guys are doing GREAT! Get the petitions out; organize groups to protest, and most of all, keep spreading the word. I believe there is strength in numbers. If I was in your area, I would be leading the pack on this. If there is anything I can do to help, please email me at btlbug74@hotmail.com; I would be happy to help in any way I can. Also, KEEP THE MEDIA INVOLVED IN YOUR EFFORTS! The media can be a very powerful tool in this matter. YOU CAN DO THIS! You all might review my previous comments; I have left two not counting this one. GOOD LUCK!
Posted by: Carmen Location: Branford on Feb 23, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Pit bulls are great dogs and only have a bad rep. I've had many pit bulls and there's nothing wrong with them...I also work with them at my local animal shelter. But, anyways, I think the band is wrong because pit bulls are very loving animals.
Posted by: T M Location: HOUSTON on Feb 22, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Texas Health and Safety code does not allow local gov'ts to enact restrisctions based on BREED. Guess Madisonville city council doesnt mind thumbing their noses at state law???? First it's ban the pitbulls then Rotties, GSDs,Dobies....RESPONSIBLE ownership and education!!! Funny how people put more thought into buying a car than acquiring a dog...
Posted by: Alisha Badillo Location: Madisonville on Feb 22, 2008 at 04:10 PM
My email address is alishabadillo@sbcglobal.net for anyone that wants to sign the petition and let me know where I can contact you.
Posted by: jo jo Location: Madisonville on Feb 22, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Alisha in Madisonville, How can I contact you in reference to the petition
Posted by: chantel Location: frederick, maryland on Feb 22, 2008 at 01:41 AM
BSL ban is an ineffetive ordinance that ignores the real problem associated with pitbulls and their owners! BLAME THE OWNER NOT THE BREED!!! If law enforcment would improve their quota and address the crime problem that is the real issue, then there would be only left responisble dog owners. texas got the problem twisted.
Posted by: Kelly Location: austin on Feb 21, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Alisha - I tried to post an hour ago but it still isn't showing so I am trying again. Check out this website http://www.forpitssake.org/bullybreed.htmlfor a picture of the magazine. If you still can't find it let me know. My offer to mail one is still good. Perhaps direct email would be more efficient than continuing on through KBTX's site. My email is Kellbell78745@gmail.
Posted by: Mattison Location: Texas on Feb 21, 2008 at 07:43 PM
These dogs are just like any other in the world! they are the same and no dog should be treated like this and be put out of a city!
Posted by: Kelly Location: Austin on Feb 21, 2008 at 06:13 PM
check out this website http://www.forpitssake.org/bullybreed.html if you still can't find it my offer to mail a copy is still good!
Posted by: Alisha Location: Madisonville on Feb 21, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Kelly in Austin: I googled Dog Fancy Magazine and cannot find where I can purchase old issues. Get back with me on this please!
Posted by: Kelly Location: Austin on Feb 21, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Alisha in Madisonville, I am not sure what kind of information you had in mind, but Dog Fancy Magazine publishes specialty issues focusing on different breeds. They have one on bully breeds that has a lot of useful, accurate, and unbiased information in it about APBTs, AmStaffs, etc. I bought a copy at Pet's Mart a couple of years ago. If you can't find issues in your area, email me and I'll be glad to mail you a copy. Perhaps you can forward it to your council members or others who don't understand that it's the dog owners who are the problem, not the dog breed.
Posted by: Alisha Badillo Location: Madisonville on Feb 21, 2008 at 04:23 PM
For anyone in Madisonville that wants to fight this, get back with me. We have a petition going right now. Let me know if you want to sign it.
Posted by: Kelly Location: Austin on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:55 PM
I would implore the leaders of Madisonville to educate themselves of all the facts about this breed and the media hype that been so destructive to it before they make a wrong decision based on ignorance, misunderstanding, and fear. There are untold hundreds of stories of love, loyalty, tenderness, and playfulness between the pit bull and his human family and friends. Hundreds more are told on the internet and various other publications. It is the few attacks (often not even by real pit bulls) that make the headlines and are the basis of decisions made in fear and ignorance. Recently there was an article about TAMU replacing its current mascot with a new dog. Embedded in the article was a comment about how the collie bit her master! Now, if that had been a pit, it would have been on every newspaper and channel for several days. But it was a collie, so who cares...Truth is, if it had been a pit, she never would have bit her master in the first place!
Posted by: Alisha Location: Madisonville on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:55 PM
March 10th is the city council meeting. We are hoping to be able to speak at it. We need any information that might help us with this.
Posted by: jeff Location: houston on Feb 21, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Is there really some hearing on March 10 ? To discuss what ? Ginger and Alisha , please email me about any meeting and if any affected citizens want to revoke this law .Maybe we can get together after the meeting on the 10th and organize ?
Posted by: boxerperson on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:54 PM
It was dobermans, then rotties, then pit bulls...sells newpapers, but a lot of innocent dogs are paying with their lives and responsible owners with their pets. It pays to ask yourself, when they've worn out the pit bull hype will your favorite medium or large breed dog be next? Stop the insanity, punish the deed...not the breed.
