Jim O'Bryan wrote:Missy Limkemann wrote:Oh yeah Hope, if you find that statement about being in compliance...GET THAT TO ME ASAP. Seeing as how I dont have a pit, I dont need to be in compliance with that, I want that too.
I am in the process of talking with people for the constant harassment and threatening emails I get daily. One person stated they hoped the next pit I rescue kills my children so I would see how bad they are. To me that is threatening. I am also sick of being threatend on the street with Batman.
But I will go after that guy for saying I was not in compliance because I dont own that dog...oh what a jacknut.
Missy/All
If you are being threatened call the police. I mean this to both sides of this argument. No one, I repeat no one should ever have to live under threat or that form of stress.
The LO office has received letters from all sides, and many go way over the line of common decency.
If you really feel you are being singled out, retain a lawyer and proceed. If not, there is no reason to bring any of this up.
For the record, I have owned dogs most of my life including pitbulls. I love the breed but am very leery of some of the owners. I have never met a breed outside of Bordeauxs that are so protective of their family. In the end this is one reaosn the bond between dogs and people are so strong. The only thing I know that would frighten a burglar more than the clicking of a shotgun is the growl of a dog, especially a pit bull.
Their are many fine points on both sides of this discussion. I agree with Shawn that no one should own anything they cannot meet financial requirements on. I carry almost a million dollars of insurance on my graphics company. As we install signs in public areas. I carry insurance on my car, home, family, employees, etc.
As the breed law is so hard to enforce, and is has been struck down repeatedly, I see this as a very costly defend for the city. I have often seen this city and others try to show progress through what appears to be simple, slam dunk means only to paint themselves into costly corners that divide a city. The WestEnd, smoking bans, and here breed laws.
This city has so many things that could this energy could be better spent on, I would encourage the city to place this on the back burner, and enforce the laws they have. Last night will walking our dog we encountered no less that 6 dogs and owners with no leashes. This is a recipe for disaster. None were pitbulls, all had teeth from what I could tell.
FWIW
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Jim agreed, it is a good post.
I only brought up the statement because it was openly asked about again in this forum. Believe me, I will handle that on my own with my counsel.
I was not personally involved in the other issues, although my face was used in that story again, unbeknownst to me.
My biggest concern is much like yours. Getting rid of Pit bulls here going to cause several issues. One the main one which is supposed to be the "safety" of our residents, is not going to be addressed, in fact by elimanating one dog, the false sense of security will make issues worse.
The loss of good residents who own these dogs, who will indeed move should they not add in the grandfather clause, will cause detrament to this already struggling city economy, and the huge cost to enforce the ban and the resulting law suits are going to bury us..
I don't have a problem having insurance for my dog. Never been an issue.
I don't have an issue with the stupid kennel in my back yard she has been in a handful of times, the last time, she was purposefully let out, I don't even have a problem with the signs anymore, yes the one's you asked about BEWARE OF DOG signs, that make my mail carrier laugh....., or the leash. I do have a problem with the muzzle....since she hates it, so I don't walk her anymore. She has a treadmill, and we take her out of the area where she goes on private property to run enclosed and free to be a dog.
I am researching to find a better suited on that won't kill her in the heat, that is in compliance, and one that she doesn't hate so much she can enjoy a walk. I never said I had an issue with anything that puts me in compliance.
I think everyone should be held to the same standards. I think everyone should carry liability for their dog, whether it be poodle or a Pit. All dogs can cause injury, we should all be covered should we get bit or our children suffer injury.
What I w ould like to see is this community to come together and use the services we all offered. To be informed of the laws, to keep track of the all dogs, to educate our community on being smart dog owners, and how to be smart residents in a dog community. Micro-chipping, licenseing, classes, temperment testing, good citizens awards, etc. That is what I want to see and I want to see it equally. That makes a safe "dog" owner and dog loving community.
To use your own comparsion again in reference to insurance.
We have don't see a difference in insuring cars? They don't make you insure your car because it's a red sports car and more likely to cause an accident, and not mine because it's a "family" mini-van. Why because they can both equally cause injury. I believe it should be the same with dog owners. If Missy's aunery Chihuahua takes a bite out of me that causes injury including serious nerve damage, she should have insurance to cover it. If my Bulldog bites someone and causes 2 stitches it should be covered. What is the difference?
I am all for educating people on the dangers that come along with owning "larger" working dogs, compared to smaller dogs, there is a difference in how to handle them, not because they are inheriantly more dangerous, because they are bigger. I am for educating people on how you act when you meet a new dog, come into a dogs territory, or one runs up on you. Also the responsibility it takes to be a responsible dog owner. Including the cost to keep them healthy, contained, entertained, and safe for a family and the community.
I want the hate and the fear to stop pitting neighbor against neighbor.
It's like we have taken a step back in time here. I have not personally been attacked except the one comment. Missy has taken the brunt of it and she doesn't own a Pit. But sometimes that comes with being in the public eye and being more reachable. I have received comments and had people stop me on the street after being on the news but for the most part it's all be good. I understand it comes with me deciding to speak out in the media. However, I do look over my shoulder constantly waiting.
I never had that fear before , it is truly something foreign to me.
However, it will not stop me from fighting.
I am not fighting just for Lakewood, or my dog. I fight against BSL and bans all over the US. But it starts in my own backyard.
