Pit Bulls Banned in Madisonville

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Posted: 9:15 PM Feb 14, 2008
Last Updated: 10:13 AM Feb 15, 2008
Reporter: Joe Brown
Email Address: brown@kbtx.com

458 comments

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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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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Julie on Jun 23, 2009 at 09:01 AM
This is terrible. As the onwer of a Pit Bull, I would like to add that these dogs are not born killers. My Pit Bull sleeps in my the bed w/ my children every noght, and greets every stranger with a gentle lick. I think that any dog that attacks a human unprovoked should be put down immediately, and the owners should be charged with murder when their dog kills someone. http://www.pawsitivepitbulls.com www.pawsitivepitbulls.com

Posted by: jamie Location: fort worth on Jun 15, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Ban the ignorant people not the dogs.my wife and I have 2pits that we both rescued at different times in the last year.Dallas is my 80lb male and Little Mama is the 30lb female(runt)Having spend much time with these dogs I wouldnt have it any other way.this breed is easily trainable,very loving,loyal and fearless.We walk them twice a day,every day and take Dallas to training,I have made it my objective to help change peoples mind about these daogs with their behaviour and good manners.Yes you need to be very strong with these dogs and obviously very responsible but to implement a ban is crazy .Go to a dog shelter with 90% of these poor souls pitts and it will not be long for you to realsie thses dogs just need and want to be loved

Posted by: PitBullMommy Location: unknown on Jun 5, 2009 at 03:26 PM
I have two beautiful pit bulls whom i wouldnt trade for anything in this world. Its not fair to punish the breed because of the deed. People who fight these loving animals need to be banned instead of dogs who cant speak for there selves. Any dog can turn vicious and attack someone so why not ban chihuauas to? I stand up for my PIT BULLS and I THink the ban is ridiculous.

Posted by: lab owner Location: indiana on May 30, 2009 at 08:19 PM
some of you ppl. say more lab's bite ppl. more then pitbulls do. true or not, labs dont have 500 pounds of presure in there bite either. pitbulls kill!

Posted by: Wendy Location: Grapevine Area Madisonville Ky on Apr 28, 2009 at 10:21 PM
First off I owned Pit Bulls before Paid for training classes for them. I think they are beautiful animals,But they are a danger to all who are around them trained or not . I agree to the ban I wish we could get a county ordinace banning them here. I live among about 6 that I know of just in my neighborhood I am frightened to let my kids go out to do anything because of the threat of an attack. The owners of these dogs let roam about not caring about their welfare or that of their neibors. All animals Bite People no matter how nice they seem to you they can change in an instant. A scent on you might strke them wrog or a stance that you are in. Not every body can be the dog whisper. He has even been bit before. I am more afraid for all the children around here what are they going to do if a dog that size and a will that strong decides to attack them. Please Ban PIT BULLS IN THE COUNTY TOO.

Posted by: ginger Location: seabrook on Mar 19, 2009 at 02:56 PM
I've heard of others saying such things.People like Hitler,look where that went.Are people next?

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Fairfax on Mar 5, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Can we get a ban on pit-bulls in Fairfax County? I wouldn't want to get a gun license just to protect myself when walking in the neighborhood.

Posted by: Amanda Location: Hobbs, NM on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Learn the TRUTH about fatal dog attacks at www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com. All dog attack victims are important. We should be a society that targets the cause and not the breed. Shame on Madisonville.

Posted by: chessie Location: madisonville on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:33 PM
i have been around pitts for a very long time, i have come to realize that very few pitts are raised properly. If any dog is vicious it is not the dog or the breeds fault, but it is the fault of the person who raised the dog.

Posted by: Theresa Location: Murders on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:12 PM
As always, i'm on on both sides of the fence. I love my pit. But I hate the people who have given them the reputation they have. I can only say these dogs deserve more! And i would love to see the numbers decrease only because of the homes they are most likely to endure.. Theresa Murders

Posted by: Layla Location: Wisconsin on Oct 16, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Thats just awful that the city would ban such a wonderful breed. I can tell you that city and state has definetly lost a lot of respect.

Posted by: Juan Location: Pharr, Texas on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:57 AM
As an owner of four pit bulls i'm aware of the precautions one must take. Like if a pit bull sees a DOG it doesn't like its more than likely gonna fight but that doesn't mean its dog agressive. Its like when you don't like someone and you want to fight with him/her. Its the same thing. It was a DOG fighting breed but thats why the owners has to socialize the dogs. They have to teach it good manners and be a responsible owner. Other fellow owners shouldn't go through this its like we all say Punish the deed Not the breed.

Posted by: Brian Location: Louisiana on Jul 26, 2008 at 03:16 PM
To Marie in Navasota: Pit Bulls are dog-aggressive by nature, not human-aggressive. Human aggression is the direct result of being abused. People should not have to be "held accountable" for owning a Pit Bull, they should be held accountable if their dog gets out of line and attacks another animal or a person. There is simply no need for this type of breed-specific legislation, especially since there are so many breeds which are known to be aggressive toward humans while Pit Bulls simply are not. I agree with the poster who said they hope the people of Madisonville are organizing a lawsuit against the city. They absolutely have every right to sue that backward-assed podunk town.

Posted by: marie Location: navasota on Jul 17, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I'm glad that Madisonville passed this law. I wish Navasota would pass the same law. I walk every morning and my biggest fear is being attacked by a loose pitbull. I know some pitbulls are raised in good environments, but a lot are breed to kill. We have to think about the innocent children and even grown adults who are mangled and even killed by these type of dogs. Pitbulls are agressive by nature even well trained ones. I see to many people riding around or walking a pitbuill and have no control of the dog at all. If a pitbull decides to attack it would probably damage you for life or worse. It is very unfortunate for good dog owners that more people are getting these dogs for the wrong reasons, but something has to be done or more and more people will be attacked. I feel that holding the owner accountable for having a pitbull is very smart. I feel this law should be passed on to other city councils.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Page Arizona on Jul 16, 2008 at 01:53 PM
It is a shame that there are so many ignorant people out there. You people who judge these animals should be ashmaed of yourselves. Saying that all Pit Bulls are agressive, and trained to fight is like saying that all black people are gang bangers. You really need to educate yourselves before you jump to conclusions. More poeple are attacked by Labs and German Shepherds then Pit Bulls. Any breed of dog is capable of attacking someone or something. My friend had a Lab for many years, and all of a sudden one day he turned on their 5 year old, still to this day no one knows why he turned. So should we start banning Labs too. It is irresponsible dog owners that need to be punished, not the dogs. It is up to the owners to make sure their dog is trained properly, loved, and not abused. These dogs did not ask for this, and Pit Bulls can be the most lovable dogs. It breaks my heart when I think of the fate many of these dogs face.

Posted by: Linda Chatelain Location: Wylie on Jul 15, 2008 at 09:41 PM
What is wrong with you people? It is a fact that it is how you raise a dog to whether or not the dog will be a danger to someone. My son has a pit bull that is a sweetheart. Any dog can turn, chances are they won't. Little dogs are the worse when it comes to biting someone. Most pit bulls are great dogs! Have you not heard the story of the pit bull just rescued that now visits nursing homes and loves it. Get a life!!!!

Posted by: Lindsay Location: Oklahoma on Jul 13, 2008 at 01:20 AM
Hopefully the wronged Pit Bull owners of Madsonville waste precious little time in organizing a lawsuit against the city for violating state law.

Posted by: fairen Location: Ottawa on Jul 9, 2008 at 12:18 PM
If your pittbull gets put down for bitting someone or doing something wrong its your fault. Not the dogs I have 2 pittys and there the biggest babies youll ever meet, they wouldnt hurt a fly if there life depended on it

Posted by: Deandra Location: Tulare Calif. on Jul 1, 2008 at 03:20 AM
To Robin in Madisonville: You claim that your pit bull (may I ask which?) attacked and killed your other dogs. Were you living with your parents then? a Boyfriend? Or just a friend? Mabye they o someone else had abused them, or she was being tortured by neighborhood kids. You just never know, or mabye you do know and aren't going to say a word of it. I have never heard of any breed of dog that had attacked and killed numerous dogs with no history of being aggresive, no known history of abuse, and/or with no provocation. EVER.

Posted by: joe Location: malaga n.j on Jun 18, 2008 at 05:11 PM
First off I realy like pits and I never fear them. I have never had a bad experence with one and have met many I have had many large breed dogs and my experiences has taught me pits are one of the most lovable dogs out there.But if you go to any animal shelter in south jersey there are 90 percent pits in and most people are not going to adopt them because they fear them or even because home owner insurance problems.So theres not enough room for all the other breeds and they all end up being put down.The problem just like many people have said is there just to many hip hop rapin macheezmo redneck scum bags that do not know how be a man because mothers probaly dont knew who there fathers are.There the felons the dead beat dads the cowardly bums that ruin it for every one .Like it or not if you everseen the horible life these poor animals live it probaly is best that good pit owners enjoy there time now before the creeps force big brother to spank us all.

Posted by: Ethan Banks Location: Michigan on Jun 17, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Banning pits is an ignorant law to pass...they are great dogs and will do what humans tell them. People who use use these dogs in a cruel manner for financial gain should recieve a harsher sentence instead of the dog being punished!!

Posted by: D Location: Fl on Jun 11, 2008 at 03:29 AM
to CHARLES in ARLINGTON and DARLENE in MADISONVILLE. first off Charles you stated one day might tell your kids that you as a man lived in fear of a four legged animal. you really sound like a girlie man and you should be nutered. Darlene you stated you hate pitbulls. well that's because you never owned one and dispite all that you think you know about them the truth is you know nothing more than the media wants you to hear so go fly a kite.

Posted by: Suzanne Location: Arizona on Jun 5, 2008 at 07:42 PM
This isn't the first to inact a stupid law. I hate this kind of action. It's kinda like when the japneese were rounded up and put in prision camps during WW II. Or the holicost [excuse spelling -please] When my daughter was growing up German Shepards were the "bad guys" now it's. My husband and I had for several months a beautiful Am staff Terrior, she was the sweetest, most loving dog you could ask for. Her stance,& coloring were perfect and she was spade. She was stolen. That litte action broke the hearts of two old people. If i get any more dogs one of them for sure will be an Amstaff Terrior. I will not judge by race or color of any animal. Why not just lock up all dogs as you know they are all decended from the wolf. That animal got a bad rap also and now people are trying to re-introduce the wolf back to the ecosystem that was screwed up by its absence. The bufflo is the same. too many laws, big brother is going to be the death of us yet. People go crazy and kill other people.

Posted by: Robin Location: Madisonville Tx on May 21, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I think this law is wonderful. I also had a Pit when I was 17 and she was my world. I raised her from a baby and never mistreated her. She was the best dog I had ever owned until one day when I came home from High school and she had killed all the other dogs in the yard that she had grown up with, then turned on my father when he attempted to stop her. She just went crazy and did not hear us screaming for her to stop. She had to be shot 3 times with a 357 before she would quit. At that moment she was not the sweet dog I had raised but a monster. I have children now and I will NEVER own another pit bull. I do not care how you raise them or how much love you show. They were bred to fight and that is what they do, maybe not all of them, but why take the chance of having a child's face ripped off or a kid killed while playing outside? I have seen how easy they can turn and when they do they can not be stopped. I suppose you people think it is ok to chance it?

Posted by: D & L on May 20, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Great law! This law is exactly why the two attacks by pit bulls this week (5/14-2 year old critical & 5/19-7 year old killed) were in Ft. Worth & Abilene... NOT Madisonville! Well done. Let's make it State wide!

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 Madisonville, Guess with your uneducated law, I will need to find a new vet since my breed is banned. You people need to ban together, If you don't your rights to own any dog are cat will go away, you might as well join PETA, their a piece of work. Join Responsible pet owners alliance and get the daily emails like a do and then you will see the big picture.IF the Gov has their way, dogs and cats will become extinct, so get involved in saving our rights instead of acting like 2 yr olds fighting over a toy. BTW the US Gov owns this country not YOU.

Posted by: eric Location: memphis,tn on Feb 18, 2008 at 01:06 PM
don't take our word for it, look and see what the #1 authority has to say on the matter, the humane society of the United States: http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/dangerous_dogs.html HSUS Statement on Dangerous Dogs and Breed-Specific Legislation

Posted by: Heidi Location: MN on Feb 18, 2008 at 12:39 PM
You need a law but not for one breed. The bad owners will get another breed.Keep it up and in 10 yrs you will have banned ALL breeds including the evil shihtzu. You need laws to protect everyone -human and dogs alike.

Posted by: Mary Pinké Location: Houston, TX on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Breed specific laws cannot be upheld. I do not own or expect to own this breed but in the name of reason, I urge you to punish the actions of the individual dogs and their owners rather than the breed (pit bull is a generic term, anyway). If someone wearing a red shirt runs stop signs will you ban red shirts next?

Posted by: mona on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:48 AM
People can be so stupid. The best dogs i ever had are pitts . The most loveing dogs you can have. I have 4 and they would all sleep with me i had a big enough bed .

Posted by: Michelle Location: Houston, TX on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I'm outraged that Madisonville thinks they can break TX state laws. BSL is illegal in TX. They should ban stupid, irresponsible pet owners of all species and breeds, not the animals. If you put 12 different breeds of dog side by side (with similar markings and appearance) probably only ONE of them is actually a pit bull. And on top of that, 'pit bull' isn't even a breed. There are American Staffordshire Terriors, Bull Terriors, English Bull Dogs, American Bull Dogs...they are all 'bully' breeds. Exactly which one are they illegally banning? A boxer mix could easily be mistaken for a pit bull. How is the city going to prove if a dog is a so-called 'pit bull'? Are they going to spare the expense of genetic testing? And what of the hundreds of breeds who have been proven to be more aggressive, including cocker spaniels, black labs, poodles, dalmations, etc.? When will they be banned? Where exactly does it end. This psuedo-nazi city counsel really needs to rethink this.

Posted by: Cruz Location: Houston on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Smells like something's rotten in Denmark/Madisonville.

Posted by: Eric Location: san antonio on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I have 8 pit bulls through out my life so far. I still have 4 now full grown ones and a chihuahua an my chihuahua has biten several people and i have never had a problem with my pits biting anyone or any other dog. I think that the dumb owners that make their dogs bad are the ones that should be banned from a town not the dogs. I am a pitbull lover and am very sad and diappointed that everyone is trying to punish the dogs for what their owners cause. please help our loving dogs they are apart of our families dont punish them.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Houston on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:35 AM
John , The City attorney Friady told me directlt IT WAS breed specific and that was the council's intent . He said people listening to rap music were the ones with the problem dogs . He could give no specific examples of "the problem " . He said they didn't mind the ordinance was illegal . ANYONE wishing to challenge the ordinance , that is covered by it , AND is a responsible owner , please reply so we can discuss .

Posted by: E. Location: Texas on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:17 AM
You want to talk about dogs that bite, what about wiener dogs? Those are some of the most "vicious" dogs I have seen, but I would never support an attempt to ban their owners from keeping them. Another thought that crosses my mind is, what about dogs that are only part-pit bull? Does this mean that they will only have to be muzzled half of the time? Or maybe they will only have to wear half a muzzle.

Posted by: Eric Location: Bastrop on Feb 18, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I worked as a city meter reader and a ups driver for a big city and have been bit several times, all documented, and was never bitten by a pit or any other "aggressive" breed. Every time I was bitten was by a "foo foo" dog. We should ban them. We all know someone with and aggressive rat dog. For those that think along the line of what a pit can do compared to what a small dog can do, well why don't we ban all big things. On the road I would rather get hit by a compact car then a semi. There are dog bits all the time by other breed of dogs but they media doesn't care about them. My pit is a great add to my community. I don't know about you, but I don't need any more laws telling me how to live my life. Government is best when governed least.

Posted by: Susan Location: Houston on Feb 18, 2008 at 10:34 AM
It's sad that in today's society a town of supposedly intelligent people can fall so far backwards. Banning the breed is absurd, perhaps they should look at banning the people who are the real problem.

Posted by: Deborah Location: Illinois on Feb 18, 2008 at 10:10 AM
I have 2 pitbull mixed breed dogs. One is female and one is male. They are well-trained, mild-mannered, extremely well disiplined and great with children and all people in general. Again, as stated MANY TIMES BEFORE, the BREED DOES NOT MAKE A "BAD" dog, thier OWNERS do!!! Any town who condemns a breed as a whole should consider banning the residents who have no business owning a dog, of ANY breed, if they cannot train and care for them properly as as the animal DESERVES! I love my dogs like family and would never give them up or live in a town that would not welcome thier breed.

Posted by: Jody Location: Austin on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:50 AM
How stupid is this pitbull law. In the first place a dog is a dog. I owned 5 pitbulls at one time and never in 4 1/2 years did I ever have a problem with them. My neighbors never had no complaints, the mailmen got along with them even the kids in the neighborhood like them. Just any dog they looked after my home and property and did an outstnading job at. People love pitbulls. My dogs where good natured fun loving animals that when treated right will behave right. It's like the world wants to make criminals out of these dogs. You know if you tell someone long enough that they are bad then they begin to believe it. Punish the people not the breed. Who in Madisonville decide these new rules for owning a dog. Where are the rules for each specific breed there. I don't like poodles and they seem to bite more often then a pitbull where are the rules for them. This is totally outrageous.

Posted by: Diane Location: Arizona on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:43 AM
What next - will they tell people what to think, do, wear? Is this what they call progress? I feel sorry for the people that live in that town - and if I were them I would consider relocating. This is beyond ignorant!

Posted by: ME Location: Somewhere on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I think ALL dogs should be banned!!!! I HATE DOGS!!!!

Posted by: Sarah Location: MN on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:06 AM
What a shame. How ignorant can a town be. People that are irresponsible dog owners will just go get a bigger dog to neglect and make mean. Make and enforce pet ownership laws.