Posted by: Allison Location: Morris on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Banning a bred type will have no impact on the safety of the communit.Somebody has got to put an end to this ridiculous idea that pitbulls are somehow plotting against the American race and we must eradicate them before they kills us all. It's not the dog. It's the human. We will never eliminate the problem of dogfighting without eliminating the people who are organizing the sport. I'm saddened by the fact that the media has warped the image of the pitbull so dramatically. Pits are lovable, intelligent dogs that make wonderful pets.THEY ARE LOYAL, THEY LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY NO MATTER WHAT, THEY TRUST YOU NO MATTER WHAT,THEY ALWAYS FORGIVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT.DOG SPELLED BACKWARD SPELLS GOD! NOW WHY DO HUMANS ABUSE THE PITBULL TO MAKE THEM SO HATED. PEOPLE WAKE UP. LOOK AT THE OWNER!!! What about the gangs and guns are you banning them? We don't kill childrebecause they are born a certain color or race. I have a loving Pit Bull who loves all people and has properly been socialized.
Posted by: GINGER BARNES Location: LIPAN TX on Feb 20, 2008 at 04:09 PM
This is for the residents of Madisonville that are against the pitbull ban. Please contact me at gingb1@msn.com so we can work together to change this
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 20, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Banning a bred type will have no impact on the safety of the community. Enforcing vicious dog laws and dog at large in general will have a positive impact on the safety of the community. It also important to consider how new laws will be enforced when they are adopted. Adoption of new laws that cannot be enforced due to limited law enforcement resources does not improve public safety. FYI Madisonville! It is against the law in Texas to pass Breed Specific Legislation!!! I own American Pit Bull Terriers and I can assure you that I am neither a drug dealer or a criminal. If local law enforcement is having a problem controlling illegal drug trafficking in their community they should take a step back and re evaluate the performance of their personnel. The negative stereotypes placed on owners of American Pit Bull Terriers (drug dealers, crack houses, gang banger and red necks) is social and racial discrimination in the purest form! This ignorant propaganda must be stopped.
Posted by: Alisha Location: Madisonville on Feb 20, 2008 at 03:58 PM
For anyone that wants to go to the city council meeting, it will be taking place on March 10th, at 5:30 or 6:00. (They say they haven't set the time yet....) If you want to stand up for your rights, go to the meeting. I know I am!!
Posted by: Lisa Boland Location: Jefferson County, TX on Feb 20, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Hi again, Everyone! Here is something for all of you to watch; it is a video I have put together about pets. Try it out; it is a good video with my beautiful photography. http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/flame65/Videos/?action=view&current=dogvideo_finalpbkt.flv Thanks for watching!
Posted by: Mike Location: College Staiton on Feb 20, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Insurance policy is a great idea in addition to the "beware of dog sign". Having a ban on purchasing or bringing a pit bull into Madisonville is going to get all the members of the city council in a lot of trouble.
Posted by: Lisa Location: B/CS on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:35 AM
To "Someone": I read the link. You are contradicting yourself. Quoted-"named specifically in the ordinance are American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers or any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of any one or more of the aforementioned breeds." This is BSL; animal control officers have full control over which dogs are deemed not only vicious, but to be a "pit bull". There is no breed such as "pit bull"; do research. People are just commenting on things without research. I research and study the facts BEFORE I get on the internet and write. BSL is wrong and against the law. "Yeas" in your town are contradicting themselves by breaking state laws while insisting that your town's "thugs" and "drug dealers" who own these dogs are breaking the law, the latter being the reason the ordinance was passed. The public isn't going to quit fighting this (it can affect other cities); the useless ordinance could be amended. I know other options could be more useful. I am proud to be a member of organizations such as RPOA; Endangered Breeds Association, ASPCA, and the AKC; we are RESPONSIBLE pet owners. Wouldn't it be better to determine viciousness, etc. on a case by case basis? My American Staffordshire Terrier is an AKC registered canine who has been awarded his CGC certificate along with various ribbons in OBEDIENCE classes where we live. I challenge anyone to ban my pet or deem him vicious anywhere. No, Someone, this type of ordinance is not the answer.
Posted by: BN Location: Bryan on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I have been through this discussion many times whether it is over the internet or face to face. However, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut when I saw this comment: "You never hear of the family lab mauling a child, because labs aren't a "vicious" breed." This comment couldn't be farther from the truth. As I said on the other story, the first face transplant was given to a woman because he face was ripped off by a lab so I found it funny that you used a lab as an example. A black mouth cur killed a woman in friendswood, a pack on pomeranians killed a baby in California and I could go on and on. Most of these stories you never hear because they haven't been sensationalized like that of pits. As I said before, all breeds of dogs can be dangerous, they are dogs, not that far off from wolves! By the way, I own a lab mutt so I have nothing against the breed, it is just ridiculous to think they can't hurt us either.
Posted by: Leah Location: BTown on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I will be the first to admit that I was one of those narrow-minded people that assumed that ALL Pit Bulls were naturally aggresive. I didn't want a thing to do with them. However, I have since learned that I was just that, narrow-minded. I have met and fell in love with a Pit Bull named Sadie that sadly, I wouldnt even come around. She is the sweetest and most fun loving dog out there that wouldn't hurt a fly. I have many friends that have Pits themselves and I could never see someone governing whether they had to give up their family member or not, yes I said family member. The only point that I want to get across is that if those against Pits would open up their minds and disassociate themselves with the notion that every Pit out there is aggresive then they would be much better off. It doesn't matter what the breed of the animal is but if you raise your animal to be vicious then of course the outcome will be vicious animal. Action needs to be taken against the owners, Amen!!!!
