Destroy the reputation, not the dog

An older article I found

2005-11-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

3/1997 - Article: "Save The Pit Bull" by Frank Lewis

"In February, three men and three teens were charged with multiple counts of cruelty to animals after police discovered 13 malnourished dogs — mostly pit bulls, with a few rottweilers and a German shepherd — in an abandoned North Philadelphia home."

"Pit bulls are a very misunderstood breed," says club president Jackie Wakefield, a veterinary technologist who owns seven American pit bull terriers (the best known of the breeds in the "pit bull" category). They are "incredibly intelligent" and affectionate dogs, she says, who actually make lousy watchdogs because they like people so much."

"But thanks to widespread and often hysterical coverage of pit bull attacks, and breed-specific laws enacted around the country (including, recently, in Pennsylvania), "the wrong element took an interest in the breed," Wakefield says."

"But with what some of these dogs have been through," she says, "death isn't the worst thing that can happen to them."

It's so sad the article is so old and in all my searches I haven't found many other stories where people really understand how abused these animals usually are. Honestly I think I found one other. But alas I will keep looking.

Hopefully I will get to post at nights here. Catch up reading some other blogs here in the near future as well. Tonight, I added some new links and wanted to put this article up.

<3 Kitty

Happy Halloween from one Catbull to all the others

2005-10-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

Between Vegas, house hunting and more then anything work, haven't had the chance to update this as much as normal. But as our little family handed out candy tonight, we had to take a snap shot and I had to share. Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and all the pups got a special treat as well. This is one of our Catbull's jerseys. Her grandma got them from Taiwan.

<3 Kitty

What did I do?

2005-10-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

I need to share more pics of her. So here is a baby photo. She was so little she fit in the square!

<3 Kitty

BSL in CA and another site I had to share

2005-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

I found this great site with information on it.

Which also led me this site which was quite....well too much for words for me.... Look at the pictures (click enter) or watch the video (bottom of the page). Too touching to even say anything about it.

<3 Kitty

"Top 10 reasons pit bulls are scary"

2005-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Beware!!! What Pit bulls are really like!

10. They will steal your spot on the couch while you are up getting a soda.

9. They will take the treat you give them and bury in the back yard like a paranoid crack head hiding their stash.

8. They will jump on your bed with muddy feet. Making you do the laundry...again!

7. They will lick visitors with an uncontrolled passion only they understand.

6. They will cause children to smile.

5. They will make you feel horrible for not walking them by looking at you with deep sad eyes.

4. They will look at you like you committed a crime against them if you don't let them lick your ice cream bowl.

3. They will cause wide spread happiness in large group settings.

2. They will crack you up by shaking their butts so hard you think they are going to snap in half.

And the number one reason why you can't trust vicious Pit Bulls...

1. They will steal your heart like a thief in the night, showing you complete and pure love that only a Pit Bull can show."

Got tired of all the serious posts. Found this one and thought it was cute. I love that pic as well, not our girl, but just liked it. Speaking of our girl, she is totally guilty of: 10, 8, 7, 5, 3, 2 and of course 1. :)

<3 Kitty

The Dog Whisperer = A Pit Bull's Friend

2005-10-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

I think I made a post about Cesar Millan before but just wanted to add this today. He was on The Oprah Winfrey Show and they recorded some clips. There was two short videos you can watch: Clip I (about her dog howling) & Clip II (about her dog being aggressive). I tried to link them but their site didn't like that. So if you go to the link above for The Oprah Winfrey show and scroll down you will see the list of clips you can watch, they are the first two. I loved clip II due to him bringing out the pit bulls to work with her dog. Watch for her reaction to them and his response. I am super impressed by this guy.

<3 Kitty

No one told me they didn't work!

2005-10-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Fixing some of links off to the right currently.

Some of them moved or really I just didn't do the code right. >.<

<3 Kitty

Sign your name...