Posted by: John Location: College Station on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:03 AM
"All of this argueing on here is based on a story written by a reporter who did not pick up on the ordinance untill almost a week after the meeting. ...And one person tell me why breed specific legislation is being talked about here after you have read the ordinance. "... Perhaps because the definition of "vicious dog" is at the sole disgression of Animal Control whom may have (in fact probably did) tell KBTX in the days following the passing of what appeared at the time to be an innocuous and not particularly newsworthy ordinance, that EVERY dog that LOOKS LIKE a Pit Bull is automatically going to be so designated. This is a common, sneaky, and legally transparent way to try to avoid being tagged with BSL until someone with money and power enough pushes a challange to an independent court that slaps the City down. What the Council is obviously counting on is that most of the PB owners won't have the means to do so.

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Dallas, TX on Feb 18, 2008 at 09:01 AM
WOW,narrow minded people scare me! I have had 3 pit bulls, if you actually know what one is.I have owned a Rotty and a Dobie too.Problem is,they also were considered vicious when I owned them as were German Shepards,none of them ever harmed anyone.Do more research than watching and listening to media that is out ONLY for ratings. They are dogs,unlike us they having no reasoning capabilities,we teach them how to play,love,interact with people and other dogs.If they stayed living with their pack the mother dog would teach them these things.Unfortunately the dogs usually do not get that choice and they get stuck with humans that have no reason or right to own dogs. I actually think we should make those idiots (thugs) fight to the death and see how long the blood sports continue.Do not ban a breed, ban the people who do this from our cities and get help for the dogs who are being abused. The country came together to help the M.Vick dogs, why not do the same to convict more horrible owners?

Posted by: karen Location: austin on Feb 18, 2008 at 08:18 AM
People who know animals know that it is not the animal, it is people. People who believe certain breeds are born dangerous or become dangerous due to their breed are not people who are willing to even consider the truth. Also, people who have been harmed by a particular breed, although it was traumatic, need to be open that the incident occurred by a dog, not a breed. It could have been a pack of dogs, but again, not a breed - a pack. It is ILLEGAL to breed ban in Texas, so it will be illegal to make Pit Bulls illegal in any town in Texas. It is ridiculous for a town to feel they are smarter than everybody else and they think they should be able to get away with an illegal act There are many responsible Pit Bull owners (myself included). Use them as the example of what Pit Bulls are like - not people who abuse these animals and then are surprised when they do something to try to defend themselves. PBs cannot even innocently look at another dog w/o being accused of being mean.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 18, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Why should the dogs suffer for the idiot humans? Punish the irresponsible owners, not the breeds. How embarrassing for Madisonville!

Posted by: APBTOWNER Location: Dallas on Feb 18, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Madisonville, some of you RESIDENTS knock us for voicing our opinions, but lets not forget this is the USA and we have that right as well as the right to care! Oh, yeah your town doesnt follow laws that the rest of us do. Ok so you guys have a problem with thugs right? So it's the dogs fault right? Makes no sense you guys say oh come on down here and see its awful and were walk our streets in fear! How dare you, if your that scared move, if you cant then talk to city officials its obviously a problem with bad people not bad dogs! At some point and time someone there needs to take the box of their mind and think outside of it. Simple town...simple minded people. Hey new town slogan!

Posted by: Louis Location: Austin on Feb 18, 2008 at 08:11 AM
It's not The breed that is viscous it's the humanity claimed by those that agree banning a breed for what their owners are overall responsible for. If anything Should be done with this breed it should be guide lines for keeping them, and have owner reprecusions not the pets.

Posted by: nina Location: austin on Feb 18, 2008 at 07:46 AM
The small minded yee-haws of Madisonville show pure ignorance, Joe Brown the one whose name is on the article should be ashamed. Being a member of the church in Bedias where his dad is the preacher.Any animal can be harmful to humans if treated wrong. It depends on how you treat and teach them from the start. It is a proven fact.

Posted by: jm Location: madisonville on Feb 18, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Joe Brown is a fine reporter and has done a great job on educating the public. To the person putting him down-are you getting scared that he is beginning to uncover the many illegal acts of this Mayor. If he keeps investigating the Mayor and Council they will all be in jail. Go after the drugs and not the dogs. Maybe the Mayor is protecting his son.

Posted by: Who cares Location: M'ville on Feb 18, 2008 at 06:01 AM
Laura - we may not be the only city with the problems we have, but we don't sit around griping and moaning about them - we try to do things about them. Oh, guess you don't want to load up because you just might realize that the problems we speak of are so outwardly obvious. Want to know where 3 of our police cars were today? They had to pull over 10 "tricked" out cars where the rims cost more than the dang car because the "owners" were driving serpentine down the streets - nearly crashing into several cars....yeah - they felt then need to swerve all over the roads in a procession....why? Who the heck knows. Yeah - sorry to our law enforcement for having to deal with that nonsense. I did notice that the local crack house that has 2 pits roaming freely did comply with the new ordinance. Why? Because they did it so the cops couldn't step foot on their property to see what is really going on. But we citizens are smarter than that - we will eventually get you one way or another!

Posted by: Le Ann Location: Indiana on Feb 18, 2008 at 05:58 AM
RIDICULOUS! LOOKS LIKE THIS CITY NEEDS SOME EDUCATING!!

Posted by: Margot Location: France on Feb 18, 2008 at 03:52 AM
Breed bans are ignorant, cruel, a curtailment of owners' rights and, most of all, ineffective. There is nothing wrong with the breed. It's the owners, stupid!

Posted by: akacia teague Location: Wichita falls on Feb 18, 2008 at 02:51 AM
How about having stricter polices for Pit bull owners.

Posted by: Lindsay P. Location: MS on Feb 17, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Gee that will solve ALL of the Pit Bull "problems" won't it? Banning the pits-NOT punishing those that give the pit bulls a bad name(those that fight and train them to be vicious). When you get rid of all of the pit bulls what breed will you target and ban then? Hey just make all pets illegial! STOP B.S.L. Breed profiling is wrong! Put our tax dollars and your time to better use-getting drugs, murders, pedifiles etc. off of the streets-I think that is a much bigger concern than telling America(land of the free???)what dog breed they can and can't own.

Posted by: Paul Location: Jefferson County, TX on Feb 17, 2008 at 10:57 PM
HEY EVERYONE! Let's all take a break for a moment or two and play a really cool game. If you go to this link, you'll find a cut and dried, but fun game to test your knowledge about what a "Pit Bull" looks like: http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html. AND, PLEASE DON'T COME BACK HERE WITH A SILLY RETORT (either way) STATING YOUR EXPERTISE OF RECOGNIZING THIS TYPE OF DOG BASED ON CHEATING INSTEAD OF BEING HONEST (with yourself). Cheaters suck! I played the game, and I was totally wrong! Instead of taking pot shots at each other (not even using this time in a constructive manner at all), let's put everything on the line by using this time more constructively and using our brains to find out if anyone has any right to deem any canine species to be called a non-existent breed such as the "Pit Bull". We can also Google "APBT" and "AST" to further use our time more constructively. Good luck playing the game everyone! Also, see http://www.realpitbull.com/myths.html and http://www.workingpitbull.com/amstaffpit.htm for further information.

Posted by: Lindsay Location: Oklahoma on Feb 17, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Darlene, there is nothing different about a Pit Bull's jaw versus any other breed's. No locking mechanism, no unique structure. Many dogs can bite just as hard as a Pit Bull can. As for the "this could have been a child" comment, a dog knows the difference between human and animal just as clearly as you do. If they did not, then all those rabbit-chasing Greyhounds would be mauling running children instead. Or the terrier breeds which root out vermin would be confused and grabbing babies from cribs. Animal aggression and human aggression are vastly different. I'd rather have an animal-aggressive dog, like the APBT, than a human-aggressive dog, like many other breeds. Many "pit bull attacks" either start out as, or are altercations between two animals, which happens with all breeds.

Posted by: Dawn Csernai Location: Austin, TX on Feb 17, 2008 at 08:27 PM
It's a shame that there is such bad publicity about this breed. Any pet behaviorialist will tell you it is not the breed to punish but the breed. Poor responsibility of the owners makes this an ongoing problem for the breed. Please reconsider this action as it will not solve the issues you have had in your county. Feel free to use me as a reference and I will be happy to show you by testimony of many many responsible pit bull owners with our club in Austin - The American Pit Bull Terrier Meetup www.meetup.com reference Pit Bull Terrier

Posted by: Robert Location: Austin TX on Feb 17, 2008 at 08:26 PM
HELL NO YOU CANT PUT A BANNED ON MY DOG!!

Posted by: Max Location: Chicago on Feb 17, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Pure ignorance! So what really is a "pit bull"? Do you ban the dog that looks like the pit bull with the big head, due to what the news media says, or some case of fear? Get real! All dogs bite. Jaw locking? Do your homework.

Posted by: Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 17, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Please one person who has actually read the ordinance besides me make a comment on here. It is 14 pages long and does not single out a breed. Absolutly no one from KBTX was at the council meeting when this ordinance was passed. All of this argueing on here is based on a story written by a reporter who did not pick up on the ordinance untill almost a week after the meeting. Please look at when this story was posted then look at when our last city meeting was. And one person tell me why breed specific legislation is being talked about here after you have read the ordinance. It is my guess that this post will be ignored and people will continue to talk about this and that is exactly what KBTX is banking on.

Posted by: Gene Location: Ft. Worth on Feb 17, 2008 at 07:49 PM
From 1965 - 2001, there have been at least 36 different breeds/types of dog that have been involved in a fatal attack in the United States. So where are the others?

Posted by: jade Location: london on Feb 17, 2008 at 04:32 PM
wtf pitbull arnt a dangerous breed its if owners dont know how to handle them properly so this wont solve anything because people will just resort to smuggling

Posted by: Laura Location: Bryan on Feb 17, 2008 at 04:15 PM
The small minded yee-haws of Madisonville need to get w/ the real world. Those of us who live "on the outside" don't need to load up & make the drive to see what's going on. You're not the only place on earth with "thugs" who walk w/ their dogs on logging chains. I appreciate & understand the frustration felt when you & your children don't feel safe in your own neighborhood, but banning pit bulls is not going to solve your problems. Those same thugs are still going to be living in a crack house w/ their loaded guns. If you want to get rid of the weeds, you have to pull them up by the roots, not cut them at the surface! Did anyone look beyond the passing of this ILLEGAL ordinance? Do you know what these people are going to do w/ their dogs? They will go outside the city limits & dump it (still in the YOUR community) where it will roam freely! Trust me, it happens OFTEN where I live. Then they'll get another breed of "scary" dog to beat into viciousness. Problem solved? I think not!

Posted by: Another persistent Canadian Location: CANADA on Feb 17, 2008 at 03:11 PM
[quote]Posted by: Darlene Location: Madisonville It is a fact that the pit bull has a mouth shape ---jaw----that allows more damage to occur to whatever this breed bites, whether .... The pit bull's bite inflicts more damage than other breeds due to jaw shape and more teeth, making a bite by this animal more dangerous than other dog bites for this reason.[/quote] Darlene,come now Regurgitating nonsense doesn`t make it a "fact" Here`s a FACT http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/topic.php?id=21&topic=17 [quote]Lehr Brisbin PhD, Professor of Ecology at he University of South Carolina �The studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure, and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any other breed of dog of comparable size and build. Further there is no evidence for the existence of any kind of �locking mechanism� unique to the structure of the jaws and/or teeth of pit bulls.�[/quote]

Posted by: Kathy Location: Texas on Feb 17, 2008 at 02:50 PM
I echo Laura's comments: Breed bans are a gross example of fear, ignorance and laziness on the part of legislators. Shame on them for not doing reasonable research into this before wasting tax payer dollars and endangering the lives of responsibly owned dogs and betraying the trust of the law-abiding people who love them. Who would have thought that, in the United States of America, your dog could be killed because someone on the city council doesn't like the way she looks. Inexcusable.

Posted by: Pat Location: Illinois on Feb 17, 2008 at 11:52 AM
BAN THE RIGHT BREED!!! The breed of ignorant jerks that give the pitbull the horrible reputation they now have. That includes irresponsible owners, breeders, fighters, AND people of the NEWS MEDIA who continually add fuel to this flame and refuse to report on any dog attack EXCEPT pitbull. I have a friend who wrote a book and included a story about a child that had been bit by the family dog. The publisher wanted her to change the type of dog from the breed that is known as a sweet family dog to breed with a "reputation" for biting. Thankfully the writer held her ground. That's the media for you!

Posted by: Laura Location: Greensboro,NC on Feb 17, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Breed bans are a gross example of fear, ignorance and laziness on the part of legislators. Shame on them for not doing reasonable research into this before wasting tax payer dollars and endangering the lives of responsibly owned dogs and betraying the trust of the law-abiding people who love them. Who would have thought that, in the United States of America, your dog could be killed because someone on the city council doesn't like the way she looks. Inexcusable.

Posted by: CMO Location: Illinois on Feb 17, 2008 at 11:05 AM
To ANOTHER CANADIAN LOCATION: Well said! To TEXAN: Yea, your doing such a great job. NOT! So shut the ---k up!

Posted by: Marci Reyes Location: Madisonville on Feb 17, 2008 at 10:26 AM
This is absolutely ridiculous! So instead of punishing the owners of a select few, and I do mean FEW, you are punishing the owners of all and the wonderful Pitbulls that are guilty of no crime. Ignorance at its finest.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Texas on Feb 17, 2008 at 10:25 AM
http://www.fataldogattacks.com/#FDA Get the facts.....

Posted by: Tammy Location: Greenwood Lake NY on Feb 17, 2008 at 10:11 AM
How do people keep passing legislation that is punitive to people and animals that are innocent of ever causing harm to anyone? Pit Bulls in and of themselves are not harmful - it is the BAD PEOPLE like Michael Vick that train, taunt and abuse these animals causing them to do bad things. Most pit bulls are simply family pets WHO HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING WRONG! Why do legislators feel it necessary to punish innocent people and animals. If they've done something wrong - that's another thing - you should ENFORCE THE LAWS THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE BOOKS - NOT outlaw entire breeds due to the FEAR that someday ONE of them might do something bad!

Posted by: Bear Location: Minooka, Il on Feb 17, 2008 at 09:45 AM
It seems to me that in most areas where pitbulls become a threat, there are generally larger social issues at the root. So instead of punishing law abiding citizens, maybe there should be a long look at the root issues.

Posted by: Cynthia Location: Frisco, TX on Feb 17, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Texas law prohibits breed specific legislation. We need make the owners responsible for the actions of their dogs and not go after a specific breed. A bite is a bite be it by a small dog or a large dog. With laws like this they are just going to end up making responsible owners pay for permits and make irresponsible owners hide their dogs.

Posted by: Michael Location: Austin,Tx on Feb 17, 2008 at 09:21 AM
If you really look to the core of this Legislation it parallels banning minority children for what the older "thugs" as MOM put it since essentally the dogs have no voice just like children. I'm sure this town would never do that, but it seems just as likely to fix the problem they are having in that community. BSL is profiling. I guess my next question would be is this municipality allowing the Police to target other "dangerous groups," like teenagers, and minorities? (I say this tongue in cheek, I would never stand for that behavior either) Maybe we should ban horses so people don't fall off, or cows so people don't eat them and get fat. Spend your resources fighting the problem, not the innocents. Apparently they have a "thug" problem that needs eradicating, and not a dog problem.

Posted by: Patty Location: Florida on Feb 17, 2008 at 09:16 AM
A note for "Texan" who insists that state law does not make breed specific local ordinances "illigal" (sic). So just how would you interpret this?: "822.047. Local Regulation of Dangerous Dogs A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter." Guess you don't read any better than you spell.

Posted by: Dawn Location: Florida on Feb 17, 2008 at 08:48 AM
If "pit bulls" are banned due to BSL, then someone would have to determine what a pitbull was. And there are so many breeds of terrier dogs that have similar looks, that it just is not a fair law. A dangerous dog law makes much more sense. I watched Animal Cops last night, on Animal Planet, and a Bull dog just ripped the heck out of a "pit bull". The dog had to be euthanized. So, what dog is the most dangerous? It's too hard to pin it on one breed. Given a situation, any big dog can be dangerous, and given the jerk of an owner, any big dog can be mean. Would you really want to mess with a German Shepherd that had been trained well to attack? And how would you know if it had? And DJ is right...banning pit bulls is not going to end their existence, any more than making crystal meth, or cocaine or heroin illegal makes it unattainable. BSL is the same as "colored only" drinking fountains and restrooms. It points at the outside appearance and not the true nature of the soul.

Posted by: Ginger Location: Texas on Feb 17, 2008 at 08:38 AM
I'm an animal rescuer that works daily with this breed. Your town has caused quite a problem and you don't even realize it! They need to reconsider this ban. I don't care if your town voted them in and they voted on this or not. Your ban will trickle to other towns. I don't live in your town but i do live in a town a few hours from yours and i refuse to let this ban hurt other responsible pitbull owners. PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED! Responsible pitbull owners will not rest till your ban is lifted. You need to be coming up with ways to punish bad owners instead of banishing a breed. Look at Vicks dogs and how good they are doing this breed is a very lovable and loyal breed. I rather walk into a cage with a pitbull i have never meet than a ankle bitter anyday. Pitbulls just want to be accepted and loved!

Posted by: Michele Location: Greenville, SC on Feb 17, 2008 at 08:23 AM
This is not good! Those of you supporting this ban, enjoy your false feeling of security while it lasts...because the dangerous dogs will still be out there. When certain breeds are banned, only the people who DO have respect for the law will comply with it and rehome their dogs or move away. Then all you'll be left with are the people who DO NOT have respect for the law and are willing to break it to keep their dogs. Do you think someone who will flout the law will make sure their dogs are well-trained, well-socialized, spayed and neutered, vaccinated and securely contained when they can never be seen in public or taken to any local vet clinics? I don't. Do you think the BSL you've just passed is going to stop a bad, abusive dog owner from getting another dog of a "legal" breed to abuse, make into a vicious and dangerous animal that is still a threat to your kids even if it isn't a pit bull? It won't.

