Comments on: Uhrichsville, OH: Pit bull ban to be considered, Dec. 30 http://stopbsl.org/2009/12/23/uhrichsville-oh-pit-bull-ban-to-be-considered-dec-30/ Your Community. Safe. Smart. Humane. Tue, 22 May 2012 01:01:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: stopbslcom http://stopbsl.org/2009/12/23/uhrichsville-oh-pit-bull-ban-to-be-considered-dec-30/#comment-2615 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:04:14 +0000 http://stopbsl.com/?p=2632#comment-2615 As you are already aware, tonight (Wednesday, December 30, 2009) was the Uhrichsville, Ohio city council meeting. Although we were told that the proposed ban would have its first reading tonight, there was no reading but the proposed ban was discussed. Approximately 15 people attended the council meeting, two of whom are residents of Uhrichsville and only one of whom, at least at first, supported the ban. I say “at first” because after listening to everyone speak, the woman indicated that she merely wants the leash laws enforced and does not desire anyone’s pets to be taken from them. I am thrilled to report that of the 15 in attendance, one individual was the Director of the Tuscarawas County Humane Society and another was with the Ohio Appalachian Animal Rescue in Scio. Both women spoke eloquently against the ban. I am specifically naming these organizations since we generally do not see Ohio shelters speaking out against breed specific legislation, and we’re grateful these two organizations took the time to speak for those that have no voice! .

After the meeting, the Mayor stepped outside council chambers to speak with everyone. We provided the mayor with a package of information regarding breed specific legislation and pit bulls. He was very friendly and indicated that after hearing all the information, his mind has changed (and he opposes a ban). After the Mayor left, approximately 6 of us stayed to chat, which ended up being beneficial because three council members had to pass us on their way out. They stopped to talk and we had a long conversation about breed specific laws, pit bulls and the problems in the City.

We learned that a young boy was recently bitten by his grandfather’s pit bulls. The boy and his grandmother attended the last council meeting. As expected, Council was very affected by the sight of the young boy’s wounds. We also learned that the grandfather is a known drug dealer, who is now on house arrest (although he traveled out of state this past week), and was recently court ordered to “get rid of” his dogs, which he has not done. Obviously, the city is having problems enforcing more than just the leash laws.

Everyone who stayed contributed to the conversation, raised thought provoking points and answered the questions of the three councilmen. We had a nice exchange.

One councilman indicated that the matter will be referred to committee and requested our contact information for future inquiries.

Thank you to everyone who wrote and called city council (and the Twin Cities Chambers of Commerce). At least one councilman was carrying copies of all the letters he received regarding the proposed ban. In addition, all three councilmen who stayed to speak with us kept mentioning the number of calls they received from people all over the world.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write and call each city official.

You made a difference and you made them listen!!!

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS NOT OVER YET!!! Although we now have council’s ears, we still have work to do to ensure a ban is not passed.

I will keep you informed when the committee has been assigned and when calls and letters need to be sent. I will update the website as new information is received.

(PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST WITHOUT MODIFICATION, ADDITION AND/OR DELETION OF THE MESSAGE)

Best Regards,

Shana

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Shana F. Klein, President
Canine Advocates of Ohio
P.O. Box 19081
Cleveland, Ohio 44119
http://www.canineadvocatesofohio.org

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