Posted by: Brandi Location: Atlanta on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:39 AM
It doesn't make sense, people are always going crazy over stereotypes about people. What about animals? We can count on them to be our friends but shouldn't they be able to count on us to be theirs? My brindle pit Isaiah was the sweetest dog ever. He tried to sit in my lap like a baby and the only crime he ever committed was sneaking food off the table when nobody was looking. There are no bad breeds. It's all about the people who raise them. My granny had a poodle with an anger problem, that thing would eat you up if you set too close to granny. Are we going to ban poodles too? Why single pits out? Instead of spending so much time trying to get rid of a breed, invest more time in punishing the people who make the dogs mean.
Posted by: Lydia Location: Austin, TX on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:22 AM
To Cynthia in Bryan. You are right, I did find the only two entries in favor on the Ban. What does that tell you? The answer to your question is simple. I do not suggest that Pit Bulls are abused by children. I am suggesting that the owners, i.e., the adults in the home abuse them, and unfortunately the children suffer the wrath. You are absolutely right that a “High percentage of Pit Bull owners are drug dealers.” You are making my point! Right now, in this point in history, the wrong element is choosing this particular dog. The “wrong element” in the 80s chose Dobermans, in the 90s it was Rotties, and now it is Pit Bulls. When this type of person choses and misuses a dog, you end up with terrible incidents. Does that make the dog bad? Or the person? Does that mean that responsible, upstanding citizens like myself, who also own Pit Bulls should have them ripped out of my loving home? When a drug dealer abuses a Pit Bull and fight a Pit Bull for money, and then chains it up all day, and then it breaks free, it is most likely to maul a child when it gets loose because they are the most defenseless, and the most likely to approach a dog they don’t know. The solution is to (a) crack down on dogfighting, (b) drug dealing (c) animal abuse. These laws don’t work b/c drug dealers don’t abide by them (i.e.) they won’t surrender their vicious dogs, and even if they are seized, they will move on to another vicious dog. In the meantime, I’m supposed to surrender my super friendly pets b/c of what drug dealers do? I urge you to take the time to read this article http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2006/02/06/060206fa_fact and really think about it. Then read up and the results of Denver’s Pit Bull ban. It has punishes responsible owners and hasn’t worked at all. Cynthia, I would even drive to Bryan Texas so you could meet my Pit Bulls. They are the kindest, most gentle dogs you could ever know.
Posted by: pitbull owner on Feb 20, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Amen Vicki, sounds to me like this is a place full of, dope dealers, that the people see (but nothing done), dog fighters (but nothing done), animal abusers (but nothing done), then the Mayor (must be hiding behind the Attorney) (is there money there)? The power supporting or afraidof the Mayor (what have you done or know about each other)? Then the owners who are getting ?@*^ by what seems to be a MAYOR controled group. Sure would like to see when the next council meeting is gonna be posted. I am waiting to see. Oh and folks take a tape recorded. They cant stop you. Request to be on the agenda under the action items. They cant refuse. Then let KBTX know we are waiting to support you. Lets help make this illegal council, Mayor and Attorney feel our PITTY PAWS (OH YEA THAT IS TWO LEGGED IF THEY ARE AS DENSE AS I THINK THEY ARE AND DONT UNDERSTAND).
Posted by: Tracy Location: Phoenix on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Somebody has got to put an end to this ridiculous idea that pitbulls are somehow plotting against the American race and we must eradicate them before they kills us all. It's not the dog. It's the human. We will never eliminate the problem of dogfighting without eliminating the people who are organizing the sport. I'm saddened by the fact that the media has warped the image of the pitbull so dramatically that I can't even walk my dog down the street without people whispering behind my back, or pulling their children tight towards their legs. You know, when the tiger in the SF Zoo attacked those boys, we were so convinced the tiger went crazy and started on a killing spree. Next thing you know, we find out that the boys were harassing the tiger to the breaking point. Anyone stop to ask themselves if pitbulls attack out of the blue, or if they have a darn good reason too? Stop trying to convince yourselves that pitbulls sit in deep thought planning their next attack. They're dogs.
Posted by: Lydia Location: Florida on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:46 PM
I can not stress the importance that the pitbull is not responsible for their behavior. The owner is responsible for training the dog appropriately. Pitbulls can be a very loving gentle dog. The owners negligence should be what is questioned. If you abuse and not provide training for a pitbull he will be a misfit but some parents don't teach their kids and they become little hoodlums. Should we transfer these kids to another country because again their parent did not teach them moral and ethics. A dog is like having another child. You have to nurture it , teach it , love it and train it. I think the human who owns the horrible pitbull that causes problems is the one who should be punished not the dog. A profile of a dog is THEY ARE LOYAL, THEY LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY NO MATTER WHAT, THEY TRUST YOU NO MATTER WHAT,THEY ALWAYS FORGIVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT.DOG SPELLED BACKWARD SPELLS GOD! NOW WHY DO HUMANS ABUSE THE PITBULL TO MAKE THEM SO HATED. PEOPLE WAKE UP. LOOK AT THE OWNER!!!
Posted by: Darlene Location: Madisonville on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:46 PM
A Fact from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Pit bulls are responsible for more fatalities than any other type of dog. One in every three people killed in the United States are killed by a Pit Bull. So tell me again: How great are these killers? I have friends who have raised pit bulls who have turned on children they were raised with--- Loving, nice, sweet dogs that bit children in the face or chased them doen to bite them---with NO provocation. Our ban is for any and all vicious dogs--Pit Bulls just happen to be the most plentiful and most aggressive in our town.