Posted by: Darlene Location: Madisonville on Feb 17, 2008 at 08:13 AM
It is a fact that the pit bull has a mouth shape ---jaw----that allows more damage to occur to whatever this breed bites, whether they bite an old woman on a mower or a little child walking down the street. I saw a pony literally shredded by the bite of a pit bull. You could see completely through the horrific wounds in the pony's neck and legs.This could have been a child. The pit bull's bite inflicts more damage than other breeds due to jaw shape and more teeth, making a bite by this animal more dangerous than other dog bites for this reason. Thank you, Madisonville, for keeping this dog--most loyal & friendly to owners and known persons but not always to unknown dogs or humans and especially when 2 or more dogs are loose--off the streets. Any breed of dog can be vicious but the pit bull bite does more damage and can easily kill when other dog bites only injure.Having been threatened by pit bulls several times as I walked in the city, I and my children say thank you! Safety first!!

Posted by: Nancy Daily Location: Houston on Feb 17, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Pit bulls intrinsically are no more dangerous than any other breed. They can be trained to be agressive and dangerous, as can any other breed of dog. All dogs do better with good training and proper supervision. It would be wrong to punish the many for the sins of the few. I also feel it is wrong to create local laws in violation of state laws

Posted by: BURTIS Location: BRYAN on Feb 17, 2008 at 04:17 AM
Saying "how you raise'em" is a bunch of crap. The pit has been bred to be vicious and 1 or 2 generations of love won't make them safe. Pit owners want a vicious dog as a symbol of power and threat and to boost their ego and establish a tough image.

Posted by: Liza Location: NorthWest on Feb 17, 2008 at 12:37 AM
absolutely pathetic,,,, too bad that caging, muzzling policy doesnt apply to the people who have mistreated their dogs in the first place. Racial profiling was outlawed years ago, get with the times!

Posted by: Brande Location: Goliad, TX on Feb 17, 2008 at 12:35 AM
As a lifelong Texas resident I'm horrified that BSL would be passed anywhere in this great state. As a dog rescuer I've dealt with many different breeds and out of all of them I would have to say that my two pitbulls are the ONLY ones who have never shown any aggression of any kind. It truly is all in the way the animal is raised. To those of you who support this act, do you know or care about how many innocent, loving, family dogs may lose their families or even worse their lives because some pitbulls are bad?

Posted by: Ginger Location: Chicago on Feb 16, 2008 at 11:14 PM
This is so insane I can't imagine how it would be if this were carried to people!!! How about that? Yeah, ban certain types of people? Get real! I think I may just move out of this freakin country! I have had it with pig headed, one way people like those who pulled this one off! Reason makes no sense to those who legislate idiot rules like this!

Posted by: Will Location: Colorado on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I dont understand how this could make any sense whatsoever. If all these lawmakers would actually look at facts and not believe everything they hear in the paper or hear on tv. We cant believe everything you hear without proof. If they are gonna ban PITBULLS, they should ban Cocker Spaniels, Labs, German Shepherds, Chihuahua's and every other breed of dog because they have all attacked and killed people or kids.

Posted by: Carole Location: Ontario, Canada on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Pit Bulls (and pit bull "type dogs") are banned in Ontario, not all of Canada. It is a BAD law that many of us are actively fighting. Beware of the "extras" that can accompany these laws -- things like absolute right of seizure of your dog if a neighbor complains about whatever they want (could be barking) IRRESPECTIVE of the breed of your dog. Go after the irresponsible owners. I do dog rescue and can tell you in 10 years, i have met only a handful of innately bad dogs -- the majority of dangerous dogs have been created by their owners. Least any law makers think that banning PBs are the answer, there are a lot of "bigger and badder" dogs out there that irresponsible individuals will gravitate towards.

Posted by: Brazos Valley Resident on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:15 PM
I have a collie chow mix dog and I would be willing to bet my life savings that she would bite it taunted or abused just as fast as a pit bull. I have been around pit bulls before and if they are trained correctly and not trained to be an angry breed they are just as sweet as any breed of dog. People who believe its "in their blood" to be a vicious breed is just ignorant to the truth. This law will not hold up, because the first person to recieve a fine from having a pit will just take it to the next level and it will be dismissed!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Houston on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:15 PM
No wonder they call us Dumb A** Texans.

Posted by: El Gallo Ciego Kennels Location: Portland, Tx on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:45 PM
This is another example of abuse of power. The dogs aren't bad it's the owners. What you don't know is that APBT pass temperament tests with 87% vs only 73% by labs. It's irresponsible owners that give the breed a bad name. It should be illegal to ban a breed. What the gov't should do is have harsh punishments on irrsponsible owners. How can you hate a dog that will put his/her life on the line to protect yours? I just don't get it. Get a life and open your eyes texas. Check out the good this breed has to offer. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Stop Stereotyping and most importantly STOP BSL!!!!!

Posted by: richard Location: san antonio on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:23 PM
This is a very bad ordinance. I don't even own a dog but I do know that it is people not a breed of dog that cause problems.

Posted by: Gail Location: Bryan on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:03 PM
To those people in Madisonville who seem to think that the only good pit bull is a dead pit bull, take the time to check this out-- http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/specials/interactives/_national/rescued_dogs/index.html?SITE=NVREN. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and PETA wanted to add the ultimate insult (death) to a life of injury (dog-fighting) for the dog victims of Michael Vick. Despite the recommendations of HSUS and PETA that they be killed, prosecutors allowed the dogs to go to No Kill adoption groups all over the country. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. And these pictures say it all. You will NOT solve the problems your city has by attempting to ban this breed that has been so terribly maligned and abused. Your local thugs will simply get another kind of dog, and believe me, there are some mastiff-type breeds that make pitbulls look like chihuahuas. Enforce your leash laws for a change. I'm in Madisonville often, and I know what goes on.

Posted by: Alisha Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 08:28 PM
PS.... Please do not make any more comments about how "these owners" do not do anything for the community. I have volunteered at several functions this year, including our recent Gardening Show, and the Mushroom Festival. Please get your facts straight before you generalize like this. I am a tax paying, law abiding citizen that happens to own wonderful pit bulls!

Posted by: Anne Location: Texas on Feb 16, 2008 at 08:23 PM
This is a stupid, unenforceable ordinance. Who determines whether a dog is classified as a "pit bull" or not? Enforce the laws already on the books. It's the irresponsible owners--of ANY KIND of dog--that need to be punished, not responsible owners of dogs someone might decide look like a "pit bull".

Posted by: Pat Location: So Central TX on Feb 16, 2008 at 08:14 PM
BSL Legislation in Texas is not 'legal' or enforceable. This type of mentality shows ignorance and dictatorship on the part of Madisonville officials.

Posted by: JR Location: Dallas on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Sounds like a great town to just pass through. I wouldn't even stop to get gas.

Posted by: Lyn Bolt Location: Houston, TX on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Good Dogs, Bad Owners. It is against the law in Texas to enact breed specific legislation. This law is unenforceable and illegal. What next, Cocker Spaniels, Labs? Probably more bites by these breeds than Pit Bulls.

Posted by: John Location: not in M'ville if this keeps on on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I've been to the city councel meetings and from what I can see it is a waste of time. All I seen was a good ole boys club that controlled by the current Mayor that according to city charter should not have a say. I watched the councel look at him to watch his expression before they vote, IT SICKENED ME. I can tell you this when it is time to vote, I'll vote for a pit bull or a pile of bull $#!^ over any of them. Citizens of Madisonville it is time we get involved and make the spineless councel and overbearing, self serving Mayor accountable for their stupidity. THIS IS OUR TOWN, I WANT IT SAFE FOR MY KIDS. Will they go after the owners of these dogs in the neighborhood that the dog fights take place or will they go to a nicer neighborhood to take the family pet away because they are less likely to resist with a gun. I do believe dog fighting is illegal everywhere,why don't they go after the people who are fighting the dogs. It is a small town we all know where it happens.

Posted by: Alisha Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:15 PM
For the idiots that keep talking about how pit bull owners are not tax payers, well let me tell you something. I am a citizen that owns two of these dogs, and I damn well pay my taxes. I own a home, and just paid my property taxes this week. And they were well over a thousand dollars. So you really need to keep racist, stupid, moronic comments to yourself. I own a home with a fenced in backyard, my "white" neighbors are not threatened by my dogs, and they have never gotten out of my yard. It is idiocracy like this that makes "tax paying" pit bull owners like me suffer!! Maybe you should think about the loved PETS you are ripping from my children! We have all cried over this, and it's definately not over yet. And you better believe I will be at the next council meeting to speak. Maybe if our Community Calendar on the city website had the meetings posted, more people would show. And maybe the citizens of Madisonville didn't expect you to rip away our rights and loved ones!Think about tha

Posted by: One more Canadian! Location: Canada on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:03 PM
[quote]Man is it really sp boring in Canada that all you people have to do is worry about dog ordinances in Texas. Heres an idea send some help to the war on terror instead of lettting others fight to protect you. [/quote] Canada has many soldiers in Afghanistan.Talk to our Prime Minister about Iraq. Send him an email. The misinformed like yourself believe that this is an issue about dogs. This is a Constitutional/Civil rights issue. The responsible owners of those "special" dogs in your town and other towns in other Counties should have the same DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS as you do! Breed Specific Laws turn otherwise law abiding citizens into 2nd class citizens. [quote]Come see the pit bulls being walked down the road on logging chains.[/quote] Ban "Pit Bulls",they will walk Presa Canario`s...ban those..they will walk Mastiffs...ban those..they will walk Dobermans...then Dogue de Bordeaux...get the point?It`s the people. The dogs would rather lie on the couch and be spoiled.

Posted by: Tiffany McCalla Location: Austin on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Breed specific legislation only perpetuates misinformed opinions and unfairly punishes responsible dog owners because of a handful of irresponsible people - not to mention the fact that many friendly, wonderful dogs will suffer and and likely be killed in the process. Aside from that, people will STILL own pit bulls and instead of properly socializing them (as ALL dogs should be) they will be kept as a "secret" and not taken in public. This is a situation where ANY dog could become dangerous. BSL is wrong, ignorant, and dangerous.

Posted by: autumn Location: lumberton on Feb 16, 2008 at 06:53 PM
I think anyone who is going to vote against these dogs is very closed minded. I have three pit bulls and they are not aggressive what so ever. all they want to do to strangers is lick them! Just because a couple pits gave the breed a bad name. Look at the statistics on dog bites from golden retrivers.....Everyone voting for this ridiculous law should really think this over theres alot of good left in this breed!!! Dont be close minded people!!

Posted by: Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Come on people you have been duped. The ordinance that the city council voted on is not Breed Specific. It simply states "vicious dogs". Well actually it is not so simple that fact that it is 14 pages long will attest to that. I can promise you that the man who wrote this article has not taken time to read it. Joe Brown the one whose name is on the article should be ashamed. Being a member of the church in Bedias where his dad is the preacher I can tell you man is well known for this type of shoddy reporting. It's simple people go read the ordinance and you will find that all the argueing on here is for nothing.

Posted by: Sydney on Feb 16, 2008 at 06:28 PM
It is illegal in Texas for any city, county, municipality to ban pit bulls or any other breed of dog. Texas Law specifically prohibits discrimination of dogs based on breed. Madisonville city officials obviously are not aware of Texas Law and this ban is illegal and not enforceable!

Posted by: john Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Seems to me that the current Mayor and City Manager in Madisonville have their own agenda. They stronged armed the council to attack and humiliate a 30 year employee who when she was acting city manager was making positive strides forward for our small town. The Mayor wanting to change the reqirments for city manager to get his buddy in that position. The new acting city manager firing a city cop for doing her job. I guess they ran out of things to screw up within the city offices so why not pick on the dogs. It doesn't matter what the state law is, when they feel their beyond it. Just another example of why we should not have a Mayor and City Manager that don't care about the people the work for.

Posted by: Nancy Location: Sinton Tx on Feb 16, 2008 at 06:10 PM
This is deplorable! Pit Bulls aren't bad, just stupid people who own them. This can't happen. It's just terrible.

Posted by: DJ Location: ALABAMA on Feb 16, 2008 at 05:55 PM
What exactly is this going to accomplish? People that fight dogs are'nt going to stop because of this ignorant new law.Irresponsible owners are'nt going to become responsible because of this ignorant new law.The only thing it does is create a burden for the responsible pit bull owners.How many people die from firearms in Madisonville?Are you going to ban guns next?What about alcohol and tobacco? Might as well ban those also since you are taking away everyones rights!

Posted by: Texan Location: Texas on Feb 16, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Man is it really sp boring in Canada that all you people have to do is worry about dog ordinances in Texas. Heres an idea send some help to the war on terror instead of lettting others fight to protect you. As for all the people quoting Tx state statue 822.047 NO IT DOES NOT MAKE IT ILLIGAL TO BAN A BREED. HAHAHH Canada , NJ, IL, come on folks go out get a life we will take care of ours.

Posted by: Thelma Location: Deer Park, Texas on Feb 16, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Punish the owners, not the breeds. Any dog will bite if they are not trained correctly, if they are not contained according to the law. Make the owners of ANY breed/mix breed answerable to the exisitng laws of our state. The Great state of Texas doesn't not need more legislation, we need more law officers so that the laws we already have can be enforced. Please remove the huge burden already placed on our wonderful law officers/animal control officers. Use our tax dollars to hire more of them instead of wasting time and tax dollars on legislation such as this. Thank you.

Posted by: amber Location: c on Feb 16, 2008 at 05:38 PM
I dont think people who pass thease type of laws understand pitbulls. It is not the breed it is the owner! pitbulls are very loyal dogs and they do every thing there owner ask of them. I wisk who ever pass the laws would spend ONE day with people who truely love the breed and bring them up right Then they will see how they truely are! Pitbulls are the most loyal and trusting dogs on this earth! I have six pitbulls and everyone of them are kid and animal friendly, i would trust a pitbull around my children before i would trust any other type of breed. You have a better chance of getting attacked by a small dog then you do a PITBULL, YOU PEOPLE NEED TO OPEN YOUR EYES!!! Come spend a day at my kennel and you would change your mind about them. They would work there way into your heart just like they have millions all around the world.

Posted by: J B R Location: San Diego on Feb 16, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Bravo JJ of Austin, TX I could not have stated the problem with the issue more clearly nor precisely. Thank You - JBR, San Diego, CA

Posted by: Carole Location: Washington on Feb 16, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I'm not from Madisonville (thank God) but I know BSL does NOT work. Just yesterday a purebred Labrador Retriever was sentenced to death in Canada because he fit into the BSL "pit bull" category (3 or more of the following traits: solid/muscular build, broad head, short coat, broad muzzle, medium size). Here's pictures of the dog, he is quite obviously not ANY breed of Pit Bull or even "bully breed": http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/fierhund4/Munchie.jpg. Also, since Denver CO banned "pit bull" breeds, they've had a big INCREASE in the number of "pit bulls" living in the city. Only now the problem is worse because the BAD breeders are the ones bringing them into the area; people that don't health-test or adequately socialize their dogs, and don't care about the law.

Posted by: Barra and Gabby Location: NSW, AUSTRALIA!! on Feb 16, 2008 at 05:00 PM
I'm so sick of hearing about more counties and cities banning pit bulls! It's completely stupid! BSL does not help one bit. My staffy, Barra, who is NOT dangerous is suffering from this stupid legislation. People think he is dangerous...when he is obviously not. In my state, pit bulls are banned, but i know people who have them BSL has stopped them showing other people what pits are actually like. They can not take them out in public, therefore they can not be properly socialised...tell me NSW how the hell does that help!? anyone on myspace check out my Contest Page, its just for Bully Breeds :) www.myspace.com/bullybreedscontest -and barra's page- www.myspaace.com/tntstaffsastro

Posted by: Lisa Boland Location: Jefferson County on Feb 16, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Have "officials" heard of the word "Revolution"? For ignorant citizens as well as blatantly ignorant "officials", here is the proper definition :”(from the Latin revolutio, "a turnaround") is a significant change that usually takes place in a short period of time”. My point? If the good people (excluding the ignorant) of the State of Texas keep getting pushed around with these unfair, biased, and unconstitutional animal ordinances, I truly believe riots, revolutions, etc. will occur in cities all over our state. "Officials", laugh this off...when revolution and riots occur, when people as well as animals are dead, what will you "officials" say then? People are NOT going to just sit back and let stupid rich people pay more stupid lobbyists to convince even more stupid "officials" to pass ordinances which solve NOTHING! Sinful, greedy, people! How can ANYONE threaten people’s rights with this "campaign of stupidity"? In my opinion, Communism and Fascism are not welcome in the State of Texas. Would it not suffice to say that we do have a State Constitution...why doesn't anyone follow it and come up with better solutions to animal problems in our cities? On a last note, I have read a lot of residents of Madisonville’s comments complaining about “butt-ins”…frankly, you people have missed the fact that YOUR city’s media has posted this information via the Internet for the whole world to see. Perhaps complaints to your city’s media experts will change how the media operates. I do wish all of you luck in changing the media…HAHAHA! At least you are responsible for a grin or two from me…I have been reading all of this information today, and I have been very disheartened to hear of your city’s decisions to revise animal ordinances that only please some of the residents. Lastly, it seems as if you “yeahs” in this matter are not the majority, everyone (including butt-ins”) will wait to see if things are turned around in the future.

Posted by: Dave Location: Chino Valley, AZ on Feb 16, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I am saddened at the adoption of this misdirected, short-sighted measure. Public safety can be better served by effective enforcement of laws that target actual behavior of all dogs, not the _presumed_ behavior of a specific breed. Such breed-specific legislation (aka "BSL) poses a burden for vacationers in the same way that Jim Crow laws once did for African-Americans. I have crossed several locales off my list for vacation travel, including all of the state of Colorado, where BSL is rampant. If I have to leave behind Brewski, my pit bull companion, I won't go there -- wherever "there" is. http://www.dogster.com/dogs/620859

Posted by: Mike Location: California on Feb 16, 2008 at 04:33 PM
To ban a single breed of dog ofr the most specious of reasons is very inefficient. In order to save time and steal the most taxpayer dollars, I think ALL canids should be banned in this town. Then maybe the people may wake up to the dangerous reality that IS their so-called public servants telling them how to live. The the government can issue taxpayer supplied rubber nipples for the general populace to suck on...Nanny-Statism at its finest. Why stop with dogs?

