Ok Lakewood you knew this had to be coming Right?

[Hope Robbins]

Not a big surprise that the residents of Lakewood have decided this Ban on Pits and Mixes needs to change and we also feel many opportunities to save this city tons of money and heartache fell on deaf ears...so we are NOT done!

Those who were directly affected received the official letters on Friday. I was not surprised by the shock I heard over the phone or via email from those caught off guard by it all. Even sadder are those who were added to the list after...more of us who own more mixes in this community! One I met who got a pup as as rescue from a shelter and told by a vet and the shelter the dog was a lab/shephard mix...according to our fair cities powers that be, it's NOW A PIT MIX...hold on to your seats folks there is more of that to come. I hope you don't own a dog that is a mix of any kind , short of a sheepdog or chiauaua. You might be surprised.

Official records received under the Ohio Public Records law show that police have been told to start stopping people who's dogs "appear" to be a Mix that might fit the descript, and pictures were provided to help identify these dogs, oh that is comforting, pictures to help ID a dog, so you can slap a lable on it and perhaps help send it to it's death sooner? Nice tactic huh. Missy might have had a good idea carrying her papers around showing her dog was NOT a Pit Bull or mix. Again, Scary

Again, more to come folks. Don't think it affects you, nope you are safe if you don't own a Pit Bull ....but watch those playful pup mixes you got from a friend, rescue or pound. You could very well be next.

If you are , email me or our email address provided below, happy to help in any way we can.

Even sadder are the tears over the phone from single mothers "who are not living in the Section 8 homes or on welfare, but who are facing hard times due to economy and raising a family who now have no idea how they can afford some of the "new requirements" in this law . Such as the new 50.00 registration on top of the counties, micro-chipping, mandatory spay/neutering/ and having to pay for insurance up front for one year. Sadly I am sure dogs have already been put to sleep and more are on the way.

Of course Lakewood APL won't keep them since it's a NO Kill shelter so off they go to Cleveland to the gas chamber.

The letters are out, but our lovely APL is not ready? Try calling to setup the appointments? Sorry folks they are not ready yet. Hmm think we could have waited to do what your residents wanted in the first place? If this was such an "emergency" issue then why are you NOT ready to service your residents with all the requirements? I have a theory, because it wasn't an emergency, or a "real" immediate safety issue.

So we have been meeting and discussing this for sometime.
We are not happy with the way this turned out and still believe there are certainly better ways it could have been handled. Like forming the committee before not during. So if you are interested in helping, please contact us ASAP. I am pleasantly surprised by the publics reactions, and the growing list of "helpers" ....more than even I expected! Way to go Lakewood I knew you were out there!

BTW, I have already asked Jim if this is okay so please don't go gripe about it to him, I was nice enough to ask first. If you don't like what we are doing, ignore this and move on to another thread.

Other than general questions, I am not opening this thread for another debate session. We are doing what we have a right to do as residents and tax payers here, so it's really not up for debate. You are of course welcome to your opinion but it's unlikely you will get much of a response so it will be rather boring for you. This is just a notice and offer to help those affected by this.

Even if you are neutral yourself or agree with the ban, but know someone who is not, please have them email us. Even if you are not a dog lover, or owner, but are against this for your own reasons, or the way it was handled you are welcome too.

We have an email box setup for contact. We are also there to help those get in compliance and refer them to places to for low cost spay/ neuter and keep them in the loop for help.

Our main email box is baddoglaw@gmail.com
You may also email me directly I have my email available in my profile.
we also have a myspace page available http://www.myspace.com/baddoglaw

You will be seeing more of us, no worries...we are already out with the flyers and talking to our neighbors everywhere!



I wanted to thank everyone here for all your help, direction and advice! It's appreciated!


http://server.inalbum.com/show/jodiprei ... ?296033009

For those who are still confused about who we are , for the media as a whole, for the council. This is what we what you to see and to know.
Mis-information and fear are the largest contributor to this failure passing.
The above done by a close friend of ours...100's of miles away .....building a bridge closer everyday! Thanks Jodi!

Hope

[Gary Rice]

People interested in this topic might also be interested in my column "Skippy's Story-What Happened After The Lamp Post", coming out this week in the Lakewood Observer.