Posted by: Kat Location: Austin on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:39 PM
it is a sad world we live in when prejudice still lingers in America and has surpassed even humans to include animals as well. What happened to the great american war here, the our gang dog? I can assure you that many law enforcement officials all over this great nation would agree that our beloved "american pit bulls" are included in task forces, narcotic and drug raids and saving peoples lives. Where is the publicity on that? There's an interesting saying that goes "If it ain't a pit bull its just a dog" and in more ways then one this holds true. How sad that the media and politicians play advocates to this fear frenzy in people. Whats going to be next? Rotties, Shepards, Akitas? Any large OR small breed animal of any kind can bite if handled and treated improperly. We sell guns everyday to millions of Americans but we can't have a dog? Why not spend all this effort on providing mandates for classes and education on ALL dog ownership and hold PEOPLE responsible NOT innocent animals.
Posted by: Trish Location: Andover, NJ on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Enough already on banning breeds. Pits are lovable, intelligent dogs that make wonderful pets. All but one Pit from the Michael Vick case are in loving caring foster or perm homes. They survived horrific treatment and are a testament to the breed. Having rescued and placed several pits that were abondoned and or abused, I can tell you that they are sweet loving dogs that just get a bad rap due to being a "bully" Banning breeds is not the answer. Responsible ownership and breeding standards are.
Posted by: Cynthia Location: Bryan on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Everyone on here says that it's the people not the dogs. Well, the only way to effectively stop owners from having aggresive dogs is to ban the dog. We live in America where people are free to do what they please. But, there are no adoption agencies, nor legal requirements, to adopt an animal. All one needs is money to purchase it. So, therefore, how do we ensure that only intelligent, well mannered individuals raise dogs? Any suggestions? I personally appreciate the fact that a city is standing up for the majority not the minority - which apparentely is no longer the norm in America.
Posted by: Dale Location: Texas on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:01 PM
To Lydia in Austin. How is it apparent that I have done nothing about the drug dealers and their pits? What did I say that tells you that I am not part of the solution? As a matter of fact I am part of the solution and have been working on these people. I work in narcotics enforcement and routinely encounter these situations. You on the other hand are quite adept at reciting history that you may have read from Wikipedia but obviously have never seen the seedier side of Austin and all other cities in this country. Go check out your crack houses, meth dealers and other such plague on society and see what is chained outside their places of business. It sounds like some reality is needed in your life.
Posted by: Dee Location: New Jersey on Feb 19, 2008 at 07:50 PM
When will people learn that it is not the dog or the breed it is the people who create this fear & hysteria. If pit bulls are not available then people will move onto the next breed and then when that breed is banned onto another. Where are the police enforcing the laws against gangs, drugs, guns, etc.? There are plenty of people that are flawed and are look at as outcasts. Should we ban them from our cities? Enforce spay & neuter & licensing of these breeds...don't ruin it for all the responsible people out there and the wonderful dogs that could be therapy dogs, search & rescue dogs, bomb sniffing dogs, etc.
Posted by: Vicki Location: Texas on Feb 19, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Here we go again. More hysterics over a dog breed that is a most intelligent, loving breed. What sets them apart is how much they want to please people. If you put power into the hands of an intelligent human, after he has been abused & not taught morals, you get an outlaw. As a teacher, I see the same thing done with bright kids. Few there are that have the character to overcome. Maybe the law enforcement should pay more attention to the "parenting" of these dogs. Why punish the child for the parent's wrongdoing? How about having people take a "dog parenting" class & earn a license to own & keep one, instead of banning the breed & letting the real problem alone. This city, & all others who have passed bully breed bans are barking up the wrong tree. They need to stop allowing incompetents to have "gold to shape into manure rakes". Glad I have no plans to even visit your city. Phew! How many drug dealers, thieves & perverts roam free there?
Posted by: Shannon Location: Michigan on Feb 19, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Pit Bulls are naturally very affectionate. I work with quite a few of them at a grooming salon--they are very sweet at any age as long as OWNERS HAVE RAISED THEM IN A HUMANE MANNER. Pit Bulls should not be banned from anywhere--PEOPLE who are "thugs" that ABUSE them AND CAUSE them to grow to be mean and/or aggressive should be banned from cities with people who want a better community. The ignorant owners should be banned, as well as the ignorant people who really believe banning a certain breed from a certain area will fix the problem. "Thugs" will turn Spaniels into mean dogs if given the chance--going to ban them, too?
Posted by: Evelyn Location: Huntsville, Texas on Feb 19, 2008 at 04:58 PM
The problem isn't the breed but the owners! Punish those like Micheal Vick who abuse the animals and cause them to be mean, not the animal! The Pit Bull, is like any other dog out there, it will become what you put in to it! I have a Pitbull, a Lab and an Australian shephard and out of all three, the aggressive one is the Lab. People that come out to our place don't fear the pit bull but the lab. If we get rid of the Pit bulls, which breed will they focus on next? We are discriminating against a breed and it's a shame for some naive' people don't even know how smart and how true this breed is to it's owner and those around it! Say NO to BSL laws and the discrimination of the PIT BULL TERRIERS!!!!
Posted by: J Location: Allen on Feb 19, 2008 at 04:27 PM
I see where the people from Madisonville are more concerned about vicious dogs rather than banning particular breeds. The best solution for vicious dogs is to sue the owners. Your DA doesn't want to?, sue the DA. Vicious dogs are bad for other dogs and the community in general. The DA should step up to the plate and enforce the laws that are on the books.
Posted by: Christine Location: Las Vegas on Feb 19, 2008 at 03:58 PM
State law disallows this, city law cannot allow. Punish the wrong doers, not the entire breed. This is disgraceful and even more than that, its sad.