Posted by: Mom from Madisonville Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 04:29 PM
For all you B/CS residents that have issues with the way we run our town - load up in your cars and come over here and see what goes on. Come see the pit bulls being walked down the road on logging chains. Stop assuming and drive the 36 miles over here! Oh - and the problem sounds like a law enforcement one - huh - our police officers are constantly having to break up domestic squabbles among the "thugs" and when a real crime is committed, they are usually tied up with all their stupid nonsense.

Posted by: JOHN Location: SANCHES on Feb 16, 2008 at 04:09 PM
This subject is simple. Dogs are dogs, to scapegoat one specific breed is idiotic. Owners should be the focus not the breed in specific. Why not blame the owners instead of a loyal companion whom only does what hes told, theres far more agressive breeds out there to point at ie shepards,even chihuahas they are viciouse, and if not for their size they would be in the same subject as the amrecian pitbulls terriers.

Posted by: james Location: Bryan on Feb 16, 2008 at 04:07 PM
This is to the resident from Madisonville: It doesnt matter what you want to be done, if it's in direct violation of a STATE law, then it is not legal. And therefore can not be enforced. So if you would put the same kind of pressure on your city council to hire more Police officers to solve ya'lls "thug" problem then you might feel a little bit safer in your own town. Also do you remember when drug dealers and thugs were associated with rottweilers? And just to let you know this breed was bred with temperment put above all traits. Meaning that if a dog showed any Human Aggression then it was culled. So by saying that they have been bred for generations for this behavior, is not only wrong but incredibly ignorant. So before you go spouting off about a breed you know nothing about, why dont you try asking some one that knows something about the breed.

Posted by: RIACRDO Location: DALLAS on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:55 PM
MAN THAT SUCKS ... PEOPLE MAKE DOGS WHAT THEY ARE BECAUSE MY DOGS PLAY WITH MY 3-9 YEARS OLD AND THEY HAVENT DONE NOTHING TO THEM... THE PEOPLE THAT DONT LIKE PITS ARE NOT MEAN BUT JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE THEY ARE NOT HURTING THEM ... AND IF YOU DONT OWN A PITBULL YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR MISSING THEY ARE AWESOME DOGS

Posted by: Dog Owner Location: Bryan, TX on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:49 PM
If you do not punish the owners of these dogs that terrorize the streets (which I refuse to believe are all pitbulls), the problem cannot be solved. If I am correct, the ordinance states that the pitbulls currently in the area may stay (if they abide by regulations). How will this help those children who are so afraid to walk the streets? If the people who own these dogs and teach them to be vicious are allowed to remain unpunished, they will simply move on to a different breed of dog. It is the people who breed these dogs to fight by starving them, beating them, and forcing them to fight to live who need to be punished. These people make ALOT of money on these fight if their dog is the biggest and baddest. Banning this breed will not solve this problem, punishing the people should be looked into.

Posted by: Another Canadian Location: Canada on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:43 PM
[quote]It's our town and we will run it. Speak out on here if you want,it's a free country, but in the end we make the call not you.[/quote] You`ll find out in the end it`s the Supreme Courts that make the call on BSL and NOT the uneducated,misinformed voting public and politicians. The responsible, voting,taxpaying owners of ALL dogs(including those "special" dogs) are not going to let you make the call. Just a heads up from another educated,informed Canadian. Don`t be bullied by people like this. They would know better if they took the time to read some facts. This is a worldwide fight. It didn`t start in your little town but it seems that a LOT of irresponsible dog owners live there and happen to own and abuse these great dogs. People from other countries will stand up for "Pit Bulls" and the rights of others no matter where they live and that includes your town,whether you like it or not! We don`t just post on forums, we donate to legal challenges all over the world.

Posted by: JJ Location: Austin on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:32 PM
"Resident" says: "The decision to pass this ordinance was made buy [sic] the voting tax payers of Madisonville. You see we elect our city officials. They in turn pass the laws that we want... It's our town and we will run it." Resident, by your logic, if the voting taxpayers of Madisonville decided to ban [insert skin color here] people from the city, you'd have no issues. "Majority rules" does not make something ethical or just. Our constitution ensures equality for everyone, not just the majority; our state constitution ensures equality for all dog owners, regardless of their dog's breed. I think YOU are missing the point: Your city cannot violate state law and trample over the rights of a minority group (pit bull owners) just because it doesn't know how to deal with its problems in an ethical, sensible manner.

Posted by: saida Location: madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:30 PM
yeah - pit bulls are cool until the maul off the face of your child - idiot. I think it is sad that those that have not witnessed the problem FIRST hand have the nerve to post their opinions.....yeah - and you know what they say about opinions.....

Posted by: M Johnson Location: Edgewater Park, NJ on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:11 PM
They'll let paroled murderers, pedophiles and the like to live in your neighborhood but not a Pitbull. Maybe they should take a look at the folks living there instead!

Posted by: Dog Owners Location: Bryan on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:03 PM
It is ignorant to think that banning pitbulls will stop dog bites/attacks. It is possible for ANY breed of dog to attack. Owning a dog is a responsibility. Owners need to be responsible for their pets (of any kind)! I feel that pitbulls are given a bad wrap for fighting and being aggressive. They are the victims in this situation-being taught and expected to fight to live. If you teach a dog to fight, it will fight. If you teach a dog to love, it will love. I have two pitbulls myself, and they are very loyal and loving dogs. The solution is not to ban pitbulls, but to hold all pet owners responsible for their pets!

Posted by: John Location: Houston on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:01 PM
What's next, Bibles, our guns, how about our Constitution and Bill of Rights. I aint gonna mind!!!

Posted by: Tami Location: Denison, IA on Feb 16, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I think it is sad that sound, well cared for and gentle pets would be penalized for irresponsible owners who fail to train and maintain their own animals. I am opposed to breed specific legislation, but prefer enforcement of laws to penalize irresponsible or negligent owners of any breed. The statistics show that most pitbulls are well adjusted, wonderful pets.

Posted by: JESSE Location: CHICAGO on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I DONT THINK THAT IS RIGHT

Posted by: maryann Location: pa on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:54 PM
pit bulls are cool

Posted by: Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:41 PM
I think a very big point is being missed here. The decision to pass this ordinance was made buy the voting tax payers of Madisonville. You see we elect our city officials. They in turn pass the laws that we want. And we want the pit bulls gone. When children can not walk down the street or play in the yard with out being afraid it is time to act. And we did. You will not see the owners of these dogs at a voting place or a council meeting. To much law enforcement there. It's not people who contribute to the community that own these dogs, it's for the most part drug dealers, thiefs, and other criminal offenders. Maybe the people who have written on here from Cal.,NJ, Canada, and other parts of the world do not have the guts to face the hard decisions and times that are coming but we do. It's our town and we will run it. Speak out on here if you want,it's a free country, but in the end we make the call not you.

Posted by: JJ Location: Austin on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:41 PM
This ordinance violates state law. Instead of (or in addition to) posting your opinions here, why not tell the Madisonville City Council your thoughts directly? http://www.ci.madisonville.tx.us/city_officials.htm Madisonville City Hall 210 West Cottonwood, Madisonville, Texas 77864 Telephone: 936-348-2748, Fax: 936-348-3815 Apparently the council is still living in the dark ages before email, but that would also explain why they passed this ban.

Posted by: Tina Jackson Location: Wilmington IL on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I am voting AGAINST the ban of pit bulls in Madison- it is unconstutional and hurtful reputation wise to specific breeds which is a form of racism to the people that own or want to own the breeds!! If a person took the TIME and CARE to research this breed they would EDUCATE themselves to the FACTS that this breed is not only good, but EXCELLENT with children. They are smart and obedient as well and this poor breed has suffered due to MANS ignorance- not because of their vicious nature. If you take ANYTHING living and starve and beat and abuse it- all they will know is mistrust and react to that mistrust. This breed naturally is loving, protective and wonderful when raised in a normal healthy environment. It is the people that need to be punished- not the breed that horrible PEOPLE create into monsters.

Posted by: scarlet Location: camden NJ on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Any animal can be harmful to humans if treated wrong. It depends on how you treat and teach them from the start. It is a proven fact.

Posted by: Donald E. Location: Canada on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:13 PM
[quote] If this law saves one baby's life its worth it.[/quote] Breed Specific Laws didn`t and wouldn`t have saved this baby`s life. Jack Russell kills baby http://www.wtvq.com/midatlantic/tvq/news.apx.-content-articles-TVQ-2008-01-19-0001.html [quote]http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/TexasStats.asp[/quote] [quote]In 2005, one hundred and ninety-seven (197) Texas children died as a result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect). In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, nearly FIVE TIMES as many Texas children died from maltreatment (abuse or neglect) than the TOTAL from ALL dog attacks in Texas over the past 43 years.[/quote] [quote]At least 17 different breeds/types of dogs have been identified as participating in a fatal attack in Texas.[/quote] [quote]In spite of a significant number of reckless and dangerous dog owners in Texas, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:[/quote] The State may have a bigger problem than dogs.

Posted by: Connie Location: NJ on Feb 16, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Unbelievable! This is crazy. I am a veterinary Technician and animal control officer. I have been bitten many times in my career and never once by a Pit Bull. Any dog has the ability to bite, some from agression and some from fear. Banning one breed is not the answer and is not going to help clean up your city. Lets try banning some of the drug addicts, robbers, rapists or idiots from being around the normal people in the world. If you own a dog you need to be held responsible for your dogs actions. It is the owners fault not the dogs and for the people that abide by the rules and take care of their animals this is absolutly ridiculous.

Posted by: JM. Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 01:39 PM
One more bad decision made by the City Council. Bring Ms. Ruth back - she was at least making some positive changes to the city!

Posted by: Christi Location: Hearne on Feb 16, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I hate to see one breed singled out. There must be a real problem. So many dog owners do nothing to prevent a problem until it occurs. Then someone is disfigured or dead and everyone feels bad. The goverment is stepping in to fill gaps where mostly common sense would do fine. I bet the required insurance is going to be almost impossible to get. If this law saves one baby's life its worth it.

Posted by: Alissa loves pitties in DETROIT Location: Detroit, MI on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I have seen so much ignoarce in my life time it is TERRIFYING! How can a city pass a law that goes against the states law?? Exactly how does this get passed? And like someone below said, what are they going to do with the "licencse" fees collected, are they going to have spay/neuter and vacc clinics?? Pit Bulls are an amazing breed who have been taken and twisted by money hungry, blood thirsty, unethical people into a breed that sparks fear in people. It is a shame that an animal who was chosen for it's strength, agility, endurance and tenacity has done as it was asked of by it's owners, and by doing so has damned it's self. How shamefull for someone to take advantage of such pure trust and faith. To take an innocent animal and turn it into a fighter is the CRIME here, not the simple existence of a breed. GO AFTER THE CRIMINALS, not the victims!

Posted by: Dana Location: Lubbock on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Has anyone mentioned to the Madison City Council that it is illegal to ban ANY breed in the state of Texas? Enforcing this law will be impossible and costly to the city. Why not make laws that will actually do some good instead of passing laws that are unrealistic and actually harmful to their cause. BAN THE DEED NOT THE BREED!!

Posted by: Michelle Location: Houston on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Posted by: Madisonville resident Location: madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:25 AM Your entire post points to a law enforcement problem within your community not a pit bull problem. If, and they won't, ban pit bulls, your lovely residents that feed malt liquor to their dogs will just get another breed of dog.

Posted by: Terri Location: cs on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM
ridiculous

Posted by: KAT Location: Wisconsin on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:17 PM
If your child gets past the chained Pit Bull at the crack house and over doses, does that become the Pit Bull's fault. It sounds like your city has much larger problems to concentrate on than breeds of dog's

Posted by: Pat Swan Location: Southampton Nj on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:09 PM
to ban any breed of dog because of the ignorence of the owners is like being racist. are we really going backwards. It is interesting to try to remove a breed of being when the statics are based on a few bad apples in the overall pictures. of the millions of pit bulls living in homes and working as heros (check canine search and resque at ground zero)you americans, now lets look at other species there are some pretty dangerous cats, and as far as other breeds german sheppards akita rotties dobies oh let us not forget the worst of all human. Pat Swan

Posted by: J.R. Location: Northern California on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:04 PM
There is only ONE proven result of a breed ban - that they DO NOT work. You hear about Pit Bull attacks the most because the media feeds off them. Other breeds attack, and often - and once all the Pit Bulls are gone, you'll start hearing about THOSE attacks. What do you plan to do? Ban any breed that bites someone? If so, you might want to look into Chihuahuas. What is really needed is tougher laws that govern and guide dog ownership - like tougher penalties for leash law violations, all-breed spay/neuter laws (with the exception for owners with proof they need their dog intact, like a show dog owner), and stiffer penalties for people who abuse animals... because that's where the problem is - people abusing these animals, and their right to own a pet. People who fight dogs, which is against the law, aren't going to abide by THIS law when they don't abide by any other!

Posted by: Gail Location: Bryan on Feb 16, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Madisonville is a small town, 30 miles east of Bryan, where I live. I've worked in Madisonville on/off for about 10 years. I've seen all kinds of dogs running loose in that city-- they apparently choose not to enforce the existing leash laws, IF there are any. They do not have an animal shelter that I am aware of, so I have to wonder what the heck they plan on doing with the dogs that their ONE ACO is going to be picking up? It simply appalls me that this kneejerk law was ever passed. There are some very wealthy people in Madisonville-- we're talking old money in oil, land, and cattle-- but there is extreme poverty, too. I'm sure they do have a problem with dogfighting, but I'm here to tell you that squeezing one pimple doesn't stop another one from erupting. There are LOTS of dog breeds that unsavory characters can switch to. Banning breeds does NOT work.

Posted by: Responsable APBT Owner part 2 Location: tx on Feb 16, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Knocking on doors where you see a dog in the yard and giving a citations/fine if they can't immediately produce a license. If they can produce it by their court date, then great. If not then haul the dog off and put a warrant out for the owner. Just like you do for failure to show proof of insurance for a car. Enforce leash laws if you have them and if you don't GET THEM! Anyone in violation will be cited immediately! Make the OWNER completely responsible for their dog. You can put limitations on the length of tie outs the type of tie out used and time limits on the length that they can be tied out. Use your brain and the brain power of the responsible dog owners in your community to get some GOOD legislation that is going to protect everyone and penalize the bad ones. Make the bad ones hurt in the pocket or move the heck out.

Posted by: Responsible APBT Owner part one Location: tx on Feb 16, 2008 at 11:49 AM
The city council is in direct violation of Texas Law. Now that being said, what needs to happen is for them to come together with the responsible citizens and plot out a strategy that will work to get the dog fighters and dope pushers off the street and prohibit them from USING dogs to carry out their illegal ways. First does Madisonville have a licensing program for dogs? If not install this immediately. To make this juicy, un altered dogs $50 each and altered dogs $15. And have a discount for Sr's and disabled. Give 30 to 60 days for everyone to purchase a license. Make available the information for low cost spay and neuter. Maybe even talk with a few of the vets in the area to see if they will help on this if there is not something already around. This town apparently has and ACO and Police, so put them to work getting ride/fining/ throwing in jail the criminal element that IS causing the problem in the first place. Enforcement of all the laws to the infinite end.

Posted by: BPPITS.COM Location: Central Tx on Feb 16, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Cant believe no one let them know that was not legal in the great state of Texas. I LOVE PITBULLS I HATE DUMB OWNERS

Posted by: City Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Not only this is illegal, but what does the city plan to do with the fines they collect. Is the mayor going to use it to pay his buddy , the city manager, more money? Or maybe they can use it to pay their legal fees resulting from other lawsuits.

Posted by: john Location: houston on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:59 AM
In regard to their pit bull ban The Madisonville City Council has demonstrated their lack of intelligence, and HITLERIAN philisophy towards dealing with that which they don't understand-genocide.

Posted by: Concerned Citzen Location: Madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Does the city council know the difference between a Staffordshire Terrier, an Argentine Dogo and a Pit Bull - they all look very similar....the first person to get a ticket needs to sue the City and maybe the citizens of Madisonville will finally see how incompetent their elected officials are.

Posted by: Barbara Location: College Station, TX on Feb 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM
If the wonderful folks in your town have a problem with dog fighting, or stray dogs, then please address that problem. But a ban on one breed of dog affects pet owners whose dogs are not dangerous, interfers with basic property rights of individual citizens, and is diffiicult to enforce by your local law enforcement officials.

Posted by: bonnie Location: tx on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:41 AM
A little town just north of me tried to do the same thing. By the time all the lawyers got done with them the town was broke and the mayor committed suicide shortly there after. I'd hate to see that happen to a law abiding community like... Madisonville?

Posted by: Dale Location: Texas on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I have seen the fine upstanding dealers that have the pit bulls on huge chains. I have seen them dealing their dope and fighting the dogs. The last time I looked I didn't see a pack of blue heelers attacking people and animals. I have never seen huge chains on shelties being walked down the street or staked out to protect a crack house. Face it, pit bulls have been bred for generations to be a fighting dog. It's in their nature and that nature will come out. You don't leave loaded guns lying around (well most of you don't) so why should you leave a living weapon where it can get at your neighbors, pets and most of all your children. The only thing a pit is good for is a running target!

Posted by: sue Location: ny on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:31 AM
This law truly shows the ignorance of these officials. I hope that the Dog World ceases to have any events (show, obed) in the city. I know I would not go to a show there...why support a place where all dogs are not welcome.

Posted by: Cynthia Location: Bryan on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:31 AM
One question for all you people that say it's the owners that need the ban...Why do we hear about all these pits that attack and kill thier owner, who is usually listed as a child?! Everyone on here has seen a news story about a "family pet" killing a child. So, please tell me how that happens if it's the owner's that have the problem not the dog? I appreciate "Madisonville resident" for speaking up about what is REALLY going on in your town! For everyone else, I pray that if you have a Pit it never turns on you...or a child! As for me, I'll keep my loving border collies and ensure even they stay away from pits!

