The city of Medford Oregon is discussing the possibility of a breed discriminatory ordinance.
Councilor Karen Blair said recent attacks by dangerous dogs against other dogs prompted her to ask the city for more information about the issue.
In a news report Blair was quoted as saying, “There are few people that can handle a dog that strong, particularly when its jaws naturally lock.” It is clear that there are some serious misconceptions regarding the anatomy of dogs, that has hopefully been cleared up by some of the correspondence the city council has already received.
The council was reportedly looking into how other municipalities handle dangerous dogs. The statement was made that presence of breed based bans and restrictions in other areas prompted them to look into the issue for themselves. While this maybe true, the prejudicial and misinformed statements made point to an internal factor in the investigation of this issue.
Another Oregon town recently discussed breed discrimination. After looking at the information, Baker City Oregon roundly rejected the idea and the organizations that support these types of laws, as flawed, biased and ineffective. The result was a fantastic, comprehensive breed neutral law that will serve the entire community.
After a look at municipal bite data, the police department stated that there have been 89 reported dog bites in 3 years. These numbers were concerning to officials, and they began discussing what can be done to reduce bite rates in the city. The city of Medford has a population that was estimated to be over 76,000 residents in 2012.
When the idea was originally brought forward, feedback from the officials was mixed. The Mayor specifically stated that a ban wasn’t on the table. Several other council members offered similar opposition to a ban, but feedback specific to restrictions was not given.
There was a study session held initially. According to news reports, the sessions discussed the idea of breed discriminatory legislation in general. Correspondence from the council has proven this to be true, but the council also heard presentations on why breed discriminatory laws are problematic.
Residents have been collecting signatures on petitions and the council has reportedly received a lot of correspondence regarding the issue.
There is not a lot of feedback regarding which direction the council may take.
Medford Oregon residents:
The city has issued a press release. A meeting has been scheduled for February 19th beginning at 4:30pm, 411 W. 8th Street, Medford, Oregon, on the 3rd floor of City Hall. This meeting is being held to hear public input on the potential changes to the current dangerous dog laws.
Residents should attend this meeting to politely and factually oppose breed discriminatory laws. Those who speak can also present written information to the council for consideration at that time.
Those who cannot attend can direct their written opposition to the council directly at the following e-mail addresses.
Gary Wheeler – Mayor mayor@ci.medford.or.us
Karen Blair – Councilmember Ward 2: council@ci.medford.or.us
Daniel Bunn – Councilmember Ward 4: council@ci.medford.or.us
Chris Corcoran – Councilmember Ward 3: council@ci.medford.or.us
Dick Gordon – Councilmember Ward 1: dick.gordon@cityofmedford.org
Tim Jackle – Councilmember Ward 1: council@ci.medford.or.us
Eli Matthews – Councilmember Ward 2: council@ci.medford.or.us
John Michaels – Councilmember Ward 3: council@ci.medford.or.us
Bob Strosser – Councilmember Ward 4: council@ci.medford.or.us
Fred M. Kray
krisdiaz9
Stop BSL 
Thanks Kris for this update. I hope everyone who gets it will take a moment to write a calm, rational, fact based message to the members of the city council asking them to please do their research on ‘both’ sides of the pit bull issue before making a decision. I will do my best to get down to Medford for the public meeting scheduled for next week on the 19th when I will hopefully have an opportunity to provide some input that will help them avoid breed specific language in their ordinance.
I see you mentioned Baker City Oregon. I just today received the final ordinance you mentioned from one of my contacts on the Baker City council and would be more than happy to share it with you. I’ll send you a FB message.
I think you and Fred will both agree it’s a comprehensive, fair and viable ordinance that puts public safety first and foremost while targeting irresponsible or poor dog owners rather than the dog and it’s breed. I’d like to think that many can utilize it in working in their community to help avoid breed bans and restrictions.
Thanks for all you do!