Posted by: Patricia Location: Corona, NY on Feb 19, 2008 at 03:54 PM
The problem lies with the irresponsible owners, not the breed themselves. You have to consider there are many responsible pit bull owners who know how to train their dogs properly and you don't hear about any problems with them. Make your focus on properly educating people about responsible dog ownership and condemning and prosecuting animal fighting and animal cruelty. Do not punish the mistreated dogs just because the owners do not know how to properly treat their animal or use them for fighting. Make better enforcement of animal cruelty laws and you'd see in time that pit bulls would no longer be considered a menace.
Posted by: evans Location: central,tx on Feb 19, 2008 at 03:16 PM
i do not agree in democracy america that our pets of responsible owners should suffer for what fool hearted people choose to do
Posted by: Cynthia Location: Bryan on Feb 19, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Lydia in Austin: You obviously found the only two entries on here that were in favor of the ban on Pits. How funny! I doubt you'll even read this, but if by chance you do, then please read on. You take 100 years of history for any breed and the numbers will not be accurate. I know that all dogs will bite, if led to do so. I am an intelligent person. However, as I said first, explain to me why Pits turn on their "owner" who is normally listed as a child? Are you saying that this child abused the dog? I asked questions that I wanted answers to, but so far no one has. And, if you go and ask ANY police officer they will tell you that there is a high percentage of Pit Bull owners that deal drugs, buy drugs, or have violent tendencies. Is this factual data you find somewhere - no it's not, because then it would be profiling and we all know that profiling is wrong! :)
Posted by: Elizabeth Location: El Reno, Ok on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I have three pit bulls. They are the best dogs, so sweet and kind. It makes me so sad to know these dogs are so misunderstood. It is not the dogs that should be punished. It's the bad owner.
Posted by: Debra Black Location: Toronto, Ontario on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:44 PM
There are examples of intelligent Dog Legislation all over the world.. You may want to look at Calgary as an example. Usually Breed Specific Legislation is about politics rather than public safety! Smarten up people! Put on your critical thinking caps... "pit bulls" are dogs, they have been in North America for many generations and have helped to build both Canada and America.. It is only relatively recently that they have been the subject of "urban myth"!
Posted by: Jennifer Location: NW Florida on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:35 PM
So now you have banned Pit Bulls, what breed is next? The problem lies with the owner, not the breed. Punish careless owners, don't kill innocent animals.
Posted by: BRITTNEY on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:32 PM
OK, SO PIT BULLS ARE BANNED. WHY ARE DOGS BEING PUNISHED FOR THE WAY PEOPLE BRING THEM UP. I HAVE A PIT BULL AND SHE IS THE SWEETEST DOG EVER. ITS ALL IN HOW YOU RAISE THEM, SO DONT PUNISH THESE POOR ANIMALS FOR STUPID PEOPLE FIGHTING THEM, AND ABUSING THEM TO MAKE THEM MEAN.
Posted by: Lynda B. Location: Long Island, NY on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM
People are such fools. You are missing out on something beautiful. I live with ten dogs in my house and two are pit bulls. They are sweet loving dogs. We are happy and we are well. We ALL get along fine. Its the owners who make bad dogs...any dog can be made bad. I cant imagine having to put all those restrictions on my Boomer. He would be so sad. Strictly pens and muzzles? I could cry! I dont understand people. Take control of the thugs, not their dogs......step up already.
Posted by: Kristen Location: Jersey City, NJ on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
The dogs are not the problem, it's the owners of the dogs that are the problem. If it weren't for igonorant and irresponsible people who decide to own these animals and abuse them, then we wouldn't be having this discussion. Pitbulls wouldn't be abused and people wouldn't fear them. We need to educated people on this breed, correctly educate people, and we need to lock up the abusers of this breed and throw away the key!!!!!! Pitbulls are the most loveable, loyal, obedient dogs that I've ever come across. I mean just take a minute to think about it, if this breed of dog, who is continually mistreated, and severely abused on a daily basis doesn't turn on their abusing owners then don't you think a person with a little bit of common sense would see that they just want to love and please their owner no matter what they do to them?????? This breed should not be banned, they should not be killed and they should not be discriminated against!!!!!
Posted by: sharise Location: vista, ca on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:21 PM
banning animals? why dont we ban people, too??!! i can think of plenty of people i would love to send off to a horrible deserted island.
Posted by: Jonna Burton Location: Ohio on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:15 PM
So what happens when these people get ahold of another breed, Pitbulls are not the only dog you can use for intertainment, there are child agressive Larbradors out there. People need to stop judging Pitbulls when they do not even know the Pitbull breed personally. So what happens when they try to fight a differant breed, any breed of dog can be trained to be agressive, so in the end if they want to go this route they are going to have to ban ALL dogs. If they want to discriminate against Pitbulls, why not ban african americans because they seem to have a higher expectance to murder or deal drugs? Does that sound fair? I think not. In the end this is not going to work at all, I think they should step up to the plate and take more responible action for this problem, such as spay/neuter laws, wich has shown to be very effective, and they should mke tougher laws for people caught fighting dogs.
Posted by: Jennifer on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Looks like Madisonville is willing to give up freedom in response to fear. My bet is that you're all voting Democrat, too.
Posted by: Rhonda Location: Virginia on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM
This is an extreme case of hating the breed instead of the deed!It is the thugs who should be punished not the dogs.