Posted by: doesn't matter Location: cs on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I understand the people of Madisonville being scared of pitbulls if they only see the ones form thier town that are bread to fight and attack. What really needs to happen here are tougher laws on people who fight these precious animals!! Don't let these low life scum bags get away with this and definitly don't give up on the breed. I hate it. It makes me sick to my stomach to think that someone would get enjoyment from watching a dog fight.I happen to own a pitbull, and he is very nice. He is my baby and when I look into his eyes I feel sad for the people who don't appreciate them.Please people help these animals you see chained to center blocks and being mistreated by punishing the OWNER. I can't say this enough and I don't understand why some people don't get it!! THe cowards that do this need to be thrown into a pit and fight till death.

Posted by: Proud APBT owner Location: Dallas on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:27 AM
This totally violates the Texas State Law 822.047 feel free to look it up! Don't doubt that there won't be a complete uproar about this from all over Texas. I have already forwarded this story to doglawyers and everyone I know that owns a bully breed, and they have forwarded it as well. If they are really so ignorant enuogh to make a breed specific law before checking into whether or not they can, then they should probably find another town lawyer and a new mayor that has a little common sense! The APBT passed higher than multiple other breeds in temperment testing see ATTS.org. So will they be banning the ones that placed lower than them as well, such as beagles, cocker spaniels, border colies, and chihuahuas? If you say its about dog fighting well then make the rules for everybreed don't just single out a breed! Before making rash decisions they should have done more research about the laws as well as the breed, and stop making such ill informed assumptions!

Posted by: Kari Location: Houston on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Last time I checked, Madisonville is still part of Texas where breed specific legislation is not legal. Oops, did someone forget to check? State of Texas = smart...Madisonville lawmakers?? not so much this time.

Posted by: Elizabeth Location: Houston on Feb 16, 2008 at 09:14 AM
On every level, City, County, State and Federal, our government officials pass laws based on ignorace and "knee jerk" reactions because of one tragic incident. In general the media will highlight an incident for ratings and now we have a public, that in general, fears pit bulls. The pit bulls I've seen are wonderful, loving family pets, great with other dogs and children. Pit bull are like all other breeds, some good dogs and some (that for different reasons) are not good family pets. How one breed has become so maligned and so abused is beyond all comprehension. And, now we have legislative bodies that feed the hysteria instead of educating themselves and their constituents. The Madisonville City Council should take a minute, do some reasearh, and rescind this ignorant and illegal ordinance. In the meantime, I hope some residents will challenge this law.

Posted by: Amy Location: Wisconsin on Feb 16, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Why don't you ban the stupid people that make these very loving and loyal dogs into mean and vicious animals. My pitbull is so "vicious" our 10 pound cats without claws rule him. I would have to muzzle my dog for what? So he won't lick anybody? I'm glad I don't live in your town. This law is completely ridiculous!!!

Posted by: E. Location: IL on Feb 16, 2008 at 08:25 AM
This is ridiculous and unconstituitional. No one should be able to regulate what type of domestic animal you can have in yur home.

Posted by: Dana Location: Houston on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Guess when they outlawed pitties, they outlawed their brains on a previous town meeting....poor stupid idiots.

Posted by: Madisonville resident Location: madisonville on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:25 AM
To the ignorant person that spoke of Mrs. Creel's dog that had to be put to sleep due to a rabid animal bite, the PUPPY was too young for the rabies shot. And for those of you that want to spout off your opinion, come to our town and see the pit bulls being dragged down the streets of chains by their "owners." Come see the dogs running freely around our yards. Come and listen to the kids tell you that their "daddy" won $400 in a dog fight. Come see the dogs chained to fire hydrants. Come see a pit bull casing your child's fair project (ie, goat, lamb, pig). Wanna make it about racism - dang straight it is........come see the "owners" leave out "water" bowls of Malt liquor for their dogs to drink.....want to take offense to the fact that the dogs are outlawed around here, then don't move here. Very few residents (and by that I mean tax paying, voting and ones that attend city council meetings) are opposed to the ban. The ones opposed are the guilty parties.

Posted by: Karen Location: Pasadena, TX on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Breed specific legislation is against state law. Ban one breed and the same PEOPLE will get another breed. Ban that breed as well and they get another. Sounds never ending? It is! It is a PEOPLE problem, not a breed problem. Enforce the leash law. Zero tolerance for at large dogs is more effective than breed banning. ALL dogs with teeth can bite and WILL under the right circumstances.

Posted by: Marti Location: TX on Feb 16, 2008 at 07:14 AM
First of all, it is obvious no one on the council knows anything about the breed. To make a blanket ruling on how people with the breed should take care of their dog is ridiculous. There are many pit bulls that are model citizens and to require that they need to me muzzled, well come on now. Since Labs have the highest incident of bits, I feel that Labs need to be muzzled. Do you have any animal abuse laws there? This kind of treatment is animal abuse. What breed will be banned next? How about Rottweilers or Dobermans. What about the freedoms that we live for in this country? Get yourself educated before going off and banning any dog from a loving family.

Posted by: Rosa Location: New Jersey on Feb 16, 2008 at 06:55 AM
There is not a bad pit bull dog, but pit bulls bad owner. This breed has been suffering a lot with bad reputation when in reality is the way some bad owners there abuse them and treat them. Pit bulls should be treated with the respect and love that deserve.

Posted by: Lindsay Location: Oklahoma on Feb 16, 2008 at 02:45 AM
HSUS is an animal rights advocacy group. They are not an authority by any means. Simply another high-budget group formed to make opinion into law. Unfortunately, they get donations like crazy because people equate them with their local humane societies, when HSUS does not run a single animal shelter. My favorite video about HSUS: http://youtube.com/watch?v=iCP3NqR_554

Posted by: Maggie Location: Texas on Feb 16, 2008 at 01:34 AM
BSL does not work! AND it is against Texas state law. Please, you pit owners in Madisonville, stand up and fight for your dogs. They cannot do this to you according to the law of Texas.

Posted by: Sheri Cobb Location: Fallon, NV on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Pit Pulls are NO more dangerous than any other breed of the same size. It's the OWNERS of Pit Bulls that need to be ban. Far to many people, guys expecially think having a vicious dog of any breed is cool, it's manly. They think it makes up fro what they are laking in manliness. What it is, is STUPID to deliberately makd ANY animal vicious. Making any dog vicious is not only putting other people and children in danger - but you are also endangering the life of your dog. What is the point in buying and raising a dog to be vicious so it can be taken away by Animal Control and killed for some vicious act? Sounts to me like a waste of money, energy and mostly the life of a dog, that with proper training could be a WONDERFUL pet and family member.

Posted by: Janet Location: Bedias on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Banning pit bulls because of your thugs? What is wrong with your law enforcement. And animal control, one officer what is he going to do or is he doing at all? Snakes, traps, catch pole, reeeeal sympathetic. Maybe he and the police should do their jobs and you wouldn't have a problem with your thugs.

Posted by: Angel Location: Shiro on Feb 16, 2008 at 12:13 AM
The City of Madisonville is going to ban pit bulls with how many Animal Control Officers??? See their website: "The City of Madisonville’s Animal Control Officer provides a great service to the citizens of our city. This officer works under the direction of the Chief of Police and enforces the animal control ordinances. He also provides many animal-related services, such as removal of dead animals in the roadway, capturing of snakes from residences, handling of possibly-rabid animals, and trapping of stray dogs and cats." I think the snakes need to worry!!!

Posted by: Terry Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Good going Madisonville. If your law saves one person from being injured or killed then its worth it. This breed has been bred for aggression for so long that it is completely undependable and should be eradicated.

Posted by: Yuri Location: Katy on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:33 PM
You cant be breed specific. Any dog can be made vicious. There should be more stringent laws against those who do these things to dogs.

Posted by: Ginny Location: Florida on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:30 PM
It's a sad country when governments have to go after pets because they can't seem to control the owners. You never hear the good stories in the media about the larger breeds that save lives. These dogs aren't born fighters or agressive, they're trained that way by punks or someone that thinks it's a cool way to make money by betting on the dog fights. When will people ever put the blame where it belongs on irresponsible owners. Let's put harsh punishment on owners that fight these dogs. Even Vic's dogs are being rehabilitated. Doesn't this prove it's the owner? I've been around Pit Bulls most of my life, and I would trust my children with them before I would trust them with some people. What will they ban next kittens? I've seen some pretty ferocious cats out there.

Posted by: Catherine Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:51 PM
This must stop. Any dog can be trained to be dangerous by dangerous people, just like people can be taught to be dangerous.

Posted by: Lissa Location: Ontario on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Just so everyone knows, labs are being banned in Ontario now. It started with pit bulls....

Posted by: ACO Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I am a Certified Animal Control Officer in Texas. I deal with hundreds of pit bull dogs in my city.I can tell you that behind every aggressive dog(not just pit bulls) I have a very irresponsible owner! Most of these people show no remorse when their dogs attack and kill their neighbors pets or when they attack and maul innocent people as they have encouraged this type of behavior in their dogs.I know what I'm talking about as I deal with pit bulls and many other breeds every day and I have never seen an aggressive dog come from a good loving home with a responsible pet owner! Madisonville is in violation of the breed specific law in Texas. Madisonville is not above state law. I'm absolutely appalled that Madisonville's city council thinks they can fool their citizens into believing that they can enforce this ordinance. Pet owners in Madisonville look up the Texas BSL in Texas Statutes-Health and Safety Code-Title 10,Sec 822.047. Today it's pitbulls which breed will be banned tomorrow?

Posted by: Tiger Location: Garland, Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Are you aware that the American Pit Bull Terrier scores an impressive 84.3% in temperament testing as rated by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc.? That is higher than the beloved Golden Retriever’s score of 84.2%. The American Staffordshire Terrier scores 83.4%, the Labrador Retriever scores 91.8%, the Dalmatian scores 81.8%, the miniature Poodle scores 76.6%, and the Collie scores 79.4%. I could go on and on about the scores, but I thought that you might prefer to see them for yourself, so I am providing you with a link to the American Temperament Test Society, Inc.’s website: http://www.atts.org/index.html As far as this "ban" goes, it is insupportable and unenforceable due to the fact that its mere existence is against Texas State law. This city is setting itself up for some major legal trouble if they don't repeal this ban quickly. And yes, I do own pibbles - 5 of them to be exact. I am a very responsible owner with well socialized pets. Ban the deed - not the breed.

Posted by: Zandra Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:09 PM
The Madisonville City Council was apparently very ill advised or not advised at all when they passed an ordinance purporting to ban pit bulls. We have a Texas Statute that prevents cities and counties from passing any laws that are breed specific. This law needs to be voluntarily changed by their Council or they face wasting a lot of time and money in court. Further, breed specific legislation does not target the real problem which is a human one. Banning a breed does change human behavior. There are plenty of responsible owners of the American Pit Bull Terrier and other related breeds, so why punish them for the bad deeds of a few. If Animal Control could keep loose dogs off the streets which is one of their key purposes, most issues with dogs could be avoided. As the old saying goes, punish the deed, not the breed. I have always represented under dogs, so any fight againt bsl is representing the true under dogs. I stand willing. www.TexasDogLawyer.com

Posted by: Teresa Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:44 PM
This is RACISM and it's ILLEGAL. Then again, this IS Madisonville. . .

Posted by: Cookie on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:39 PM
So you mean that my obedience champion, therapy dog has to wear a muzzle so the nasty chow mix next door can jump the fence and attack BOTH of us??? Thanks alot!

Posted by: BARBARA/JAX Location: Grandville, MI on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Jax acts better in the community than most of your children and they are not banned yet. Sounds like the problem is in responsibility not breed. BS laws and stupid people are the problem

Posted by: Sandy Location: Michigan on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Well I'll definitely avoid spending any tourist dollars in Madisonville and will also encourage family and friends to do the same. HELLO FOLKS! WAKE UP! IT'S NOT THE BREED - IT'S THE OWNERS! Any breed of dog can become aggressive when they are subjected to abuse and/or live with a bad owner. Shame on the Madisonville City Counsel for passing such a ridiculous ordinance. Because of their blind ignorance - many good dogs (pitbulls and any dogs that resemble pitbulls) will lose their lives and their loving families. It's certainly clear to the world that the Madisonville City Counsel are NOT animal lovers. And also clear that they have absolutely NO common sense! I strongly encourage the citizens of Madisonville to stand up for your rights now and protect your beloved pets. Remember - You voted them in and you can vote them out! This ban on pitbulls - this ill thought ordinance must be overturned! If they get away with this - they'll rob you of more of your rights in the future! PROTEST!

Posted by: Deborah Location: Trevino on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:18 PM
It is how a pitbull is raised...not it's breeding. The penalties should go against the owners. I live in Garland, Tx, which doesn't allow pitbulls to be put up for adoption thru it's animal shelter. Once a pitbull is picked up by Animal Control, regardless of the reason, it is automatically put down within 3 days.

Posted by: Kilyn Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:09 PM
I own a pit bull that I found and I have spent a lot of time training her and socializing her. She is so lovable and really enjoys being around children. It is not fair for me and my dog to be punished the same way as irresponsible owners. You must punish bad owners and take each situation on a case by case basis.

Posted by: Jill Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:57 PM
First of all, with the passage of this law, the city of Madisonville is in violation of state law. Secondly, the only thing the HSUS is expert at is getting ignorant people to donate money to them and PETA, and using that money to lobby against our freedoms to own pets. Both organizations have agendas that are NOT agreeable to animal welfare groups, and are being investigated by the U.S. government for tax fraud, among other things. Animal rights fanatics are infiltrating local governments at an alarming rate, and ALL the people who have written comments here need to be aware of what's going on. For RATIONAL information that is based on animal welfare and actual statistics, the definitive resource is NAIA at http://www.naiaonline.org/

Posted by: Georgia Location: TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:57 PM
This is RIDICULOUS, this doesn't stop the people who own them for illegal reasons from owning them. This only hurts those who love and take good care of their pets. I spend every day with my dog, working with him, taking him around to show people that the media can be so cruel to this breed. THis is RACISM and it's ILLEGAL.

Posted by: David Maldonado Location: Boston, Ma on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:56 PM
What breed is next? Its a sad day in Texas and a damn shame! Some of the best drug dogs, search and rescue dogs and family pets are "Pitbulls"! - Dave, Police Officer/Pitbull Owner! If ya can trust me to keep our streets safe, Trust my breed of choice!

Posted by: Mac Location: Ontario,Canada on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:41 PM
If your politicians are looking for solutions rather than problems,tell them about Calgary,Alta,Canada. They have 90% licensing compliance compared to 10% in Ontario.They are fully self funded through licensing revenue and from fines. You can access some pamphlets here. http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2007/4/27/2909818.html Smart Legislators looking for real solutions look at the Proven Calgary Model. Legislators looking for problems and trouble look at BSL. Pass along those pamphlets and the Calgary link to your Council members. http://content.calgary.ca/CCA/City Hall/Business Units/Animal and Bylaw Services/Animal Services/index.htm Ask them if they want solutions or problems?

Posted by: Stephanie Liaci Location: New Jersey-thank GOD on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:33 PM
And ps... do any of you who are FOR this idiocy actually KNOW a pit bull personally, have you ever owned one, or spent any time at all with the breed? One thing there are a lot of are "repeat customers" with pit bulls-FAMILY PEOPLE who have one pit bull, then it passes away, and they choose another pit bull to be the family dog... does that tell you anything?

Posted by: Stephanie Liaci Location: New Jersey on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:29 PM
HORRIFYING... what sort of inbred logic allowed THIS nonsense to be passed? Are there no educated people in this part of the world, no vets or animal behaviorists to give a bit of knowledge to these fools? DANGEROUS DOGS? These dogs are only dangerous when in the hands of dangerous people, like ANY dog... What a pity that no one with any learning is in this city, for the American Pit Bull Terrier was bred for HUMAN SUBMISSIVE behavior and is one of the SAFEST breeds... And what a life of hell-confined to a pen and muzzled when out of the pen-SHAME on all of you in Madison, you are all going to answer for this cruelty on judgement day.

Posted by: Barbara Cooper Location: Grandville, MI on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:28 PM
My Jax is supervised more and acts better than 99 1/2% of your children and they are not banned from the city. BS legislation sucks because of stupid people like you.

Posted by: Andy Location: Ohio on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:23 PM
The breed specific ordinances are impossible to enforce!!! Don't ban the breed - ANY breed, ban the owners who "train" their animal to be agressive!!!

Posted by: Krystal Location: Pasadena, MD on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:10 PM
this is a bunch of crap in my opinion. they should make a law to where they euthenize the parents of a child who turns into a murderer, rapist or child molester. why do i think that? well, the child only learns from what they are taught as with pit bulls, it's being taught that the "vicious" behavior is appropriate. i know quite a few that wouldn't hurt a fly. why should this breed be pinpointed? in the dogfighting world, this is a breed of choice to fight. they need to read up on their history. in the late 70's to early 80's it was the GREAT DANE and ST. BERNARD's "yes, the GENTAL GIANTS" that had made it to have the most fatal attacks in US history with dog fights. ROTTIES have had twice as many fatals as pit bulls up to this point. so, therefore, any dog can be taught to be "VICIOUS". i have a jack russell terrior that can cause damage. just because they have a larger and stronger jaw construction, doesn't mean they are nasty. bulldogs have the same structure almost & theyre great...

Posted by: Chris Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Ignorance, just plain Ignorance. SNAP OUT OF IT!

Posted by: GSD Owner Location: Parker, CO on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM
From Texas Law, since no one has quoted it, although it has been referenced: Texas Statutes-Health and Safety Code-Title 10, Sec 822.047 read thus: § 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 916, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. And for the Madisonville APB owners who have posted here, Stay the Course! This is a fight you can win. And for the record, I am a displaced Texan who WILL be moving back in the near future. And I will be moving to an area that is not in violation of State Law with illegal BSL.

