Tag Archives: chow

West Virginia HB 4432 would prohibit breed discrimination by property insurance co

Posted on February 9, 2012 by | Comments Off on West Virginia HB 4432 would prohibit breed discrimination by property insurance co

Update 5/28/12: The legislative session is over and this bill is dead.

Filed this week in West Virginia, HB 4432 is a very simple bill that would prohibit declination or termination of property insurance based solely upon a home owner’s possession of a certain breed of dog. The bill does not prohibit insurers from denying coverage for any dog that has actually bitten.

Some people have had difficulty finding a place to live with their pet dog, even if it’s well-trained and well-behaved, because it looks like a breed that the property insurance company prohibits. HB 4432 would make it possible for people to get property insurance no matter what their dog looks like. However, bills like HB 4432 can be a hard sell; insurance companies have a lot of money and influence, and they don’t like being told to stop discriminating.

With things going well for BSL repeals in Ohio, Florida, and elsewhere, we feel that with enough public support, WV HB 4432 has potential to succeed.

HB 4432 has been moved to the House Banking and Insurance committee. It is not on the agenda yet. Please write the following committee members and ask them to support HB 4432.
clif.moore@wvhouse.gov; d.perry@wvhouse.gov; delegatedoug@yahoo.com; daniel.hall@wvhouse.gov; tom.azinger@wvhouse.gov; bob.ashley@wvhouse.gov; jonathan@delegatejmiller.com; ron.walters@wvhouse.gov; sam.cann@wvhouse.gov; ryan.ferns@wvhouse.gov; ron.fragale@wvhouse.gov; john.frazier@wvhouse.gov; bill.hartman@wvhouse.gov; mhunt@markahunt.com; richard.iaquinta@wvhouse.gov; virginia.mahan@wvhouse.gov; tmanchin@manchininjurylaw.com; harold@hardynet.com; delegatejim@aol.com; stan.shaver@wvhouse.gov; david.walker@wvhouse.gov; mitch.carmichael@wvhouse.gov; nelson@wvhouse.gov; john.oneal@wvhouse.gov; brian.savilla@wvhouse.gov

Read the text of WV HB 4432: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4432%20intr.htm&yr=2012&sesstype=RS&i=4432

All alerts for HB 4432: http://stopbsl.com/?s=WV+HB+4432

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Posted in Insurance, Non-BSL Proposed, West Virginia

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Bermuda: Govt revises prohibited breeds list, creates new “restricted breeds” list

Posted on December 30, 2011 by | 1 comment

Bermuda has moved some previously prohibited breeds into a new restricted-breed category. (We last told you about this plan in September 2010, but the official breed list is now finalized.)

Prohibited breeds may not be imported or bred. All of the below breeds were also prohibited under the previous prohibited-breed list.

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Bulldog
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Argentine Mastiff / Dogo Argentino
  • Boerboel
  • Brazilian Mastiff / Fila
  • Cane Corso
  • Presa Canario
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Tosa Inu
  • Wolf / Wolf hybrid
  • Any crossbreed of above

Restricted breeds can be imported or bred, but there are restrictions on ownership, such as special enclosures, property inspections, etc. Some of the below breeds were previously on the prohibited breed list, and some of the below breeds were not previously restricted or prohibited. I have noted the changes. Restricted breeds are as follows:

  • Akita (previously prohibited)
  • Australian Cattle Dog (previously unrestricted)
  • Belgian Malinois (previously unrestricted)
  • Bouvier Des Flandres (previously unrestricted)
  • Bull Terrier (previously prohibited)
  • Bullmastiff (previously prohibited)
  • Chow Chow (previously unrestricted)
  • Doberman Pinscher (previously unrestricted)
  • Dogue De Bordeaux (previously prohibited)
  • German Shepherd (previously unrestricted)
  • English Mastiff (previously prohibited)
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (previously unrestricted)
  • Rottweiler (previously prohibited)
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier (previously unrestricted)
  • Any crossbreed of above

News articles with details regarding the new breed lists:
http://bernews.com/2011/12/minister-bean-on-dog-importations/
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20111229/NEWS01/712299932

All alerts for Bermuda: http://stopbsl.com/?s=bermuda

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Posted in Additional Breeds, BSL Passed, Outside of U.S.