Posted by: Jenn Location: Texas on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Law enforcement needs to do their job and put the people breaking laws behind bars. The dogs that thugs own has nothing to do with anything. If the police would get the thugs off the streets it wouldn't only stop dog fighting but a whole host of other crimes. Come on Law Enforcement! DO YOUR JOBS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Amber Location: Fort Worth Tx on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Banning pit bulls is not the answer. You should have stricter laws for those who fight and abuse the dogs. If you outlaw them then outlaws will be the only ones that have them. If you ban pit bulls now, in a couple months you will ban rotties, then what, dobermans, boxers, etc...it will keep going on until there are hardly any dogs you will be able to own. In my opinion banning certain breeds takes away our freedom. Why can't we say what breed of dog we want to own? I want a pit bull, and I like pit bulls. I won't get rid of my dog for nobody! If you ban pit bulls, you are going to have more problems with them. Like I said the outlaws will still have them. They will still fight them, and abuse them. Ban the deed not the breed!!!
Posted by: Evelyn Location: Ohio on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:28 AM
You can only solve this problem by getting rid of and Punishing the People responsible for these actions and they are NOT the dogs. NO breed should be considered unworthy in America. It is UNCONSTITUTIONAL! You don't just obliterate a Breed of dogs you Destroy hundreds of thousands of responsible owners who Love their dogs and care for them better than most people care for their children. Obliterate the Monsters who create the hell these dogs go through to be turned into machines for Greedy Egotistical people who care Nothing for the Law. What about the small dogs that bite people and Children? You don't hear about that do you??? Will chihahuas be next on your hit list? You make me ashamed to be American with this prattle of things that you only read about in History books. Hitler is one fine example. America is Supposed to be ABOVE Discrimination . My Ancestors fought and Died for this country and I don't imagine they did that so uneducated people could make Uneducated decisions.
Posted by: Evelyn Location: Ohio on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:17 AM
www.pitbulllovers.com Eductate yourself on this Breed before you make a Terrible Mistake that will affect Millions of people. The problem is Iressponsible Owners NOT the dogs. See it for what it is not what you want to imagine. There is NO easy fix when you deal with Unlawfull people who do inhumane things to make dogs mean for no reason other than drugs or money. THAT is the problem!These are some of the Best breeds out there. They save lives every day but you won't see that on the news. WHY not?
Posted by: Susan S Location: Lake Forest Ca on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Where do I vote. I was asked to come to this site and vote whether or not I agree with this ban. Where do I vote
Posted by: Shanna Location: Colorado on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Just heard about this on an animal welfare board. Breed bans are not the answer. Any dog can be vicious, not just Pits and not all pits are vicious! Sorry you're city council isn't intelligent enough to get their facts straight and educate themselves in order to make good decisions for your community. Some people just don't get it even if you hit them over the head with it. Breed banning has to stop!
Posted by: Anna Location: Wisconsin on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Come on! Do you really think this is going to fix anything? The irresponsible people who cannot properly raise dogs are the ones who need to be punished! The only people who are going to be hurt by this are responsible people who abide by the laws! The people who use pit bulls for illegal activities are already breaking laws, one more isn't going to bother them! There is NO logical reason to ban an entire breed of dog...that is DISCRIMINATION. What kind of ignorant, uneducated society would judge somebody (dog or human) purely because of the way it looks?! You should be judging EACH DOG INDIVIDUALLY, regardless of breed! Pit Bulls are not monsters, the people who abuse and mistreat them are! Take action against those people, not the dogs! Pit bulls used to be national heroes...you cannot just take that away! Just because they have fallen into the wrong hands does not mean that they should all be killed! That does not fix anything!! Please remove this ban. It won't work.
Posted by: Valerie Location: Kentucky on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:47 AM
A quote from the Animal Legal and Historical Center Breed-specific legislation is not an effective approach for regulating dogs' behavior in communities. Although such bans might comfort individuals who have had unpleasant experiences with particular breeds or have heard of attacks by specific dog breeds in the media, the bans do not act to effectively regulate the behavior of any breed or of dogs and their owners collectively. The bans carry with them too much potential for arbitrary or improper enforcement: inaccurate breed identification by officials, difficulty enforcing breed bans against mixed-breed dogs, animal control, and court system overload, and the potential for not identifying a genuinely "dangerous dog" as such because it doesn't fall into the specified breed categories. Unfortunately, large breeds of dogs such as Dobermans, German Shepherd Dogs, and Pit Bulls are popularly believed to be dangerous, and therefore may be judged more severely by judges than smaller, "cuddlier" breeds. http://www.animallaw.info/articles/aruslweiss2001.htm
Posted by: Brooke Location: Waco on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Pit Bulls are not the problem, criminals who abuse them are! The answer is enforcing laws already in place, not banning a breed of dog. For those who would like to see what happens when you ban a family pet, go look up Denver's Pit Bull ban. Also search youtube for "BSL", breed restrictive legislation. Don't let a few thugs take away your rights and your pets' rights. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a wonderful dog! Look up dogs that have assisted the U.S. in wars past... Pit Bulls! Petey from the Little Rascals, Pit Bull! Please, don't destroy a breed with such rich history!
Posted by: Susan Sadeghian Location: Lake Forest CA on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Has anyone banned the thugs resposible for this? Do you even know what a pit looks like? Proof it,go to www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit Even fighting pits can be rehabilitated as in vics dogs but thugs like vic cant. See best friends web to read details on vics dogs. They are all nice fam dogs,some adopted out in 2somes. How about delaying the ban til National Pit awarness day oct 25th.Go to a local event and learn the truth. Most pits are great Nanny dogs for kids. Where will it end. Some bans incl 75 breeds.When their gone the thugs you did not ban will get your breed and your breed will be banned. A beagle and a chiaua have been mistaken for a pit by thugs and by animal control enforcing the ban. YOu believe what you read. Type in pit bull hero and read 10 different heroic stories,type in any other breed and see one story repeated over and over. Banning pits is banning the marines.Sgt Stubby was a pit and a marine who saved his platoon and captured an enemy nicely.