Posted by: ERIC Location: TENNESSEE on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:51 PM
DON'T TAKE IT FROM US, CHECK OUT WHAT THE #1 AUTHORITY HAS TO SAY ABOUT IT. HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES Statement on Dangerous Dogs and Breed-Specific Legislation http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/dangerous_dogs.html

Posted by: Matthew Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:40 PM
My name is Matthew. I am nine years old and I think that my pit bulls Bruno and Lady are nice. We are nice to Bruno and Lady, and I think we should get to have them.

Posted by: Kathy Hines Location: Houston, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Punish the Deed, not the Breed. This is not a bad breed of dog. I have one and he is the sweetest and biggest clown I have ever seen. He loves all my sons friends and we have 2 other dogs, cats and parrots. He gets along with everyone. The dog is not the problem is the owner who is to blame. This is like the salem witch trials where some ignorant person makes a rule and it gets out of hand. There are more teenagers killing these days, are you going to ban them too. Where will this end? I thought Texas was a proud and free state. Breed specific legislation should be illegal, it is certainly immoral.

Posted by: Maxx Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:38 PM
I am Maxx and I am six years old. We don't want you giving our dogs away because we will be sad and cry.

Posted by: Mac Location: Ontario,Canada on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Our Gov`t has been slapped with a couple more Cease and Desist orders. Well that didn`t take long,now did it? http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2008/2/15/3526118.html Just say NO Madisonville. Have a look at a couple of Ontario cases that are making headlines. One Mayor is really having a major headache. She can`t get anything else done and she`s complaining about the cost of dealing with ONE dog! The RAMBO SAGA http://www.mississaugablogs.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Rambo The Mayor has a headache over RAMBO We call it RAMBOgate http://www.mississaugablogs.com/Mississauga_Musings/2008/02/signed_the_sometimes_ya_need_2.html Next we have Munchie http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2008/2/14/3523925.html Last but not least we have "Up Yours Dalton" waiting on a designation from our Ontario Gov`t Is she or isn`t she "substantially similar" to an Ontario "Pit Bull"? Been waiting for 3 weeks on this one http://jmac53.bravejournal.com/entry/26821

Posted by: honey Location: not USA on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Stand up for your breeds - don't just talk about it people!!!!!! When you start letting this sort of rubbish happen in your country it only ends in one way - no pit bulls registered & a lot of pit bulls bred underground, therefore creating more of the fighting type breed & very irresponsible ownership as there then becomes no registration or ownership laws, no dog shows, socialisation etc etc. If the correct breed is maintained by responsible breeders that I have had, seen & love you accomplish so much more. Find a way to stand up for your breed - don't let your breed become extinct due to a lack of knowledge & a lot of people who speak but don't act for their breed. Good Luck..

Posted by: Pit owner on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Contact the Madisonville City office and request in writing or in person the reasons for this Ordinance. They have to comply. It is called PUBLIC INFORMATION, (THE LAW) request who has complained and when, what history or studies they did on the issue. (ALSO THE LAW) Get a copy of the request they only have a certian number of days to comply or else they will again (my opinion) breaking the law. I think this council needs to wake up. Also to see how you council is following the laws ask to see their FEMA_NIMS certificates. This is more of an issue in local governments that loving dogs like the pits I have. The town (pit owners) can fight this and have LOTS of backing and support.

Posted by: 3dogranch Location: Wimberley TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I think Madisonville should ban misinformed city council members. That ordinance is ridiculous!

Posted by: Pete Location: Hearne, Tex on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:54 PM
I wish the city of Hearne would pass a ordinance like that. Everybody knows that they are breeding them to fight them. It is sad when you try to walk to your car and there is a pit bull sitting looking at you. Been there done that!!!! Way to go Madisonville

Posted by: Kelly Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:49 PM
According to state law, this ordinance is illegal. Our GREAT state of Texas does NOT allow breed specific laws and thus Madisonville is subject to a law suit! What a great way to play "big brother" and abuse tax dollars! Punish the deed, not the breed!

Posted by: Debbie on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Ruben, (LA) Thank you!!!!! As I stated earlier this breed was an honored one In WW1. I have 7, one lab and a mut. I love each one and receive the love back and more kisses (licks) go to the grandkids that live here. they are climbed all over and rode. My son would love his to be with him in Iraq (3rd trip) (defending stupid like Madisonville council) to help protect him and his soldiers. Oh yea and the one who stole the dog I know were reported but the law did nothing!!! I hope this town has a big law suit on thier hands and LOSE!!!! Punish the Breed (Madisonville counil).

Posted by: Mac Location: Ontario,Canada on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:33 PM
I would love to see the ordinance. What exactly are you banning? Ontario,Canada is having a bit of a problem right now identifying "Pit Bulls" They have been slapped with a Cease and Desist order from the UKC for using a copyrighted breed standard http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2008/2/14/3524534.html We expect them to be slapped with a few more Cease and Desist orders in the very near future. Every reputable organization has stated that Breed Specific Legislation does not work http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/topic.php?id=21&topic=17 and is impossible to enforce as Ontario,Canada is finding out. Don`t make the same mistake that Ontario has made. It`s becoming a very expensive mistake as our Gov`t is finding out. More and more dog owners are standing up to them and saying NO. Don`t provide pictures of your "Pit Bulls" There is strength in numbers. Be prepared to go to court. Then appeal,appeal,appeal. Enough is enough! Fight back!

Posted by: Jeff Location: dallas on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:31 PM
I have a pit bull and she is a wonder. Although the only one of four large breeds she is subservient with all others. She sleeps with her head up against my wife's face and is less problem than some of my others. Why don't we ban cars? They kill and injure more people. Because it is crazy. We punish the drivers of those cars. Not the car.

Posted by: Joe Location: madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:30 PM
I`m not pleased with having to build a 10x10 6ft tall w/ roof cage! I already have a fenced in back yard. This cage has to have a concrete floor also. Our mayor seems to think the minority people will not stand up for themselves. We own most of the so called vicious dogs.

Posted by: Alisha Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:24 PM
I am appalled at this law! My pit bulls have been raised with my children, and they are beautiful animals. I could never pen my dogs up in a confined area with concrete floors and a top, and never let them play or exercise! That is cruel and disgusting! I have a fenced in yard, and my dogs have never gotten out of it. Tell my why this is not enough? If our dogs are already fenced in, why should we also have to install a $500 fence also? Most people cannot afford to build such a fence. I am stricken with sadness over the thought of losing my animals like this. My children are devastated since they have always referred to Bruno and Lady as their brother and sister. I cannot believe they are putting innocent families through something like this. I hope we can all stand up and fight this, if we really love our pets. What breed is next on the list? People like us are hurting right now at the thought of either losing our pets, or treating them in the cruel way that they are trying to force!!

Posted by: James Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I have owned this breed of dogs for ten years. And have seen and heard just about any kind of ignorant statement about these dogs that can be made. From the myth that their jaws "LOCK" to the ones that say putting a dog on a chain makes them meaner and muscles them up. Just to let you in on a little secret, 40 years ago this was the most popular breed of dog in the U.S. But due to irresponsible ownership and mishandling of a large breed dog has caused not only people involved with the breed, but people that own dogs of any bully breed alot of stress. And for every one of you that has a "pitbull" horror story there are at least 20 people that have a good one. Oh and by the way there are more pitbulls and pitbull mixes with their Canine Good Citizen certificate than any 2 breeds put together. So if you ask me the problem is not the dog, but what's at the other end of the leash.

Posted by: Ruthie Location: bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:20 PM
I think the banned is wrong dogs are like family it depends on how they are raised Ihave a pitt bull love them never had one to turn on me or my children punish the owners for teaching their dogs to attack others not every pittbull is dangerous its learned behavior just like with a kid

Posted by: Robin Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:17 PM
I am a pitbull owner and i think that it is wrong any dog can bite you.

Posted by: Patsy Location: Huntsville, Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I have owned and showed Pit bulls for 9 years, I was a dog groomer and Pet resort manager, I have been bitten 51 times, mostly cocker spaniels, Poodles and other small and mixed breeds. I have been attacked by a Black Lab, with no provacation, I saw a german shepherd attack one of my employees for no reason, so YOU TELL ME HOW BANNING ANY BREED IS GOING TO STOP THAT? IT IS BAD BREEDERS, BAD OWNERS NOT THE BREED. PEOPLE WHO ARE IRRESSPONSIBLE SHOULD BE BANED FROM OWNING A DOG PERIOD. THAT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM, THIS IS AN WASTE OF TIME AND WILL NOT ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING AS THE PAST HAS SHOWN US.I CONTACT POLITICIANS ALL THE TIME OVER THESE STUPID BSL LAWS, AND THE FIRST THING THEY ASK ME IS WHAT IS THAT, THESE ARE THE SAME PEOPLE THAT WILL MAKE CERTAIN BREEDS DISAPEAR FOREVER. MY VET IS IN MADISONVILLE, I JUST SPENT $448.00 THIS WEEK WITH HIM, IF THIS LAW PASSES, THERE WILL BE ALOT OF LOST REVENUE FOR VETS,AND NO DOGS Shows, lost revenue for hotels, rest..etc. no one is looking at that

Posted by: Pamela Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:51 PM
The City Council should have done it's due diligence and researched the issue. Breed Specific Legislation does not solve the problem. Legislation should be enacted to go after the irresponsible owners, and of any breed. Punish the Deed not the breed. I have 3 bullies in my house and they are the best dogs I have ever had. But I also consider myself a responsible guardian of these fine dogs,

Posted by: Ali Location: Wyoming on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I used to live near Madisonville, Texas, but it is laws like this that keep me from returning. Not only does this ordinance violate the Texas Constitution, it's built on a faulty premise. A breed ban will not prevent dog bites. Encourage responsible ownership and enforce the laws currently on the books, such as the state law that addresses dangerous dogs and dog attacks. Don't create unnecessary ordinances that prevent good owners from possessing the dogs they love. Hold owners accountable for their dogs, no matter what breed. I am very disappointed that Madisonville would join the media-driven hysteria surrounding pit bulls.

Posted by: Ruben Location: Los Angeles on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:36 PM
One word can describe this law, IGNORANCE!!! WHY DONT WE BAN BLACKS FROM CERTAIN CITYS? THEY STEAL! WE SHOULD ALSO BAN MEXICANS, THEY'RE A BIG PART OF CRIME. AND DONT FORGET TO BAN WHITES FROM SCHOOLS CAUSE THEY ARE KNOW TO MOLEST CHILDEREN!!! DOES THIS MAKE ANY SENSE? WHY SHOULD PITBULLS BE LOOKED DOWN ON WHEN ITS THE OWNERS DOING WRONG WITH THE BREED? SGT STUBBY (PITBULL) WAS AWARDED A MEADAL IN WORL WAR I FOR SAVING HIS UNIT, NOW THE COUNTRY HE SERVED WANTS TO DESTROY HIS KIND!!! IGNORANCE IS WHAT SETS THIS WORLD BACK DAY AFTER DAY...

Posted by: Martine Location: Dripping Springs on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Dear people of Madisonville---punish the thugs not the dogs... If you think that Pit Bulls are bad---there are types of dogs that are a WHOLE LOT scarier because the reality is---Pit Bulls are pretty nice (if they are raised by a decent human being.) SO---if you think your ban will fix your problems...I think you are kidding yourselves (and since Texas State Law apparently prohibits breed specific legislation---you mostly just brought more headaches than anything.) And yes--I do know my neighbors.

Posted by: Sara Location: Houston, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:26 PM
It's rediculous that instead of looking at the root of this issue(alteration, training, socialization, aggressive owners etc.), they are jumping the gun & attacking the DOG when 9 times out of 10, the attacks that have happened would have been prevented if people were better dog owners! They need to crack down on these owners & not the dogs.

Posted by: Lindsay Location: Oklahoma on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Breed bans are illegal in Texas. I don't forsee this one lasting very long. God bless Texas (and Oklahoma, and Illinois, and Florida, and the other states which have prohibited BSL) for their foresight. This is a people problem, not a breed problem.

Posted by: Edward Location: madison on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:12 PM
This is to the poster who wants everyone to "mind their business"...sounds like a dog owner problem, not the shape of dog it is. So you are okay with madison doing nothing about other breeds that can (and do) maim, bite and kill? You are an idiot "resident" and I guess I need to get out of Madison. The collective brain cells of the city council are fewer than i would care to see in 1 individual, let alone many.

Posted by: Vernon Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:09 PM
The majority of dog bites are due to owner mishandling or deliberate training the dogs to bite. This is a media panic induced inreaction to a very few situations. Most people including animal workers cannot accurately identify a "PITBULL". Also many breeds that are not at all dangerous are miss identified as pitbulls. Should I lose my Boxer because some ignorant person thinks it is a pitbull. What happened to innoence until proven guilty?

Posted by: Julie Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:08 PM
The fact that stricter restrictions on dog owners is not being addressed is very frustrating. The owners that refuse to supervise and/or make excuses for their dogs are neglectful and should be the ones punished. However, this should go for all breeds of dogs and not just pit bulls. The fact that the Madisonville City Council passed this law shows they are narrow minded and unwilling to research. If they had done their research about breed specific legislation in other areas that have enacted it, they will find that the bite rates have not gone down because pit bulls aren't the only dogs biting people. The only common factor in all of this is the people allowing their dogs to bite and act unstable. I am absolutely appalled that the true issues aren't being addressed.

Posted by: Eileen Silverman Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Ban bad dog owners. Encourage spay and neutering. Enforce animal cruelty laws, pathetic as they are in Texas. It is the actions of unresponsible dog owners and dog breeders, that should be scrutinized and banned.

Posted by: linda Location: new jersey on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:04 PM
this is so ignorant and ridiculous that it is hard to imagine that anyone with an IQ greater then ottoman would support BSL. Dogs should be judged on their temperament not on their breed. I have worked with many breeds of dogs and many pitbulls. They are a loyal and loving breed and have ranked in the top 10 for temperament in national testing. There are good and bad dogs in every breed...and there are good and bad pet owners. It is the people who exploit these dogs (or any dog) that should be banned

Posted by: BullyMom Location: NJ on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Has this town made the appropriate financial provisions to assist the area shelters for the cost of mass euthansia? Have they started a fund to assist rescue groups (like mine) that will be saving the dogs that this misguided law displaces? Have they set up a fund to pay for the lawsuits which will follow when residents dispute whether their dog is a "pitbull" (the most mis-identified breed in the country). Wake up Madisonville - This is going to cost you plenty of tax money. These laws have never been successful in stopping the true problem - Irresponsible ownership. Get yourself a good spay/neuter free clinic, enact responsible legislation such as restrictions on breeding without a license and restrictions on unaltered animals and have them enforced. It will be cheaper and more effective. Today, it's the pit, tomorrow the poodle!

Posted by: Chris on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:58 PM
What a shame that irrational hysteria is going to end up killing so many innocent dogs. The way to prevent dog bites is to enforce licensing and leash laws and hold owners accountable for the actions of their dogs. But rather than put a little work in to solve the problem it is easier to engage in a witch hunt. Keep in mind the reality of what a breed ban is. It is the legalized murder by the state of peoples beloved pets based NOT on the dogs behavior or temperament but just on the way it looks.

Posted by: True Resident of Madisonville Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:56 PM
What a sad state of affairs when a person calls themself a resident of Madisonville and does not even know the name of the council members. It's Creel not Kreel. Try showing up to meeting and asking her your questions instead of hiding behind that computer. She is a real nice person and I am sure she will answer it for you. I would like to thank our council members for doing what they did maybe now my kids can walk or ride there bike down the street.

Posted by: with Location: Conroe on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Posted by: Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:30 PM LADY is it the dog that is crazy or the Lady that owned him? You cant have it both ways and your city council will be repealing this illegal law very soon.Evidently your lovely Madisonville animal control is not up on there job and its a sure thing your city Council isn't. Time will tell.

Posted by: Tax Payer Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:48 PM
It seems we have a great deal of people weighing in on a subject thats for the people of Madisonville to decide. As for a law prohibiting this ordinace, it's just not so. I have taken time to research each quoted law that has shown up on here and most of them are either numbered wrong or just do not exist. I thought arm chair quarterbacks made me laugh but this seems to have taken it to a whole new level. Please let me state this pit bulls are bad news,yes the breed. But the most inportant thing about this is "it's our town not yours" We will run it as we see fit and not the way people from the outside think it should be done. One thing about this story is how long it took the outside media to catch on to it. The agenda for the council meeting was posted last week and the ordinance was voted on Monday. Also the lack of attendance at the council meetings is just plain sad. Really do you expect us to care what people from NJ think. As for asking Mrs. Creel about her dogs go ahead.

Posted by: john Location: College Station on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:47 PM
"People who own these pit bull dogs are dumb people. They need to be held liable for the damages that these dogs cause." So you are saying that the people who are "smart" enough to own Cana Presarios (the dogs that mauled the woman in San Francisco), which are bigger, meaner, and much harder to control SHOULDN'T be held liable?

Posted by: Brenda Location: Wonder Lake, Illinois on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:44 PM
What does it take to get the legislators to actually focus on what the real problem is? It’s irresponsible ownership! Banning a breed does not solve the problem. A Pit Bull can’t be blamed for, nor can it be accountable for being a Pit Bull. But irresponsible owners and breeders that do not rear, raise, train or control their dogs can certainly be made accountable for the actions of their dog. I’d like to see my tax dollars at work doing something intelligent . . . like dealing with the real problem. It isn’t the dogs. It’s the owners!

Posted by: Amy Location: montgomery on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:41 PM
To Resident in Madisonville, In one breath you said that the Pit Bull type dogs are dangerous and the next you hit the nail on the head. You said "They need to be held liable for the damages that these dogs cause." You stated that your elderly mother had a problem with a pit near her, call animal control and the police and get that dog registered as a dangerous dog and MAKE THOSE OWNERS LIABLE. Not all the good law abiding Pit Bull owners. It is the one or two rotten apples that are spoiling the whole cart.

