Tag Archives: Breed Identification

Toledo, OH: Another ‘vicious dog’ case in the courtroom

Posted on October 16, 2009 by | Comments Off on Toledo, OH: Another ‘vicious dog’ case in the courtroom

Yet another story focusing on breed identification and its hazards.  The story at the link has a 2-minute video, including shots of the hearing and a bit of interview with the defendant’s lawyer.

“There’s a history here of the Dog Warden’s office misclassifying dogs as Pit Bulls when they’re not Pit Bulls.  Oftentimes owners don’t have the wherewithal, or they’re scared to fight for their dogs.  They’re often threatened with the threat of criminal prosecution…” — Mr. Smith’s attorney

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7066998

Another ‘vicious dog’ case in the courtroom

Thursday, October 15, 2009

The eventual focus of this case – just what is a Pit Bull?

Toledo’s Pit Bull or Vicious Dog Law has been the focus of numerous court cases, and another one is now moving through the system. The eventual focus of this case is just what is a Pit Bull?

Three dogs are being held at the warden’s office. The owner claims they’re Cane Corsos, not Pit Bulls. The dog warden disagrees. Today’s hearing was to decide if the dogs have to stay here while the case moves through the court system.

Visit the link for the full story:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=7066998

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Posted in Breed Identification, Court Cases, Ohio, Results of BSL

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Denver, CO: What happens when animal control can’t identify a “pit bull”?

Posted on October 16, 2009 by | 3 comments

Westword is on a roll. Follow the link below to read an excellent article about the recent Denver hearing involving the misidentification of a supposed “pit bull type” dog.

In Denver, Animal Control decides which dogs are pit bulls. But what happens if they’re wrong?

http://www.westword.com/2009-10-15/news/a-hearing-officer-in-a-pit-bull-case-puts-denver-animal-caring-and-control-on-a-short-leash/1

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Posted in Breed Identification, Colorado, Court Cases

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Kitchener, ON, Canada: Dog owner pleads case to save pet’s life

Posted on October 15, 2009 by | 3 comments

Dog owner pleads case to save pet’s life

October 14, 2009

By Terry Pender, Record staff

KITCHENER — […] Carroll told the committee the lab traits in Charlie are stronger than the Pit Bull traits. Carroll also said Charlie appeared to be friendly.

But mainly because of the size of the dog’s head Carroll designated Charlie a Pit Bull-like animal that was banned and would have to be destroyed.

[…] “Based on the evidence the committee is rescinding the designation which means you are free to license your dog, no restrictions. Thanks you every one,” Lawrence said.[…]

The whole process has left Simpson shaking his head.

“Because they didn’t like the size of his head they wanted to kill him,” Simpson said.[…]

Full article retrieved 10/15/09 from http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/613149

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Posted in Breed Identification, Canada, Results of BSL

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Breed Identification: New articles and an interactive quiz

Posted on October 1, 2009 by | Comments Off on Breed Identification: New articles and an interactive quiz

By definition, breed-specific legislation requires dogs’ breeds or mixes to be identified. Breed-specific laws are usually written to affect a dog based on that dog’s appearance.

But DNA testing that identifies a dog’s breed or breeds (a science still in its infancy) has shown that visual assessment of a dog’s breed or mix is often incorrect.

The result, of course, is that many dogs that do not possess any of the regulated breeds’ DNA may nevertheless be swept up in BSL simply because they are unlucky enough to have inherited a basic appearance that is considered typical of a regulated breed.

Here are some recent articles about this dilemma, plus an interesting interactive quiz.

The greatest dog breeds you only think you know
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/09/01/petscol090109.DTL

Canine Quiz: Can you match the dog to its ancestry? (interactive quiz)
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2008-06-24-dog-dna-quiz_N.htm

Beagle or Bichon: Can dog drool provide insight?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204518504574416810535466706.html

Think you know a dog’s DNA? Think again
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/pawprintpost/post/2009/09/dog-dna/1

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Salina, KS: Dog’s DNA saves its life

Posted on September 2, 2009 by | 1 comment

The video (at the link below) has a little more detail. Note that DNA evidence is not admissable in all jurisdictions that have BSL.

Dog’s DNA saves its life

Last Update: 9/01/2009 6:21 pm

SALINA, Kansas – What happens when you have a dog but nobody seems to know its breed and that dog resembles a pit bull in a city where pit bulls are illegal? […] “It is just our procedure, if it’s a pit bull or looks just like a pit bull, if noone’s claimed it, then they are euthanized,” said Rose Base, Salina Animal Shelter coordinator.

[…] “Everyone was wrong including me,” Cartwright said. “She wasn’t just lab and pit bull. She wasn’t even a Lab. She was like a Heinz 57.”

[…] “I wonder how many dogs passed away because the owners did not know about DNA,” Cartwright said.[…]

Full article retrieved 9/2/09 from http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Dogs-DNA-saves-its-life/cwLXohaiok6FK4UW9STZFQ.cspx

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Posted in Breed Identification, Kansas, Results of BSL

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