Posted by: Stephanie Location: Dallas, TX on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:24 AM
To the Madisonville City Council: SHAME ON YOU for looking for the "easy answer". Instead of working hard to enforce existing leash laws, you are taking the lazy route and passing an ordiance that you cannot possibly enforce. Wake up and realize that, like any other city, it is a few irresponsible citizens causing the problem, NOT the dogs and certainly not a specific breed. Breed-specific legislation is not legal in the State of Texas. PUNISH THE DEED, NOT THE BREED!!!
Posted by: Mariana Location: New York on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:21 AM
"If the goal is to offer communities better protection from dogs who are dangerous, then thoughtful legislation that addresses responsible dog keeping is in order. Legislation aimed at punishing the owner of the dog rather than punishing the dog is far more effective in reducing the number of dog bites and attacks. Well enforced, non-breed-specific laws offer an effective and fair solution to the problem of dangerous dogs in all communities." (Humane Society of the United States, http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/dangerous_dogs.html) Breed specific legislation is simply the lazy option here. It will NOT solve the problem.
Posted by: Nichole Location: Ft Worth, Texas on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Come on guys!! This is a waste of your time and money. The dogs are not the problem! It is the people. Banning pitties will just make these idiots move on to other breeds!! I have had pitties my ENTIRE life and never once had one that showed aggression to anyone or any thing. ANY dog can be made mean. What's next? Dobbies, Rotts, German Sheppard's, Akita, Chows, poodles, Yorkies?!?!?! All dogs, period???!!! this is ridiculous. Use your head, do something about the PEOPLE who cause this. I thought people in Texas were smarter. We sat back and watched as other cities tried this and FAILED! Please! don't make the dogs the ones that suffer. It is proven that the torment these dogs live in is only worsened by BSL!!!! PLEASE, FOR EVERYONE'S SAKE, educate yourselves better and stop this absurd law that will only cause pain and cost you money.
Posted by: Cindy Marabito Location: Austin, TX on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Pit bull or any breed banishment does not work. Please visit Pit Bull Rescue Central on the internet for valid statistics and resources. Do not let fear and ignorance fuel legislation.
Posted by: Lydia Location: Austin, TX on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:14 AM
To Dale, who “has seen the drug dealers chaining and fighting dogs,” yet has apparently stood by and done nothing. You are part of the problem. You haven’t seen a pack of blue heelers attacking because the “drug dealers” don’t own them. You are also incorrect that pit bulls have been bred for generations to fight. Any pit bull that attacked a human was put down immediately. They were named “Nanny dogs” in the earlier part of this generation due to their gentle disposition toward children. Helen Keller’s guide dog was a pit bull. They make excellent therapy dogs. In the 50s, they were the most common family dog in America. This makes sense as they temperament test better than Golden Retrievers. Any dog abused, and misused can become dangerous. To Cynthia: who believes Pit Bulls just snap and who would prefer to keep her “loving border collies.” Border Collies do not temperament test as well as Pit Bulls either. Learn the FACTS, not the rhetoric. http://www.atts.org/stats2.html. If a bunch of thugs abused your precious Border Collies, they’d attack too. The “snapping” Pit Bull theory has been disproved by countless EXPERTS. Truth: the dog was either abused (and the family acts shocked) or there were signs (i.e., the dog bit before and the family ignored signs). Pit Bulls are the most common dog in America, but when you break down statistics by percentage, they don’t bite anymore. Experts say that attacks happen due to ABUSE, period.
Posted by: Melissa Location: Dallas on Feb 19, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Banning pit bulls will not make a difference in public safety or welfare. Bad owners will merely move their tactics on to another breed. Dangerous dogs are brought up by dangerous, neglectful owners. Legislative intent should be focused on making changes which can help, such as preventing outdoor tethering and punishing bad owners. We need to keep dogs off chains, out of lonely backyards and inside homes, where they can learn the socialization skills they need and get the love they deserve.
Posted by: Cindy Location: Northern, California on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Do you all see this is one more law chipping away your rights? We are battling mandatory spay/neuter ordinances that lawmakers are trying to impose on us all over the country. Wake up and start defending your rights with your animals. As long as our pets are not a danger to others and we aren't a danger to them, we should have every right to own any breed of dog or cat as well as make our own decisions regarding sterilization of our pets. Do we live in America???
Posted by: Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Why do people keep talking about city official passing an ordinance that is against state law? Has any one on here actually read the ordinance
Posted by: Laura Location: Bryan on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:33 PM
To Alisha in Madisonville: Fight for your family's pets!!! I can't imagine what you & your family are going through, & I feel terrible that you've been put in this position!! There are A LOT of people "on the outside" rooting for you! To WHO CARES: you just reinforced my opinion of people like yourself- small minded yee-haws!I don't deny what goes on there (as I already stated).You can drive some places in B/CS & see nearly the same thing. Why do I want to waste my gas to see it there? You don't get out much do you? And no, I don't moan & complain. As a matter of fact about 6 years ago we had a family of drug dealers move in our nice, quiet older neighborhood. Guess what, they're not living here anymore. Why? Because we DROVE them out. Our neighborhood met w/ our sheriff & he gave us the info we needed to help get those people out. They were gone in no time! You're so proud that the crack house has complied w/ the ordinance, but they're still living there aren't they?