Posted by: Leah Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Pssst, you can't pass this ordinance, it says so right here: http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/hs.toc.htm Here is a helpful website for educational purposes. www.realpitbull.com You also have to wonder why so many experts, some have national TV programs, in the field of dog behavior actually endorse the American Pit Bull Terrier for their amazingly stable temperaments....

Posted by: Sarah Location: San Antonio TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:40 PM
This is just stupid. The breed is not a fault. I own two bully dogs and they are the best dog's I've ever had. Banning the breed is not the answer. Something needs to be done with the owners.

Posted by: Barbara on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:40 PM
I don't believe in banning any breed of dog. It is not any specific breed that is a problem, it's ignorant people who don't know how to raise their dogs.

Posted by: Holley Location: DALLAS on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:36 PM
This is rediculous. Ban the deed not the breed... ALL DOGS have the potential to be dangerous. Pitbulls should not be singled out. It is racism. This is a contradiction to what people are trying to teach other people how not to be. If we were to get rid of pitbulls then it will move on to another breed and on down the chain. As long as you raise your animals right and give them plenty of exercise they will be great dogs and thats any dog. These decisions just seem one sided to people who could careless. I have a timid blue heeler and a pitbull when i am walking with my blue heeler and little kids want to pet her i have to say no because she is so timid, but when i am walking with my pitbull i say sure he loves people and other dogs and is well socialized since the day he could walk.

Posted by: Connie Location: Lubbock Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:35 PM
I don't see how Madisonville can get away with this ban as it is against the state law passed against breed specific legislation. The problem with pit bulls and most other so called 'vicious' dogs is NOT the dogs themselves but failure to properly train and socialize the dog. The state of Texas has it right when it decided to punish the dog OWNERS and not the dogs themselves. Connie Group Owner Dog Gone Lubbock

Posted by: Sara Location: Houston, Tx on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:35 PM
This is another poorly thought out knee-jerk decision that will only affect law abiding people whose dogs are not bothering anyone anyway. Breed bans don't work. State law prohibits city breed bans. And how unfair to your citizens who own blameless dogs. Glad I don't live there. Put the responsibility where it should be - on owners of any breed - Don't single out a breed or type of dog and waste your legislation on dogs who are not bothering anyone.

Posted by: Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I think that everyone in these other towns and cities need to mind their own business. I applaud the Madisonville City Council for the new pit bull laws. A lady got attacked by her own pit bull that lived across the street from me and had to be hauled off in an ambulance. A pit bull lives near my elderly parents and she can't even go outside to get her mail or newspaper. People who own these pit bull dogs are dumb people. They need to be held liable for the damages that these dogs cause. I am proud of our town and everyone else needs to worry about their own problems.

Posted by: Mike Location: Huntsville on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Me thinks city council has been smoking too many metter muffins. Doncha do research before passing ordinances. Hows about making your animal control actually work for their salaries and enforce the laws already on the books.

Posted by: Andrea Location: Jersey on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:22 PM
unbelieveable! can't believe some people can be so ignorant. nothing good will ever come of this. i thought predjudice went out with slavery! this is the age of acceptance, i cant inagine waht the world will be in the future if this continues.

Posted by: Nora Matthew DVMA Location: Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:15 PM
As a vet, I am disgusted to see that you have chosen to ban a type of dog based on it's appearance, rather than it's disposition. I have treated 1000's of dogs, and this dog is FAR from the problem. Watch out lab owners, your dog will be on that banned list one day. GS's and Labs are by far the most unreliable dogs that I treat. Labs were great dogs, but owner's have becaome increasingly careless with them, and breeders are turning them out without consideration. If there are dog owners out there with dogs over 25 pounds that supported this, please don't cry to me when they come for your pets.

Posted by: Glori Location: Fort Worth on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:13 PM
It sounds like the town has a people problem not a dog problem. The laws there should be strict on the people. It is not a dogs fault. What are they gonna ban next the Lab?

Posted by: Louisa Bennett Location: Abilene,TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:07 PM
How ridiculous can they be! Next they will ban the chihuahua because it bit someone! I totally agree with many, that its the bad owners that make things worse. They need to be educated. Its not the dogs fault. Its scary to think we have such close minded people trying to decide fate of an innocent animal.

Posted by: Jennifer Location: madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Do your research! Breed bans are nothing but failing, useless laws that will cost tax payers HUGE dollars and do nothing to prevent dog bites. They are knee jerk reactions to emotions and bad politics. Tsk Tsk, shame on you for taking the easy way out. I don't want to be the one who said "I told you so" when another shape of dog kills a person because you are not implementing workable dangerous dog laws!

Posted by: Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Someone needs to ask Councilwoman Mrs. Kreel why she didn't abide by the local law and had to have her family dogs put to sleep for them not being vacinated against rabies.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:29 PM
The responsibility for a dog's behavior lies in the hands of the owner. Any dog, even a small breed, can be dangerous if not managed correctly. Currently public hysteria focuses on pit bulls. Before that it was the Dobe, and before that .... Dogs in general that have actually committed an act deemed vicious and without provocation should be euthanized. But many pits are well bred family dogs, and many local shelters, police, etc. are not good at breed identification. Imagine someone's Boxer, Boston terrier, or even an Aussie (yes, mine was misidentified as a pit) being taken and euthanized on the basis of someone's possibly mistaken opinion that it is a pit. At the vet school open house we had a meet the breed display. A mom yanked her kids away from a big friendly dog saying, "Dobermans are MEAN"! But she didn't blink when they were hanging all over the pit bull! There is a lot of hype and misinformation out there. Public education is the key, not breed specific bans.

Posted by: Doreen Nespolini Location: Bronx, New York on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:25 PM
This is ludacris,ban the irresponsible owners not the innocent animal. The owners are at fault, I have met personally many pits, amstaffs and thye are great dogs. How dare your article. It's martial law. Start fining irresponsible people and their nonsense pertaining to their animal negligence.

Posted by: Stephiné Location: Austin on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:25 PM
What is the difference between the holocaust and banning Pit Bulls? Or any other breed for that matter? BSL is fueled by ignorance! By this logic, we might as well kill ALL humans because there are SOME that murder... COME ON PEOPLE! WAKE UP!

Posted by: Jerry Dunham Location: Austin, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:22 PM
I don't understand how this can stand up in court. Not only is this ordinance a bad idea, but it appears to contradict state law.

Posted by: Marcy Location: Austin on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Isn't BSL against state law? Are the city council members so arrogant that they believe they are above state law? Or that they don't need to do research that *proves* BSL does NOT work? WHO are they listening to? What about the leash laws being enforced? What about making owners responsible for the actions of their animals? This pit bull hysteria (I don't own one) is whipped into a frenzy by so-called "animal protection" groups that would like to end dog breeds, one species at a time. Is the council so easily duped and used by them?

Posted by: Theresa Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:13 PM
There is no such thing as a "dangerous breed". It's the owners that are at fault. Go after the owners when a dog proves to be a danger; they deserve the punishment!

Posted by: Brigitte Location: Rosharon, Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:11 PM
We should put a ban on the cruel people who raise these dogs for fights or just forget them in their back yards, not on the dogs. Basically if someone is cought with a dog that is not socialized, He/she should be ban from Texas.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM
It's not the breed, it's the owners. Responsible dog owners don't have a problem regardless if it's a pit bull or a poodle. Irrisposible owners are the problem. They need to deal with the people and ban them, not the breed.

Posted by: Terri Location: Wisconsin on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:05 PM
It is not the breed that should be banned but it is bad owners, just as a gun is not a bad thing, but in the wrong hands a gun is deadly. People need more education in the proper way to raise a dog, the same goes for raising children. It's too bad that there aren't more important issues facing Madisonville city council like child abuse and gang fights

Posted by: Ann Location: Nacogdoches, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Texas Health and Safety Code 822.047 expressly prohibits breed specific regulation of dogs.

Posted by: Mary Ann Held Location: New Jersey on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Breed specific legislation makes no sense. It's wrong to condemn an entire race of dogs just because some dogs are poorly bred and badly trained.

Posted by: Liza Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:02 PM
NO! To this ban. How ludicrous! The dog is not the problem. The ignorance of the public to this magnificant loyal pet drives their fear, because of bad owners who have brought such terrible publicity to pittbulls is what drives this ban. I love my pittbulls. They are genlte, so genlte when playing with my neighbors chihuaha they play happily without ever hurting her. I could go on with the many other wonderful traits they do that would amaze even the most sceptic. My,my, I thought ignorance went out the window with our last millennium. May God bless those poor people, I will pray for their eyes to be open to love and loyality in many more than just pittbulls because this is only the beginning to a life without freedom, God bless AMERICA

Posted by: Melissa Location: Dallas, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 03:00 PM
The State of Texas does not allow breed specific legislation, thus this law is unsupportable, as well as being unfair an unnecessary. Ban bad owners, not dogs!!

Posted by: Gail Reilly Location: Haddon Heights ,NJ on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:58 PM
This is reprehensible! The breed is not the problem! Pit bulls are wonderful dogs and should not be singled out in this way.It is "breed-profiling"!

Posted by: Amanda Location: United States on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:57 PM
I would like to say whoever wanted a ban on pitt bulls should be banned themselves. You should punish the owner if the dog is vilent now the breed. If it was my choice I would ban all of these illegals living in are counrty instead of dogs. Arent they the ones that flew 2 planes into are buildings and killed thousands of people. Whoever made this band must not have anything else to do with their time. Only a heartless and gutless person would ban a living creature God made.

Posted by: Emily Location: PA on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:56 PM
It's a sad sad world we live in. Decades ago it was the bloodhound,newfoundland,german shepherd dog, rotties, st bernard, and the mastiff, now the pitbull is the target. I own and love my pitbull. The pride is worth the predjudice. I hope that this town can fight this and win.

Posted by: Bonnie Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I thought breed specific bans were prohibited in Texas. If that's the case how do they plan to enforce their ban? Fact: cities that have passed a breed specific ban have not seen their dog bite/fatality rates reduce. Not enough space here to elaborate. Bottom line, breed specific bans are backwards, reactionary measures devised by officials who only care about "appearing " to solve a problem. These bans in no way solve any problems of the underlying problems of poor animal care/ownership, lack of a low cost/no cost/high volume spay/neuter program. Nor do breed specific laws address the societal decay issue of dog fighting. Dog fighters will simply take their dogs outside the city, they likely already do. One could go on about just how ill conceived the idea of breed specific bans are.

Posted by: Tami Location: Hamilton, NJ on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:53 PM
How about banning the people who mistreat pitbulls in the first place? Banning pitbulls is blaming the innocent victims. The only thing a law like this will accomplish is to make it harder than ever to detect illegal fighting rings because the bad guys will have to go further underground.

Posted by: Cathy Location: Houston TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:47 PM
There may be only one person in Madisonville that will be negatively effected by this banning effort, who does not fight dogs. I am sure there are many more than that who are good owners with great dogs who are threatened by this ban. Some won't be able to afford the insurance to keep their dog, or can't afford to move and hate to think of their dog caged like a lion and muzzled as well! The trend towards outlawing dog breeds starts with one or two breeds, but if I lived in Madisonville and owned a dog that was banned because of this law, I'd challenge it. It's not right for majority (and in cases, the minority) to choose for ADULTS, which breeds they can and cannot own. This is sad news. Hope it is challenged and overturned soon because what happens in Madisonville can start happening in other areas of the State and that is why Madisonville and their breed banning concern me. I hve a rescue pup that looks like PIt Bull. I couldn't imagine losing her. She's a part of my family!

Posted by: Cathy Location: LA on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:45 PM
This is wrong. Register all dogs, or forget it!

Posted by: Stacey Location: Houston, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:41 PM
This is so rediculous. Let us not FIX the problem but put a SMAL band aid on it. In the light of all the school shootings what folks need to worry about is HUMANS! Not Guns, cars, swimming pools, animals. It is humans who have the control over all of the above not the other way around. If city councils think this is a way to keep scary ethnic people from have vicous pit bulls...they've barked up the wrong tree. GUESS what ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE OWN ALL TYPES OF DOGS. Unfortunately, all types of people are irresponsible and get the rest of us people paying big money to have pets! If you're sitting back and sighing in relief that another "pit bull" is off the street..wait until its your dog. Rottie, Boxer, Great Dane, ANY TERRIER, Standard Poodle, St. Benard, Lab, Retriever...any thing with a prey drive and teeth to bite is next. Believe the criminal minded will move on to the next breed that can run fast, bite hard and is loyal to its human...Hmmmmm....sounds like any dog to me. GET A CLUE

Posted by: Citizen of Madisonville Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Well once again we have people from outside our community pokeing there nose in where it does not belong. HAHA Marlyland, NJ . Pretty sure the majority of our town feels the same . It's our town we will run it. Butt out.

Posted by: Georgina Location: NJ on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Well add Madisonville to the list of towns run by fools who insist on punishing innocent animals for the crimes of humans. When are people going to get a grip on the fact that vicious humans beget vicious dogs, and that this is learned behavior. BSL is BS.

Posted by: Mildred Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:33 PM
This is a shame for Madisonville. I have relatives there and have always thought of Madisonville and an old fashioned American town. A town that had pride. Now its people and council members have made it look back woods, unintelligent, misinformed, bubch of racists. Just another form of it. Too sad. Goodbye to Madisonville...can we have it banned from Texas?

Posted by: Gail Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:29 PM
How did racism get into this? OMG

Posted by: Madisonville Resident Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I have lived in Madisonville city limits for 15 years. Thank you City Council. I'm afraid to walk or ride our bikes through my neighborhood with my children because of these dogs. We all know it's not the dogs but what the owners have trained them. We do have a lot of thugs here that fight these dogs and when we call the police they all run. I've witnessed it myself. They chain the dogs with cinder blocks (to improve muscle mass)and owners roam the neighborhoods with them. My assumption is that it's a Status Symbol to have a pit bull that can whip your pit bull. The Micheal Vick syndrome. It would be ideal to punish these thugs but they are coward.

Posted by: Amy Location: Montgomery on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:21 PM
This is crazy! I own an American Pit Bull that is in the process of becoming a therapy dog at the age of 3. He went through his obeciance training classes and was loved and gentle with all the people and dogs in the class. You can't do this because it is ILLEGAL IN THE STATE OF TEXAS TO HAVE BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION. The City Council MUST recind this foolish law. To have the owners of all dog breed register would be the way to go. But pointing one specific breed IS ILLEGAL. This is race prejudice. Punish the deed not the breed. To the council members of Madisonville, you need to get another lawyer on your team, because he/she is obviously not up to par on legislation.

Posted by: Harry Location: Fort Worth on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:17 PM
I vote no to the proposed ban on a specific breed ordinance when the State of Texas does not allow breed specific legislation.

Posted by: Cindy Location: Houston Tx on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:15 PM
The authorities in Madisonville are obviously right on top of protecting their community, and in their zeal and wisdom, they seem to be sure that banning all members of a group based on hearsay, or at best, the actions of individuals, is the best policy. If this policy is the most effective way to deal with any issue facing the community, the citizens of Madisonville should immediately demand enactment of and enforcement of a ban prohibiting any of the following from residing inside city limits: all men who abuse their wives, all female schoolteachers who sexually abuse their students, all religious leaders who sexually abuse children in their congregation, all children who shoot other children, and all police officers who murder their wives. I think after these bans are put into place, the remaining majority of acceptable city residents will have four legs.

Posted by: Lecia Location: Houston, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:15 PM
This is ridiculous, it isn't the dogs that are bad, it is the OWNERS. We already have laws, enforce the ones we have.

Posted by: Donna Mosera Location: League City on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:14 PM
I cannot believe Texas of all states would have counties and towns that would even consider outlawing any particular breed of dog. It is never the dog that is a problem just the owners. If they can't teach pit bulls to be vicious by torturing and beating them they will just start on some other breeds. Hey - you could make humans vicious the same way! Are we next? What is wrong with these people? This is the 21st century and they know better! I don't believe they believe they are right - just trying to be politically correct - give me a break! Time for another election and get rid of people in any kind of office who are bigots and small minded even if it only with animals. Don't they know it is against the law to discriminate by breed? What kind of legislators are these anyway? They are going to lose in court if challenged - I have been in law long enough to know that - wow it is going to cost them a bundle of tax money for nothing. The whole thing is ridiculous.

Posted by: Nancy Location: NJ on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:10 PM
If the council members in Madisonville would check the statistics, they would see that Pit Bulls are NOT at the top of the list for dog bites. True, they can do a lot more damage than most breeds, but that is no reason to be trying to ban them. BSL does not work. Responsible owners should not be punished nor should any Pit Bulls that haven't done anything bad to anyone. I do dog rescue and find that the Pit Bulls are the least problematic of all the breeds I've fostered or owned and I've been fostering dogs for over 8 yrs. Most communities have 'Dangerous Dog' laws, they need to enforce them on anyone who owns a dog that has proven to be vicious and dangerous. Don't pick on the dogs who are being properly taken care of, well socialized and have responsible people taking care of them. BSL is as wrong as racial profiling. Get better educated and learn the true facts about this wonderful breed, they deserve your support, not your desire & eagerness to remove them from society.

Posted by: Jerad Location: Sonora on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:07 PM
I believe that this is somewhat unfair. I don't see how that you can specify that one breed is more dangerous than another if you have done any kind of research about dogs what so ever. Somebody needs to ask the "Dog Whisperer" some questions about these dogs.

Posted by: Chrissy Location: New Jersey on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:07 PM
This municipality has captured national attention. Someone must educate them about this breed. It is not the dog it is the owner.

Posted by: Holly Location: Houston, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Why in the world do people blame dogs of any breed when it is irresponsible owners who create the problems. Pits are wonderful animals and make excellent pets in the right homes. Many owners fall short of the mark in the care and training of their dogs. Ban bad owners not any breed of dog. It is against state law for any canine breed to be specifically banned. Training and education of owners as to their responsibilities will save untold amounts of money, heartache and the needless deaths of many great dogs.

