XEKE.com Opposes Proposed Pit Bull Ban

It's not terribly often that we at XEKE.com pick out specific pieces of legislation upon which to offer comment. Sure there was "immigration reform" and probably another instance or two, but for the most part, we stick to policy and candidate analysis and opinion. So this column might be considered an exception.

From: the Newsline, July/August 2008, Volume 39, Issue 4 (www.ohiovma.org)

[Ohio] House Bill 568 was introduced by Rep. Tyrone Yates (D-Cincinnati) on May 19. This bill would essentially eliminate all pit bulls in the state of Ohio. The bill would require all pit bull owners to surrender their animal to the dog warden 90 days after the bill is law. The dog warden would then be required to euthanize the animal within 10 days. If a pit bull owner fails to willingly surrender their dog, they will be presented with a search warrant and the dog will be seized. It too would be delivered to the dog warden for euthanasia.

HB 568 is a direct contradiction to OVMA's and AVMA's policies that discrimination against a specific breed or type of dog is inappropriate and should not be contained in legislation on any level of government. As such, at it's June 18 meeting the OVMA Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose HB 568. We are and will continue working in a variety of forms and forums to encourage state lawmakers to oppose HB 568.

You too can express your opposition to this bill by contacting Rep. Yates (D-Cincinnati) directly. Representative Yates can be reached by e-mail at: district33@ohr.state.oh.us or by phone: (614) 466-1308. The complete bill is available on the Ohio General Assembly website.

This is classic example of a Liberal politician attempting to whittle away at our freedoms. It is no business of the government to determine which breed of dog you own. Rep. Tyrone Yates (D-Cincinnati) illustrates his ignorance when it comes to breeds that can be considered dangerous to humans. He's a politician, I'm a veterinarian. Who would you consider to be informed with regard to this matter?

In my experience as a veterinarian, not one of my Pit Bull Terrier patients has ever concerned me as I've worked with them in either an Exam or Treatment Room. If we're going to label breeds as concerning or worthy of caution, I'd rank German Shepherds, Rottwielers, Shar Peis, and to top the list, Chows far ahead of Pit Bull Terriers. Having listed these breeds, though, I've had a number of patients within these breeds that were excellent, friendly dogs. So to ban a breed altogether is nothing short of ignorant and foolish. The phrase, "Throwing out the baby with the bathwater," comes to mind.

But the primary point here is that this is not about dogs, it is about politicians thinking that we're so helpless and stupid that they must save us from ourselves. Rep. Tyrone Yates (D-Cincinnati) ought to concern himself with representing his district rather than limiting our freedoms.

First they came for the Pit Bull Terriers, and I kept silent...

Then they came for my breed, and there was no one left to speak for me.

rg

8/10/2008