Posted by: John Location: Madisonville x on Feb 18, 2008 at 06:50 PM
The solution is simple, we have a leash law in our town. Mayor and Councel why not enforce the laws we have. Then kids can ride their bikes without getting chased. I challenge everybody in Madisonville to call the athouraties everytime you see a loose dog and if nothing is done then call the Mayor, City Manager or a councel member for an explianation of why no action was taken. We need to hold them accountable and not allow them to add new laws when they cannot/have not/will not(you pick) enforce the existing ones. Just like a councel meeting with the current councel members and Mayor this whole matter is a waist of time, unless they can honestly say they have done everything in their power to enforce the existing leash laws. In my opinion they have not and simply because it is easier to make up a new law than find a way to enforce the existing one. RUN THE CITY FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED YOU, LEARN AND ENFORCE THE LAWS WE HAVE ON THE BOOKS INSTEAD OF LOOKING FOR AN EASY WAY OUT.
Posted by: Myra Location: Oklahoma on Feb 18, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Well, since Madisonville officials don't have to obey Texas law, why should anyone in Madisonville obey any of Madisonville's laws? Unbelieveable. Arrogrant and Ignorant lawmakers who think laws don't apply to them, but their laws should be applied to others. This isn't even about Pit bulls, this is about little men with little minds thinking THEY ARE ABOVE THE LAW!
Posted by: Amanda Location: Nutting on Feb 18, 2008 at 05:19 PM
The actual reinforcement of the current ownership laws, if not harsher punishments, should take place. A dog is only as good as his master. This is a show, once again, of how our right of consumer choice is being stripped away. Not by supply/demand, but by some idiot in an office with a college degree who thinks he knows what's best for everyone else. Inforcement of ownership laws, harsher punishments for animal cruelty, and freedom of choice.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 18, 2008 at 04:05 PM
This makes NO sense. People will say Rotties or shepards should be illegal. Then what is next? Punish the BAD humans- not the dogs.
Posted by: Pat Location: Seguin, Tx on Feb 18, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Pit bulls are not the problem, their owners are, when they are not responsible. Pit bulls are very affectionate devoted dogs when treated well.
Posted by: Marilyn Winyard Location: United Kingdom on Feb 18, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Those rules are extremely harsh and inforce regardless - where will it end?? All dogs can bite but majority do not and a law that doesn't have any regard for the law abiding canines and their owners is wrong!
Posted by: Phyllis Location: College on Feb 18, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Any breed of dog can bite so, it is not productive to ban one particular breed of dog. The solution is education, responsible ownership and creation and enforcement of safe and sensible local dog ordinances.
Posted by: Someone in Madisonville Location: Madisonville on Feb 18, 2008 at 02:48 PM
It is not just pit bulls that are banned - vicious dogs - other breeds are named as well. Go read on www.madisonvillemeteor.com. It may not change your mind, but you will see that it is not just ONE BREED OF DOGS! Oh and weekly my kids are chased by the neighbor's weiner dog and in my mind it could be considered a vicious dog as well.
Posted by: Ynid Location: Dallas, TX on Feb 18, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I do not agree with the ban of Pit Bulls. Too bad that bad owners can't be banned instead of of specific dog breeds. All dogs within a certain breed are not vicious or dangerous. I have not personally had any pit bulls, but I have know some very sweet pit bulls. Breed banning does not solve the root problem and is not based on reality.
Posted by: Lynn Location: Houston on Feb 18, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Next they will ban poodles... the breed that bites the most frequently. OR whichever breed becomes the favorite of certain lower forms of humans.
Posted by: Jennifer Location: Dallas on Feb 18, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Absolutely shameful and ignorant. Instead of punishing good dogs and good owners, go after those who harbor dangerous dogs no matter what the breed. This is akin to genocide. Did we not learn our history lessons?
Posted by: Linda Location: Washington on Feb 18, 2008 at 01:38 PM
What next? All breeds. It's not the breed. It's how and who raises them. What ignorant council members.
Posted by: Ann Location: Arlington, Tx on Feb 18, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Well, as a spot near College Station where the vet school is located, I would expect less ignorance!!! The Oprah Winfrey shoe just featured a story about a tortured Pit named Oogy. Usually, about 98% of the time, the troublr with pits is the ignorant owner. They, not their dogs should be banned!! How about enforcing leash laws?? Outlawing chaining of dogs?? I have 3 pitties, and they are great canine citizens, one is a therapy dog and the other two have their CGC. Look at the two legged creatures, not the four legged ones!!
Posted by: Cheryl Location: Austin on Feb 18, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Any breed bans (or similar efforts disguised as dangerous dog regulations) are simply based on the spread of misinformation and fear of dogs in general. What's next? Should we go hunting for stray cats because they may carry illnesses? Or maybe ban all weapons because of their potential for harm?
Posted by: Patsy Location: Hunstsville on Feb 18, 2008 at 01:13 PM
For all you people in Maddisonville, that think you own that town, think again. The State of Texas does. And for all you folks from Texas that are posting ignorant remarks, shut up you are making Texans look like Fools. Dog laws are popping up all over the country, some are good and some are bad. Pit Bull's are steriod typed,Rappers, thugs and so on are not the only onesthat own this breed. Good people and responsible people do to. My vet is in Madis