The Final Straw

Breed Specific Legislation or BSL are laws that have been formulated that discriminate against a certain breed or breeds of dogs and other animals as well. BSL is mainly in two forms. One form generates am entire ban on ownership and the other places some irrational duties on pet owners, like constant confinement and insurance coverage on their pet that is most often inaccessible.
All you cat lover’s better watch out as well, because cat owners or other type of pet owner can be affected by Breed Specific Legislation too. BSL does not only discriminate against dog breeds, but cats, snakes, and even turtles are the focus in some states. All responsible owners have some risk of losing their pet when BSL is passed in the area that they live. The American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ) is the foot in the door to enact the law, but once passed the process of adjusting and transforming the law becomes easy to modify and will begin including any other animal that is wrongfully posed as a “threat.” Because of these dire circumstances, all responsible pet owners should bond together and show the representatives where they live that they are against the legislation and will not support the harmful consequences it entails.
BSL is often an imprudent response by legislatures to an occurrence that has happened where someone is harmed by an animal. Often times the media is negligent when reporting these types of cases and many politicians have the bandwagon effect and follow the crowd in order to gain some type of support.
The real truth is that this does absolutely nothing to resolve the main problem and does not concentrate on the issue of animal attacks at its source, which is in nearly all situations is irresponsible ownership. Many Laws are being made that involve these issues, but more often than not they are un-enforced, allowing adverse incidences to occur. What we need to do is hold our town or city representatives responsible for their enforcement deficiencies of the laws that already exist. Instead of developing a Breed Specific Legislation that is not at all needed, when responsible humanitarian care laws that are already present are going unenforced and unnoticed. Each time that BSL is proposed to be ratified, there should be suit filed against the community’s administration for careless enforcement of the laws that already exist.
Communities, politicians, irresponsible parents and irresponsible owners need to realize there is no rhyme or reason for their negative actions. Communities must to realize the financial inconvenience of not only creating new laws, but also the cost of not enforcing current laws that promote reliable ownership. Politicians must understand the ramifications of a pet community that is united, lost votes or drop in polls and the economic aftermath of not conducting their jobs in a responsible and correct manner. Irresponsible owners must undergo the cost of neglectful, cruel, irresponsible and abusive ownership through firm financial penalties and lose the right to own any type of animal and when these consequences do not have any affect, it should lead to jail sentencing, felony convictions and develop a criminal record (if they do not already have one). The American Pit Bull Terrier is the breed of dog that is discriminated against the most and is often used as an excuse to create or broaden legislation to cover more breeds and other animals as well. Breed Specific Legislation does not take into account owners who are caring, loving and responsible and unfairly punishes them and their animals. BSL is proven to be unconstitutional and was even addressed by the US Federal Department of Justice as unallowable because it deprives people who have disabilities their right to picking a pet that apply to their specific service and necessary therapies.
If you are or know someone who is a victim of Breed Specific Legislation and want to find out if these laws are supported in your hometown, or if you just want to be further educated about the issue at hand and what you can do to help fight it go to http://www.pitbullregistry.com/breedspecificlegislationmain.htm or there are many other websites you may visit that involve saving these innocent creatures that love us unconditionally.

History Of the Pit

The history of American Pit Bull Terriers in America started with immigrants who brought their dogs along with their families overseas. They quickly became an asset to the developing nation. The dogs were valued for more then just fighters, but were entrusted to protect homes and were workers and vital contributors to farms and ranches. Families depended on them to help as hunters and hog catchers leading to the term catch dogs. They were also loving companions to children who were entrusted in their care. The USA admired this breed of dog as a prominent part in American culture. Their defining qualities of bravery, hard working, friendliness and respect lead to this admiration. Early advertisements began to use their image as the All-American Dog. World War I posters displayed illustrations of Pits as proud mascots of neutrality and bravery. The American Pit Bull Terrier was also favored by politicians, scholars and celebrities. Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt and of course the "Little Rascals" all had pit bulls. Today, this tradition is continuing in many people loving and cherishing these dogs as their family pets.
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/breed.cfm

Pit Bull Profile

Here is a brief profile on the American Pit Bull terrier to give you some general insight about the breed:

Breed’s Name- The American Pit Bull Terrier

Description of Breed- Pit Bull’s are known for their intelligence and devotion. American Pit Bull Terriers make outstanding, loving and protective companions, in spite of the unfair, inaccurate press they receive by the media. Some of them are dual-registered as an American Pit Bull Terrier with the UKC and as an American Staffordshire Terrier with the AKC; though, this draws criticism from many who point out that the bloodlines have been separate for too long for these to be considered the same breed. If you are looking into getting a Pit Bull make sure you get one from a responsible breeder and make sure the puppy is going to be properly socialized and handled correctly with specific care. With minimal yet accurate training your puppy will turn out to be a calm, good, and obedient companion.

Common Height Range- 18 - 22 inches

Common Weight Range- 30 - 80 lbs.

Colors- Variety of Colors

Coat- Thick, short, shiny hair

Temperament- Pit Bulls are loyal, courageous and very energetic; They should be initially socialized with children and other animals.

Care and Exercise- Regular brushing with a bristle brush or rubbing down his coat with a chamois will keep the coat shiny and clean, but bath only when necessary. Pit Bulls need a considerable amount of forceful exercise, which needs to be on-leash or in a confined area. Pit bulls commonly enjoy running along side a bicycle.

Health Issues- Mange and heart murmurs. Pit bull breeders should be concerned with doing health testing on the sire or dam such as OFA, PENN HIP

Category- Terrier

Registries- UKC, ADBA, CKC, APBR

Living Environment- Either Outdoor or Indoor
http://www.pitbull411.com

Top Ten Worst Places for Pits

I hope that this information that I found at understand-a-bull.com will be helpful to all of you who are planning on traveling with your dog or are moving residents here are the top ten least friendly dog places in the US, all with generally worded BSL laws allowing for exclusion, and destruction of dogs by certain breed:

10. Bracken County, Kentucky

9. Muskegon, Michigan

8. Providence, Rhode Island

7. Boston, Massachusetts

6. Prince Georges County, Maryland

5. Denver, Colorado

4. Miami-Dade County, Florida

3. Washingtion- Including: Pasco, Yakima, Enumclaw, Buckley, Toppenish, Winslow, Oak Harbor, Cathlamet, Everett, Kennewick, Kirkland, Moxee City, Neah Bay, Sea-Tac, Pullman, plus other these counties-Spokane, Snohomish, and Whatcom

2. Iowa - Statewide

1. Ohio - Statewide

The absolute worst place to take your dog in North America is Ontario, Canada!!!

Online Communication...Art vs. Business???

This post is somewhat off track of the main topic of this blog that has to do with the importance of online communication and the fair use of other’s works and ideas.

To me, online communication is one of the most important forms if communication in our society today. Through the internet millions of people are able to communicate their feelings, ideas, emotions and thoughts as well as gather information and knowledge. There are many ways people choose to express themselves through the internet whether it is through email, blogs, communication networks, videos, music...etc. and share or formulate these features it into their own artistic works. This can stir up a bit of confusion between what is being taken and misused and what is ok to create using others works and ideas.

In the article "Changing Copyright" say that people are using elements, fragments, or pieces of what someone else has created and putting it in the creation of a new one for artistic reasons and that the elements may remain identifiable, or they may be transformed to varying degrees as they are incorporated into the new creation, where there may be many other fragments all in a new context, forming a new "whole". This becomes a new "original" I like and am in favor of this idea of a new "original", being able to use bits and pieces of others information or ideas, by transforming it into something completely different adding your own touch to it.

But now, the problem is escalating into something much more than just "borrowing" ideas, it is stealing songs or videos and sharing them across the internet with millions of other users. This controversy is hard to take sides on because I believe that online music is such a great commodity, where I can find new and old music at the click of a button. Also it can be used as a type of advertisement for new, struggling bands who just want to get their music out there. But I understand that music corporations may be losing money from people that over abuse downloading songs, but it seems to me that fighting it is not going to make much of a difference.