It is the right, but moreso, the responsibility of every American to speak up whenever a perceived injustice is perpetrated; particularly I would think, with animals; unable to speak up to defend their own interests.

To craft a law banning animals that people cannot even seem to define is, to this writer, beyond comprehension.

And the point already made is well taken. Where would this end?

To me, as a Political Science major, the answer seems all too clear...

It would end, as it always seems to with this type of thinking....with gas chambers.

Perhaps it would be well to reflect on the saying attributed to the German theologian Martin Niemoeller:

"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, and I did not speak up..."

I don't believe that anyone could ever object to laws supportive of responsible dog ownership, or that would penalize irresponsible animal management. That's one thing...What seems on the table now, however, is quite another...

I for one, do not fault City Council or the Administration for attempting to protect Lakewood residents from vicious animals. I just think that in this particular way, they happen to be barking up the wrong tree.

[Missy Limkemann]

Dang, I didnt get a letter. I am bummed. LOL.
I do carry Batman's paperwork with me. The DNA paperwork and the dog warden's note. (the warden's note says Lab/Bulldog mix...NOT A PIT BULL) Sad that I have to take a flippin briefcase type bag with me to take a walk with a dog, but what are ya gonna do?

[Ed Dickson]

[quote]I for one, do not fault City Council or the Administration for attempting to protect Lakewood residents from vicious animals. I just think that in this particular way, they happen to be barking up the wrong tree.


Gary,

Very well said. That's been my point all along.

Ed

[Missy Limkemann]

Oh I agree with that too. I commend the city for wanting to protect it's citizens. I applaud that they are concerned with safety issues. I agree that it is barking up the wrong tree.

[Hope Robbins]

I agree too very well said Gary!

I am all for a safer Lakewood all around!
I am for all dog owners, small/large, purebreed, mixed etc being
safe for this community! I am all for education and helping those who need it to "get there".....

Let's do that first.....

[Shawn Juris]

Gee Hope, thanks for the pity story about a dog and their owners who can't afford the requirements but this is just the reason that I'm concerned about this breed of dog and frankly several other large breeds. This mentality that owning a dog that you can't afford but will fight to keep even though the owner would not be able to pay tie victim if the dog bit someone speaks to the out of whack priorities that are being expressed in opposition to this ban. It is not a right to own a dog, there are obligations and responsibilities not only to the welfare of the animal but to protect your neighbors. If these folks can not afford to meet these requirements then they do not belong in a place where they could do harm to others.
According to your post there are a surprising number of dogs that are mixed pit bulls. This is the other part of the problem that owners either are unaware of what their dog is or willfully dishonest about it when and if they registered their dog with the county. I have no pity for those who hav been lying to themselves or others to keep under the radar and now are being challenged to verify what kind of dog they have.
Thanks for the update. Sounds like things are going well. By the way, how's the compliance coming along for all of these who are willing to fight the ban? Are they now in compliance or are they fighting it while in violation?

[Ed Dickson]

Shawn,

I think what Hope is saying is that it's impossible to tell what mix a dog is by looks alone.

As for compliance, with the calls I'm receiving about people needing to know how to use a muzzle correctly, people are working towards compliance. In some case simply because the warden has told them they must. I worked with several of the dogs in question and it saddens me to think they will have to walk the streets with a muzzle. Regardless of the fact the dog may have Staffordshire in it or not. One of the friendlisest dogs I have met and it's unfortunate that it will be put at a behavioral disadvantage while walking the streets with its owners. Sure hope they don't run across a dog aggressive Golden that will have free reign to do what it wants.

Ed

[Hope Robbins]

Shawn,
Apparently you didn't read my entire post.
I didn't open this thread for your "well known" opinion.
I am not entertaining the masses today with this debate.
I am offering information to help people. I asked permission to do so from Jim and he okay'd it.

I am not talking about the "normal" compliance, or the masses of older dog owning residents.

What you said is ridiculous...no one under normal circumstances expects to get a dog from the pound that is a lab/german shephard mix ....as a pet...then be told it's a Pit and then have to do ALL of those things...to have a dog? People who aren't as attentive as some of us didn't realize the added cost either, on top of what we already had to do! G

Geez..did you read it all? No one under NORMAL circumstances expects to be "forced" to micro-chip, spay/neuter/ pay upwards 80.00 to register them per year, and pay up to 700 up front for insurance for a year on top of everything else...to keep a dog that has NEVER done anything "vicious" in the community!