Posted by: Janie M. Epperson Location: Austin, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:06 PM
How can a city seriously single out one breed of dogs? This ban of pitbulls clearly displays ignorance of the city council in Madisonville, TX. Pitbulls are the victims here. A vicious dog is not born by breed - it is raised to be mean. Lets ban the owners people! Not the DOGS!

Posted by: Mary Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Totally agree with Alexandra - and I'd add to that to ban those women who would dispose of their own child(ren) like so much trash! BSL is dog genocide!! Enforce the laws on the books and hold people accountable - not the breed!

Posted by: Amanda Location: Diaz on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:04 PM
That is so horrible. There is nothing wrong with Pit Bulls. Why are these people so damn ignorant?!

Posted by: Mike Location: Detroit on Feb 15, 2008 at 02:01 PM
I just think its a shame that because of a handfull of ignorant dog owners that either cannot or choose not to control, train, and love their pets, responsible owners are going to lose the right to own the breed of their choice. I own two pitbulls myslef and they are great dogs. All i know is that if someone tried to tell me I couldnt have my dogs they would have one heck of a fight on their hands! The bottom line is though is that it isnt the breed or good dog owners that needs to be punished. The legislation needs to be stronger on punishments for people who are irresponsible dog owners and conduct in illegal activities.

Posted by: Jo Location: Houston TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:59 PM
I am shocked that there is a town in Texas that nas banned "Pit bulls" rathen than going after owners of dogs that are abused and used to fight or otherwise abused. State Law forbids breed banning, but there seems to be a way around this! Why people are trying to keep up with the Jones'es by banning breeds of dogs is beyond me. Where will it stop? Everyone knows that people that are criminal will find other breeds to exploit. Then what? Ban them? Ban the German Shepherd Dog? The Doberman? The Rottweiler? The Shar Pei? Pretty soon it may be a matter of What IS allowed? Italy bans ninety breeds including the Border Collie! Think it can't happen here? Banning the breed and hampering their movement for those grandfathered in, not to mention saddling the owners with (sometimes) impossible insurance fees and forcing abusive treatment of their dogs (penning, muzzling non-viscious dogs) is inhumane, and penalized people that aren't wealhty who may have to move or give up their pet..

Posted by: Lacey Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:58 PM
I disagree with this order...I believe a breed can be taught any way by the owner.....Who are they to tell us what we can own and not....Just b/c its a small town they think they can run the county the way they want it...I agree to fight this....

Posted by: Stephanie Casey Location: Huffman, Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:58 PM
This is just plain ridiculous. The Texas State Law prohibits breed specific legislation! Madisonville pit bull owners need ot come together and challenge this ruling. It is an unjust ruling and should be overturned immediately! Pit Bulls are the most lovable, conmpasionate dogs in the world! I have a slogan that fits this scenario: "Pit BUlls are only as good as the owners keeping them". I am teh president of The Houston Area Pit BUll club. We have over 160 loyal members and responsible pit bull owners. We meet a couple times each month with ALL of our pit bulls to play and have fun with our babies. The only problem with dogs in general, not one specific breed, is a lack of training and socialization. The entire breed should not suffer nor be held responsible for a few bad seeds. What tyoe of gun control laws are in effect for Madisonville, TX????

Posted by: Amy Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Texas State Law prohibits breed specific legislation. This unlawful ordinance will be challenged, and will be struck down. Why waste your time and the taxpayers money on this? Put in place an ordinance that provides for consequences when ANY animal owner is irresponsible. The human is at fault for failing in their responsibility of control and containment, but the animal should not be punished for the human failing. Face facts, the HUMANS are the problem, not the "Pit Bulls". Find the courage to deal with the real problem, rather than avoiding it by trying to institute "breed bans". Breed bans don't solve the human irresponsibility which is the root of the problem. This city is trying to take the easy road and in reality is not accomplishing anything worthwhile, except spending taxpayer money.

Posted by: Matt Location: Denver on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:54 PM
These laws DO NOT WORK!!!!! I live in Denver which has a pitbull ban and it IS A WASTE OF RESOUCES AND MONEY!!!!! Stop bad owners, make leash laws, spay and neuter laws, etc. NOT BSL!!!!!

Posted by: Maureen Location: Bobb on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Why don't you people focus your energy on the low lifes that mistreat this breed and give them a bad rep! Spend your time and energy on laws to prosecute those who abuse and neglect any breed. This is the easiest breed I ever handled in a shelter situation. This is such a waste of taxpayers money! Pitbulls are people pleasers! Get yourself educated on the breed and focus on what should really been banned.... animal abusers!

Posted by: Theresa Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:52 PM
City Council needs to get educated on the State Law and the facts about Pit Bulls. Don't be ignorant!

Posted by: BD Location: B/CS on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Eight comments before some fool throws the race card? I figured it would happen faster than that. At any rate, I think the council is trying to curb a problem and I applaud that, but it needs to be done a different way. Everyone who is screaming "I know thugs who fight dogs and they don't they get prosecuted"-how many times have you called the police and actively helped to stop dog fighting. Help the city go after these people, don't just be one of those that throw stones, give names, days, times, and actively help go after the dog fighters. If you are not part of the active solution, then you are just part of the problem.

Posted by: Lysa Buehler Location: Pennsville, NJ on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Very sad for dogs and their families when ignorance and prejudiced opinions and win out over common sense and truth. How many dogs will this legislation kill?

Posted by: AirForceRottNPitlvr Location: Dallas, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Banning breeds is illegal in Texas, the city officials just broke a Texas law... What kind of example does that set, I wonder? Banning breeds has proven to be ineffective, just look at Denver, dog bites has statisically gone up, not down as they predicted it would... Pitbulls are wonderful dogs, and make excellent family pets... Wise up!! Breed banning is ridiculous and only hurts the responsible pet owners whose dogs have never hurt anyone...

Posted by: Ray Location: new jersey on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Four of my 12 dogs are pit bulls. They the best! Thank God I'm an NRA member and can protect my pups. It's amazing that you can lose everything that you own if you pick on any etnic groups,yet you can be an uneducated, intolerant bigot when it comes to dogs. Just remember what Mark Twain said " the more people that I meet , the more I like my dogs".

Posted by: Adrianne L Location: Maryland on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Yes, Laura, I think it will be in the taxpayers' best interest to rescind this law and replace it with something more reasonable...and legal. Breed bans are in violation of state law. And for good reason: Breed bans don't work anyway. In Prince George's County, Maryland, where there has been a ban in place for a decade, dog bites have INCREASED and it has cost between 2.5 and 4.0 MILLION dollars to enforce for the past decade.

Posted by: Veronica Lacayo Location: Houston Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I think the Councilmen/woman need to be EDUCATED about the breed, its a shame and scary that ignorant people are running the city of Madisonville,,,. I think they need to punish the bad owners who fight Pittbulls, but on the other hand they need to learn the truth about this wonderful breed."BAN THE DEED NOT THE BREED"

Posted by: Alexandra Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:49 PM
The authorities in Madisonville are obviously right on top of protecting their community, and in their zeal and wisdom, they seem to be sure that banning all members of a group based on hearsay, or at best, the actions of individuals, is the best policy. If this policy is the most effective way to deal with any issue facing the community, the citizens of Madisonville should immediately demand enactment of and enforcement of a ban prohibiting any of the following from residing inside city limits: all men who abuse their wives, all female schoolteachers who sexually abuse their students, all religious leaders who sexually abuse children in their congregation, all children who shoot other children, and all police officers who murder their wives. I think after these bans are put into place, the remaining majority of acceptable city residents will have four legs.

Posted by: John Richardson Location: Southampton NJ on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Totally irresponsible action by council. Misinformed about the breed. Restrictions are tantamount to gov't mandated cruelty. Only a full repeal can fix this.

Posted by: D. Location: College Station on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:42 PM
It should be a crime for anyone to own a pit bull.

Posted by: Cynthia Location: Georgia on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Start holding the bad owners accountable! Pitbulls are the best dogs to have - they temperate test higher than a poodle. Banning a specific breed of dog is racial profiling. "Ban the deed - not the breed".

Posted by: Debbie on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:13 PM
The Councilmen/women should be muzzles and ran out of town. I know a man who's pit was STOLEN out of his yard and fought. What happened to the thugs, nothing. The dog is back home and safe, after many stitches and love. My neighbor was bitten by a healer 4 times while she was trying to check her mail, do they need to be banned also??? I have several and they are loving dogs and I have no fear with the kid that are around them and riding them. Now that is a killer right!!!! I have adopted one who is a soldiers do. Do any of you'll know these dogs were used in war to protect our soldiers. By offices, yea yu have bad that is on the TV all the time. Learn truth and facts before you judge. What happened to the land of the free. Course we all know that has gon to hell. Ban the deed not the breed. I love my pits.

Posted by: Laura Location: North Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Um, do y'all have a city attorney in Madisonville? This is against state law. The Texas Health and Safety code does not allow a local government (that includes cities or counties) to enact restrictions based on breed. The code is here: http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/hs.toc.htm § 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 916, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. § 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Houston on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:59 AM
This is in direct violation of State Health Code Sec 822.047 . (not to mention stupid ) . Anyone in Madisonville affected by this will have an easy time striking this ordinance . The city is going to waste alot of taxpayer money on an illegal ordinance .

Posted by: rustys Location: dallas, tx on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:37 AM
BSL DOSE NOT WORK!! all it does is punish the responsible owners..the bad owners that fight and make their pitbulls mean are still going to do it!! dog fighting is already against the law so this is not going to stop them, all this does is hurt the ppl that love this breed and are responsible PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED!

Posted by: Daline BEZERRA Location: DALLAS, TX on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I think its not only something that is not logic, and that has proven to have no positive results but instead negative results, why people are still trying to ban pit bulls...People need to educate themselves on the breed we need to do the right thing and punish the owners who are careless and it is not only a pit bull ban people that involves boxers, bull dogs, australian shepards, german shepards, rottie and so on...We do not want to be like Italy who now have banned hundreds of breed and now are in a process of banning CONGIS it is simply ridiculous and an uneducated decision!

Posted by: Melissa D Location: Spring Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I am going to look further into this..... http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/s...5.htm#s826_047 CREDIT(S) Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 916, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 14.809, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 822.047. Local Regulation of Dangerous Dogs A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter. CREDIT(S) Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 916, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. [Sections 822.048 to 822.100 reserved for expansion]

Posted by: John Location: College Station on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I disagree with the ordinance as written; as with most gun control proposals, a lot of people who have well trained companion dogs will have to get rid of them for no reason while the morons who own the dogs that are causing the problems will just change to a nonprohibited breed (Rots, Dobes, German Shephards, even Labs CAN be trained to attack) and keep right on threatening the public. Simply requiring some kind of insurance from ALL dog owners with dogs over 50 lbs would have been a much better idea.

Posted by: Roy Location: TAMU on Feb 15, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I believe more cities should follow the same actions.

Posted by: outraged Location: madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:55 AM
i don'tlike pit bulls put i also don't think it's right for the city council or any offical to tell us want we can own and what we can't own. like someone said be careful next they will be telling us how many chlidren we can have.

Posted by: Mad Location: Spring Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I think Legal action needs to be taken against the City of Madisonville for violating the Laws of Texas. It is against Texas Law to ban a particular breed.

Posted by: shanace stepney Location: bryan,yx on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:42 AM
i feel like pitbulls should not be banned because there are several other dogs who just attack for no reason

Posted by: Yvonne Location: Bryan, Texas on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I think that the whole idea of banning any type of animals is completely ridiculous. I would have to agree with the tons of comments already listed about this situation. A dog's behavior reflects that of it's owner. We have 3 children and about 5 pitbulls and I can tell you my oldest is 14 and has always been around pitbulls since he was 2 yrs old. Never have we had one attack our children, or even another dog. We show our dogs lots of love and the kids are always outside playing with them. So for people to say Pit bulls are a bad breed they need to do more research before judging the dogs. I wish more thought and consideration went into what local leaders decide about banning the rapist, child molesters and murderers more serious than dogs. A person who commits these types of crimes are still allowed in our society, that just tells you how ignorant the people who make these types of decisions are and how much education they really lack.

Posted by: kris Location: cs on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Madisonville SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Carla Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:55 AM
It is all in how you raise your dogs...just like your kids...if you raise them right and treat them right...they will be your best friend!!! I am a owner of a pit bull and he is the best dog we have ever had!!!

Posted by: Donna Location: Hearne on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I think pit bulls should be banned in every city and I think that if you have one you should be made to get rid of it. The dog has shown time and time again that they cannot be trusted, numerous people have been killed and marred for life because of this dog breed. I don't think there should be a place for them in our society at all.

Posted by: Tammy Location: North Zulch on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I dont agree with the new laws.Its how they re treated and raised.Ive raised Boxer,Boston and Heelers and I have had plenty that are very protective.My current heeler will eat you if you try to hurt me or my Family.If people that own these breeds would be more aware of their dogs this would never be a problem.If the dog has an attitude secure him around people he doesnt know.Dont Punish them for your faillings..They are like people,not all of them are bad.We dont punish everyone for one persons fault !!

Posted by: CH Location: College Station on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I was once very scared of all dogs until we got our first puppy, a pit bull mix. I truly feel this dog was put in my life to prove that with proper and responsible ownership and discipline, ANY dog can be a true asset to ANY family. Punish the people who own the dogs, not the animals. My pit bull mix is the absolute SWEETEST dog I've ever met, and many people who meet him are surprised at his temperament. It's sad to see ignorance and fear bring about such a situation, but in our society of lawsuits and selfishness, it doesn't surprise me. How about getting to KNOW your neighbors and their pets before you judge either one as unfit for your community?

Posted by: ke Location: college station on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Just watch out people, next it will be Rotty's, German Shepards, etc... While Pit Bulls do have a bad rep, not all Pit Bulls are dangerous. The government has NO RIGHT to tell anyone what domestic pets to own!!!!!! This is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Our forefathers fought for this with their lives.

Posted by: Allen Location: College Station on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Last time I looked into those type of laws, it was illegal for a city to ban or discriminate a particular breed. I am sure that if someone in that city had the time and resources, they could take the city to court of violating state laws.

Posted by: Madisonville Citizen Location: Madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Well this is going to actually seem a little off piont. I always read our local newspaper and see the good things that happen around the small towns that the surround the area and it seems the only time the media in Bryan/College Station even remotely pick up on a piece of news is when they think something negative is happening. The attack on the student from NZ was something that happens daily at the BCS schools. Maybe it is the fact that we live in a way over here with out all the big city problems. How many time have you walked into a store or down the street in BCS and actually knew 90% of the people you come in contact with. Our City Council acted on a problem in our town and with the approval of it's citizens. And they acted correctly. We live in a small town because most of us believe that the way things are done in the larger city's is wrong in every aspect of the word. So keep your opinions and your media out we are doing just fine without it. I know all my neighbors do you? !

Posted by: Bubba Location: Centerville on Feb 15, 2008 at 07:42 AM
r yall gunna have a pit bull patrol person.

Posted by: John Shannon Location: Carlos on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Here we go again. How in the world is banning a certain breed of dog, "With A Bad Reputation", make any sense? My parents had a Llaso Apso that was meaner than any pit bull I have ever seen. It loved to bite kids and spent literally weeks in quarantine, but he sure was cute. Some of our cute little local law makers need to get a life. They need to ban Human beings because some of them commit murder, sexually abuse children or possibly even bite them. Lets check the percentages between human bites versus dog bites.....

Posted by: Matt Location: Brenham on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:45 AM
I applaud Madisonville for taking steps to protect their citizens. If a CERTAIN SEGMENT of pitbull owners were more responsible, then young children wouldn't br getting mauled and even killed. Yes, sometimes a few bad apples can spoil the bunch.

Posted by: Davion Location: Hempstead on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Sounds like a classic case of "Hidden Racism"...This has to be the most stupid thing I have ever heard. Madisonville clearly has some problems.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 06:15 AM
i think it is crazy and it anit right a dog is a mans best friend and should have the right to keep it if they wanted too

Posted by: bob Location: madisonville on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:32 AM
people can own pitt bulls they just have to make sure the dogs are secure and the insurance the owner has to carrie is to cover an attack and compensate the victim so many times we hear of a attack of pitt bulls and death is sometime the outcome and the city is trying to head that off on another texas news web site a story of a pitt bull attack that took a police officer shooting the dog to stop the attack its just taking responsiblity.

Posted by: J Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 05:13 AM
Completely stupid. I'm surprised this got through. I guess the council has no other more pressing business?

Posted by: RC Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 04:00 AM
Simpletons at work... Like the previous poster, I have no ties to Madisonville or pit bulls. Go after the criminals that turn DOGS (not just pits) into the public "monsters" image, or the people who allow their animals to roam free. Madisonville, are you going to ban the little thugs from living there next? They are more dangerous than dogs.

Posted by: lm Location: Bryan on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Total discrimination! Did the council do their homework, or did they base their decision on fear and ignorance? You never hear of the family lab mauling a child, because labs aren't a "vicious" breed. ANY dog can attack, maul, & even kill. A few weeks ago (out of state), a baby was killed by the family pet...a rat terrier. Even as an experienced dog parent, I too was fearful of the breed because of what is NOT shown by the media. I am now a proud owner of one of the SWEETEST dogs I've ever had. He was dumped and nearly starved to death when I found him. What a fantastic member of our family he is! RESPONSIBLE pet ownership is the key...for any breed. Animals shouldn't be punished for the actions of irresponsible adults. I encourage you to watch 2 videos on YouTube: Pit Bull Viciously Attacks Baby & Pit Bull video (by Crazycat Extreme) Educate yourself before you judge. Isn't that what we are trying to teach our children these days to prevent race discrimination?

Posted by: jennifer Location: college station on Feb 14, 2008 at 10:01 PM
this is unbelievable. It has to be infringing on someone's rights! We are talking about domesticated animals, not wild! This is just not right. I don't live there, and I don't own a pit bull, but its really outrageous.

Posted by: EJ Location: Bryan on Feb 14, 2008 at 09:37 PM
I can see the jail conversation now.."What are you in for, Lefty?" "Murder. What are YOU in for?" "Unlawful possession of a pit bull."

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