After reading the "Negative lands Tenants of Free Appropriation" I agree that no one should be allowed to claim private control over the creative process of the internet itself. The real struggle is the fight between art against business, and ultimately like they said about which one must make way for the other and put the gloves down.

As a writer and creator I will do my best to give credit to other’s works and research through this blog leaning towards more of the artistic argument to share works and ideas of mine and others.

Pit Bull Abuse and Neglect

The Pit Bull Terrier breed is possibly the most neglected and abused breed alive. Some types of these dogs may act out against humans, but only because of this unfair treatment and the pit bulls are not to blame, it is irresponsible owners. If we want to erase the negative image the American Pit Bull Terrier has it is our responsibility as responsible Pit Bull dog owners and citizens to decrease the level of mistreatment that the breed faces by people who are irresponsible and carless.
Neglect is a result in owners being unable to take care of their Pit Bulls caused by financial or physical difficulties and just plain ignorance. In some cases the owner just doesn't care about the suffering the animal faces. When dealing with neglect the first step to take is figuring out the situation and working with the animal's owner to change the situation where their pit bull is no longer being neglected. By assisting the owner in caring for the dog if they physically need it or just educating owners about proper care and community expectations.
If these methods don't work you should make a report to your local humane society or authorities.
Abuse differs from neglect in that it is a "conscious effort to cause harm." In the form of causing harm directly to the pit bull or by entering the dog into a fight or any other harmful situation. Studies have proved the negative psychological impact that abuse have in humans. Disregard for animal welfare is often linked to other crimes like domestic violence, assault, violent sexual deviance, murder, rape and more. If we don't enforce the law on perpetrators it will contribute to the negative image that many in our society have of the American Pit Bull Terrier. If youare aware of pit bull abuse it is your responsibility to report it to the legal authorities and get them to take action. Many complaints concerning pit bulls are overlooked, which lead to news laws, like the Breed Specific Legislation to be developed, that take away rights to ownership of this amazing breed.



There are also many alternative to enforcing the Breed Specific Legislation which are: *Stronger enforcement of already existing dangerous dog laws. If they are not in place, lobby for protection from untrained and unsupervised dogs of any breed or mix. This effort protects all citizens as any dog can bite and be a nuisance when there is a irresponsible owner involved. People that deliberately train a dog to act aggressively towards people or other animals, or to use dogs in the commission of a felony or misdemeanor should face additional penalties.
* Encourage local animal rescue agencies to provide responsible dog ownership seminars and canine safety education. The American Kennel Club also has a free education program.
* Protect the rights of all citizens with nuisance ordinances such as anti-barking, pooper scooper regulations and leash laws. http://www.pbrc.net/breedspecific.html

Here is some great information that I found at http://www.pitbulllovers.com/helping-pit-bulls.html to let all of you Pit Bull Lovers out there know how you can help save these innocent dogs from a terrible fate.
Ways to avoid contributing to the problem are:
1) By Not breeding, some owners decide to breed their dogs simply because they are females. Really, there are no legit reasons to breed a dog, especially a pit. So, please Don't breed them and have your dog spayed or neutered.
2) Using Proper Confinement, If you already own an American Pit Bull Terrier make sure that you keep them properly housed and confined. I am not trying to say lock em up and through away the key, but when you are not present they should be in a kennel or inside the house or tied up in an area that allows them to have space, but is secure to prevent them from getting loose.
3) Obey your local laws, If the city you live in has a leash law, please obey it. Don't let your dog off the leash, no matter how trained they are because you never know what situation you could be walking into. Always obey your local dog laws.
4) Be positive, When you are out in public with your dog be positive and friendly and not confronting. In other words, be polite to people who are rude and stereotypical. Don't strike out and get mad at bystander's comments about your dog, just ignore them and put it behind you. Allowing people to irritate you will only make you and your dog look negative and give the public more of a reason to discriminate.

I have also found a few organizations that are trying to make a difference and help make positve changes in the American Pit Bull Terrier breeds harsh dilemma by educating owners and the public as well, finding homes for numbers of dogs and trying to make a stop to the crimes against these amazing creatures:
BADrap.org - Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit Bulls.
PBRC - Pit Bull Rescue Central.