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Cumberland County, NC: Animal control wants to stop adopting out certain breeds

Posted on November 30, 2011 by | 14 comments

The Cumberland County, NC, Animal Control Board is considering a plan to kill stray “pit bulls,” Rottweilers, Chows, and Presa Canarios, and mixes of these, rather than find these dogs loving new homes. The bizarre logic behind this move seems to be: “No one responsible adopts these breeds anyway, so why even bother to try?”

Cumberland County Animal Control wants to limit adoptions of certain dog breeds

By Nancy McCleary
Staff writer
Published: 03:06 PM, Wed Nov 30, 2011

[…] The board is suggesting that county residents be banned from adopting Rottweilers, American Staffordshire terriers, pit bulls, chow-chows, Presa Canarios or any mix of those breeds, Lauby said.

[…] Since April, Animal Control has taken in nearly 1,300 pit bulls but only 124 have been adopted, Lauby said. The remainder either go to a breed-specific rescue or are euthanized, he said.

It’s the same problem for other “bully breed” dogs, he said.

The shelter has taken in 180 Rottweilers since April and only 26 have been adopted. Fifteen of the 96 chow-chows received at the shelter have been adopted, Lauby said.

Local rescue groups are at their capacity in finding homes, Lauby said, so most of the dogs have been put down. […]

Full article retrieved 11/30/11 from http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2011/11/30/1140687?sac=Local

This proposal is in very early stages, and the public has an opportunity to provide genuinely humane, sensible solutions to the county’s animal control problems. The Animal Control Board will meet again on December 5 at 6:00 PM to discuss the issue, at the Animal Services Department, 4704 Corporation Drive, Fayetteville, NC.

Please be respectful and helpful in your correspondence with officials.

Cumberland County Animal Services Department, Dr. John Lauby, Director, Phone: (910) 321-6851, jlauby@co.cumberland.nc.us

If the Animal Control Board approves this proposal, it moves to the Policy Committee, and then to the full Board of Commissioners. We will post that contact information if and when the proposal moves ahead. For the moment, please try to work with the Animal Control Board to find reasonable solutions that don’t involve killing dogs just because they look a certain way.

 

14 Comments

Posted in North Carolina, Whispers of BSL

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Jasper, AL: Council to discuss proposed breed ban, June 7

Posted on June 3, 2011 by | Comments Off on Jasper, AL: Council to discuss proposed breed ban, June 7

Mayor Sonny Posey of Jasper, AL, proposed a breed ban that would include “pit bulls,” Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows, mixes of these, and any mutt that “looks like” one of these.

Recent news coverage indicates that the mayor may now be leaning away from a breed ban. However, the city agenda still shows the Mayor’s ordinance up for adoption on June 7. It is unclear at this time whether the council will vote on the breed ban, change it to breed-specific restrictions, or pursue a breed-neutral course of action.

Please send polite, respectful, educational correspondence to city council members to encourage them to pursue a breed-neutral dog ordinance. Next city council meeting: June 7, 10 AM, Jasper City Hall Council Chambers, 400 West 19th Street, Jasper, AL.

Contact info for city council members:
City of Jasper, Alabama, P. O. Box 1589, Jasper, Alabama 35502-1589
City Hall/Mayor Phone 205-221-2100
Mayor, sposey@jaspercity.com
City Hall, cityhall@jaspercity.com

Vicious Dog Ordinance

Reported by: Melissa Crabtree Email: mcrabtree@cbs42.com
Print Story Published: 6/02 6:10 pm

JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) – […] However, the council has decided to drop a full-on ban of infamous breeds like pit bulls. […] The council says it definitely wants to improve on the current vicious dog ordinance which requires someone to get bitten or injured *before* action can be taken.

Full article retrieved 6/3/11 from http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Vicious-Dog-Ordinance/mGx1KtY1TEOgV3czh5KiFA.cspx

All alerts for Jasper, AL: http://stopbsl.com/?s=jasper

 

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Jasper, AL: Council hears first reading of breed ban

Posted on May 23, 2011 by | 6 comments

Mayor Sonny Posey of Jasper, AL, has proposed a breed ban that would include “pit bulls,” Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows, mixes of these, and any mutt that “looks like” one of these.