It has nothing to do with not being able to afford standard things,,,,,this is upfront and pretty hefty costs to some folks in our community who were just added recently who now have to choose between school supplies/clothes or saving their dog. It's really that simple.

You are not taking it where you want this time Shawn sorry.


This is the only time I am even diginfying your posts with a response, unless you have a "question" ...without an agenda to go on about your again, well known opinion.

I don't need an insurance quote or dissertation about it the costs and etc..so forth. I got it the first 5 times.

I am actually trying to help here by helping people get into compliance to ensure they not only keep their dog but help this community feel safer.
Do you have no appreciation for that at all?

What is the problem with that and why do you feel the need to threadcrap here when we are helping someone getting into compliance?

I am sure you have followed the letter of the law to a tee your entire life right? If so good for you. If not those in glass houses should not throw stones. No one is perfect here because we are humans. I prefer to help and build , not tear down.

Why do you insist on doing exactly what I expected? You think you would appreciate the work we are doing here. I asked nicely not to do which is crap up my thread. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you want to start a rant about it feel free the board is wide open.

And yes Ed...that was mosly my point.

[Missy Limkemann]

Ed, I think I am going to need you to help refresh me on harnesses. I swear I am going to strangle Batman one day. LOL.
I myself have been asked where to shop for the proper muzzle, leash and where to get a pen.etc etc. I have a pen but that is used indoors. So I know there are people out there that are doing what they have to do.
I hate the muzzle thing. Dogs sweat from their tongues and in this extreme heat, the muzzle can kill a dog. And to me, it makes a dog look scarier than they really are.
Oh yeah when the lab attacked me, no one came to my house to check on the dog, no one came out to see if he was dangerous or anything. Nothing. I got nothing on it. Except 2 damaged hands and scars, but no one came running here. I bet if it was a pit, it would have been killed on the spot.

[Missy Limkemann]

Again if you see this dog...he is NOT a pit bull...(but he is a baby and I will protect him just like my human kids)






Oh and one of Lucy for good measure (look at that block head...she is a pure bred lab!)

[Hope Robbins]

Folks I gotta love ya , and like you I feel the same passion but can we make sure that we don't lose the message in this particular thread or bog it down that folks miss the purpose.....

We are extending a helping hand to those struggling with the ordinance.
The issue of Pits is a mute point for now until we start the education phase .... The biggest issue is the "mix" dog issue and the fact people need guidence so they don't panic and just give up their dogs.

We are going to fight this. That is what I left the email address and my contact info for. While we "prepare" we want to extend help to the community to ensure they understand what they need to do, make sure they have contacts to get it done reasonably, while offering education for general questions!

[Shawn Juris]

Hope,
Good luck on your fight. I'm sure that you and your handful of supporters will do your best. Be sure to keep me posted on how many of the owners in violation are coming into compliance over the next 70 or so days. The clock is ticking.

[Ed Dickson]

Shawn,

Really. Is that necessary? I can't recall a time in any of this that people went childish on you. I'll stand up and say I had a few less than proud moments but none directed at you. These posts from you are just trying to flame. Be bigger than that.

You'll be surprised how much more than a handful it will be that oppose this.

Ed

[Lynn Farris]

Hope, Missy and Ed or anyone else,

It appears that there are 2 issues here.

1) Fighting the ordinance

2) Assisting people who have dogs in these economically difficult times to come into compliance.

I know when you purchase a cat from the Lakewood Animal shelter, it comes with a certificate for a discount for spaying or neutering. Do you know of any options for people who now have to microchip and spay and neuter their dogs that you could share? E.g., Vets or clinics who will perform these services at a discounted price? Insurance Companies who offer great deals?

Would it help to have a fund raiser(s) that the people that need the assistance could do? Like Habitat for Humanity for example, using the dog park example of a Dog Wash. Wash dogs and for every dog you wash you earn credits towards your dog's insurance. Selling Malley bars has always been popular.

I also saw what I thought was a Boxer today with a muzzle. It did make me sad as that is a great idea for a vicious dog, but it seemed so restrictive for the average dog. Do you have any recommendations on good humane types of muzzles? Are there any?