I'm posting from my blog
http://petfoodtales.blogspot.com/2007/09/it-is-time-to-fight.html - please get the word out to help fight this proposal that will come up in 2008 - We need to start now.
It is time to fight -
Opression and discrimination by Minnesota Rep. John Lesch. Rep. Lesch plans to propose a bill in 2008 that would ban the following dog breeds:
"On Friday, June 15, 2007 St. Paul Rep. John Lesch held a press conference to announce that in 2008 he will propose a ban that will outlaw the ownership of 5 so-called dangerous breeds, including Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Akitas, Chow Chows, Wolf-hybrids...and ANY mix thereof in the state of MN. Anyone caught owning one of the banned dogs would be subject to misdemeanor charges and face as long as 90 days in jail and a fine of as much as $1,000. The statue would force all dogs of the banned breeds be removed from the state or euthanized."
As a Minnesota citizen, please sign the petition today:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/opposemnbreedban/And contact Rep. Lesch via all other methods to present your opposition:
651-489-7238
http://ww3.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/members.asp?district=66ARep. Lesch stated, "Certainly any dog can be dangerous if it is poorly trained or mistreated, but these breeds show a disposition towards aggression," Lesch said. "There are dozens upon dozens of different varieties of dogs in the world, there is no reason why anyone has to own a dog as dangerous as a pit bull."
Mr. Lesch needs to be informed of the true nature of what a "dangerous dog" is - the owner. Has he proposed legislation to ban guns? I believe they harm and kill more than "dangerous dogs". Because he may be tired of reading of children getting attacked, is not a reason to ban breeds. It is reason to enforce responsible pet ownership and hold the owners responsible.
According to the CDC, from 2000 - 20004 in Minnesota, Firearm death rates were
per 100,000
All Races,
Both Sexes,
ICD-10 Codes: W32-W34,X72-X74,X93-X95,Y22-Y24, Y35.0,*U01.4
Number of Deaths| Population*** | Crude Rate | Age-Adjusted Rate**
1,637 | 25,083,227 | 6.53 | 6.45
I would say this is much more than dogs biting, mauling or killing someone. So where is the legislation for the real issues? Instead of a nugget to appease the sensation around Michael Vick and the news stories that harp on dogs killing when there is no discussion of the owners and how they raised the dog. Rep. Lesch is way out of line by trying to introduce this bill when more important issues are at stake - i.e. bridges that need repairing and gun control that isn't working, high gas prices, low-wages in education, low-wages for police officers, high taxes and misuse of tax money by introducing frivolous bills, etc. Talk about bate and switch!
We need your help to convince him not to introduce the bill or fight to ensure it doesn't pass.
Contact your local representative to let them know you oppose this and ask them not to support this ban.
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/hmem.aspAlso contact your friends and your neighbors that see your good dog and ask them to oppose as well.
Thank you.
Robert F. Davis
http://www.petfoodtales.com
Author