The council may take the first vote on the ordinance during the next council meeting on June 7. Please send polite, respectful, educational correspondence to city council members to encourage them to pursue a breed-neutral dog ordinance. Next city council meeting: June 7, 10 AM(?), Jasper City Hall Council Chambers, 400 West 19 th Street, Jasper, AL.

Contact info for city council members:
City of Jasper, Alabama, P. O. Box 1589, Jasper, Alabama 35502-1589
City Hall/Mayor Phone 205-221-2100
Mayor, sposey@jaspercity.com (Mayor Posey requested the ban)
City Hall, cityhall@jaspercity.com

Council examines ordinance to collar city’s pet problem being examined

by David Lazenby, 5/22/11

[…] Currently, [city attorney Russ] Robertson said there is little restrictions on dogs in Jasper “until one is declared vicious.”

“In order to be declared, it must have bitten, or without provocation bite or fiercely attack a person or other animal. Once a dog is declared vicious, we have pretty good procedures,” Robertson said.

Robertson added that until a dog is declared vicious, the city’s leash law is the only control the city maintains in regard to dogs.

Along with a proposed ban on the purebred dogs is a prohibition on “any mixed breed of dog, which contains as an element of its breeding” the breeds of dogs that may be banned in Jasper.

However, Robertson said mixed breed dogs would only be outlawed if they “look enough like” the breeds that may be banned.[…]

Full article retrieved 5/23/11 from http://www.mountaineagle.com/view/full_story/13364323/article-Council-examines-ordinance-to-collar-city%E2%80%99s-pet-problem-being-examined?instance=latest_articles

6 Comments

Posted in Alabama, BSL Proposed

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Saginaw, MI: BSL proposed (multiple breeds)

Posted on January 16, 2011 by | 7 comments

A Saginaw committee has presented a dangerous dog law that could restrict ownership of the following breeds (and mixes of these): “pit bull,” Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, Great Dane, St. Bernard, and Presa Canario.

The restrictions would include special registration of a dangerous dog breed, special signage, and muzzles in public. Code enforcement would enforce the ordinance through increasing fines for infractions. It is not clear how dog breeds would be determined or whether there is any means of appeal.

The proposal will be considered at the council meeting on February 21 at 6:30 PM. The public is encouraged to speak about the proposal at council meetings, as there will be no special hearing.

Want to speak at the next meeting? Fill out and return this form by 1 PM on the day of the meeting: http://www.saginaw-mi.com/Government/Departments/CityClerk/Forms/Personal%20Appearance%20Request%20Form%20(City%20Council)%20-%20S.pdf

City of Saginaw City Hall, 1315 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601
Phone: (989) 759-1400
Fax: (989) 759-1607

Mayor Greg Branch, anngreg@chartermi.net
Amos O’Neal, amossam@charter.net
Dennis Browning, dbrowning125@charter.net
Dan Fitzpatrick, dlfitz@ameritech.net or danfitzpatrickonline@gmail.com
Larry Coulouris, lcoulouris@yahoo.com
Amanda Kitterman-Miller, akitterman@spsd.net
Dr. William “Bill” Scharffe, drbills@charter.net
Paul Virciglio, Ptvirciglio90@charter.net
Andrew Wendt, wendtmsu93@yahoo.com

As the council seems determined to do something about their dog problems, please provide reasonable alternatives for consideration by the council.

Saginaw crafts ‘dangerous dogs’ ordinance including pit bulls; measure could fine owners, oust pets from animal-heavy homes

Published: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 4:06 AM

By Justin L. Engel | The Saginaw News

SAGINAW — Dog owners may be restricted to no more than three pet pooches, buy licenses for them and face fines if they don’t register dogs that are on Saginaw’s list of the most dangerous canines.

The Saginaw City Council in the coming weeks likely will vote on the “dangerous dogs” ordinance that’s been in the works since August. Council members could review the new rules Feb. 21 meeting and enact them by April 1.[…]

A Saginaw committee organized by Mayor Greg Branch continues to debate which breeds to list.[…]

When the council introduces the ordinance, bylaws rule the council must wait at least two weeks before voting.

While there will be no public hearings, Herman said citizens can sign up to speak in front of the council to voice concerns or show support.[…]

Full article retrieved 1/16/11 from http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/01/saginaw_to_consider_dangerous.html

All alerts for Saginaw: http://stopbsl.com/?s=saginaw

7 Comments

Posted in BSL Proposed, Michigan

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Pointe Coupee Parish, LA: Ban on 10 breeds under consideration

Posted on November 3, 2010 by | 1 comment

Edit 11/4/10: Many people have pointed out a number of problems with the proposal as written, including unclear language and possible loopholes. Please keep in mind, this is a draft proposal and still needs significant revision. Locals should attend the police jury meetings and discuss the problems they see. Even if the item is not on the agenda, locals may speak on any topic during the public comment portion of the meeting. 

Pointe Coupee Parish police jury is considering a ban on 10 breeds of dogs, including American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, and Akita–and any mixed-breed dog that resembles one of these. Existing dogs of these breeds would be grandfathered in, but owners of these dogs would be subject to heavy ownership restrictions.

This proposal was presented to Pointe Coupee Parish police jury on 10/26/10, and it is currently being reviewed by the parish attorney. The Pointe Coupee Parish police jury still needs to officially propose, read, and hold a hearing on this proposal. (Schedule unknown at this time.)

The next Pointe Coupee Parish police jury meeting is on November 9 at 5:00 p.m. in the Police Jury Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex Building,160 East Main Street (located across the street from the courthouse), New Roads, Louisiana.

View the current proposal here (PDF): https://stopbsl.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/pointe_coupee_parish_proposal_11-3-101.pdf

All alerts for Pointe Coupee Parish: http://stopbsl.com/?s=pointe+coupee

Animal control revamp eyed

 By KORAN ADDO, Advocate Westside bureau
Published: Oct 25, 2010

NEW ROADS — […] On Tuesday, police jurors are expected to begin debating whether to assign fees to owners of potentially dangerous dogs, levy fines to owners of loose dogs and make other provisions based on recommendations from the parish’s Animal Control Committee.[…]

The recommendations the committee is planning to present on Tuesday address a broad range of issues, including leash laws, vaccinations, pet registration and how dogs are restrained in public and in vehicles, Meche said.[…]

Full article retrieved 11/3/10 from http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/105652488.html?showAll=y&c=y

Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury
P.O. Box 290, New Roads, Louisiana 70760
(225) 638-9556 – Fax (225) 638-5555
jbello@pcpolicejury.org (Parish Administrator–can distribute your comments to the police jury upon request)

District 1: Mr. Allen Monk
P.O. Box 285, Batchelor, LA 70715
(225) 492-3704

District 2: Mr. John Pourciau
3768 La. Hwy. 419W, Batchelor, LA 70715
(225) 492-2701

District 3: Mr. Russell Young
9005 Mandela Drive, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-3941

District 4: Mr. Glenn Ray Cline
14110 Chenal Road, Jarreau, LA 70749
(225) 627-9511

District 5: Mr. Willie Olinde
P.O. Box 256, Ventress, LA 70783
(225) 638-8726

District 6: Mrs. Melanie Bueche
11850 Hwy 416, Lakeland, LA 70752
(225) 627-4055

District 7: Mr. Albert Dukes
8979 Rodney Drive, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-3383

District 8: Mr. Cornell Dukes
309 Railroad Street, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-8778

District 9: Mrs. Janet Vosburg
9431 False River Road, New Roads, LA 70760
(225) 638-8328

District 10: Mr. Kurt Jarreau
P. O. Box 383, Livonia, LA 70755
(225) 637-2540

District 11: Mr. Joseph Bergeron, Sr.
P. O. Box 90, Fordoche, LA 70732
(225) 637-3486

District 12: Mr. Clifford Nelson
P. O. Box 336, Ventress, LA 70783
(225) 638-3589

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Posted in BSL Proposed, Louisiana

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