2005-10-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Reverse pit bull ban in Denver, Colorado

"An unjust ban on pit bulls in Denver, Colo. is forcing hundreds of loving guardians to move out of the city or give up their beloved companion animals. Enacted in April, the ban gave guardians only 30 days to remove their dogs from the city or face prosecution. The May 9 deadline has already passed, and many pit bulls relinquished by their guardians to Denver Animal Control have already been put to death. We urge you urge you to reverse the ban on pit bulls in Denver immediately."

I did.

<3 Kitty

More chatter and more shirts >.<

2005-10-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Just some good chat with people's personal experiences. It is always nice to know you are not alone.

And the pic in this post is of a t-shirt you can get. Found here: here. Found off that chat topic above. Just thought it was funny. I linked her Mass Madness stuff on the left.

<3 Kitty

"My god, they make Pit Bulls sound like Plutonium"

2005-10-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Found an open letter (kind of article) written by B.J. Candella. “Denver Pit Bull Ban is Ridiculous” I thought it was pretty cool to come across. Just wanted to share.

"Pit Bulls are no stranger to bad publicity, but their situation in Denver has reached ridiculous levels of hysteria."

"My god, they make Pit Bulls sound like Plutonium."

"Ahh, their reputation. Stone cold killers they would have you believe. Probably the same people that had us spend money preparing for the Y2K computer crash or fearing an invasion of Killer Bees. If I had a little girl, would I let her run up to a Pit Bull and pet him? Of course not. But I also wouldn't let her run up to a big German Shepherd, a Doberman, a Rottweiler, or an empty well. All of which are legal."

"The ban is an emotional response to a publicized situation. It's a good thing we haven't banned men wearing goatees following the Scott and Laci Peterson tragedy."

"This country is based on individuality and not assuming a person of a particular race or religion will act a certain way. I also saw on the news a disproportionate amount of crime in Denver is perpetrated by teenagers. Should we round them up in Denver as well?

Here is a list of things that might be in your neighborhood right now.

A registered sex offender
Firearms
A meth lab
Paula Abdul

But rest easy. The dogs are gone."

<3 Kitty

"People shouldn't be ruled by their fears"

2005-10-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

9/1/2005 - Article: "Pit bulls banned from Denver area adopted at local shelter" by Mike Morris

"The presence of pit bulls is growing in areas outside of Denver, where an ordinance banning the breed was reinstated in April. Since May, more than 380 dogs have been impounded and 260 killed because of the ban."

"Mark Cowan, a veterinarian at Buffalo Mountain Animal Hospital in Silverthorne, said he understands differing opinions on the animal, which some label as bred to be vicious.

"I hate to see a specific breed being singled out, because I don't see pit bulls being more aggressive than other breeds, provided they're not trained to be fighting dogs," Cowan said. "But they're designed to latch on and not let go - that's where the danger comes in."

"Commerce City, Thornton, Aurora and Greeley are all considering banning the breed. Though 37 different breeds have killed humans, a 36-year study covering 431 fatal dog attacks found that 21 percent of the attacks were by pit bulls."

"Traci Bratton has seen no such violent tendencies in Irie, her 2-year-old pit bull. Bratton adopted the dog from the local shelter soon after she began volunteering there. Bratton also houses foster kittens, and said Irie is great with the cats.

"I didn't know anything about pit bulls besides what you hear in the media until I started volunteering," she said, "but they quickly became my favorite breed. People shouldn't be ruled by their fears; a lot of times all you're hearing is the negative."

<3 Kitty

This whole time I never knew

2005-09-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

This whole time I never knew Castle Rock, Colorado also had a breed specific ban as well. Found this site listing:

Castle Rock, CO
Commerce City, CO
Denver, CO
Ft. Lupton, CO
Louisville, CO

as breed specific communities.

And then double checked and found it referenced in another website. I can’t believe all this time I never knew that Castle Rock already had this going. I think due to this being passed so long ago I never caught it. Amazing though that without me knowing and possibly traveling thought there with our catbull, something bad could have happened. And I actually thought about moving there at one time. Horrible. And why is Colorado has the most areas listed for BSL communities?

<3 Kitty

An Apology to Breed Ban Enthusiasts

2005-09-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

"I'm sorry you are frightened of my dogs and are trying to have them killed because they are pitbulls.

I'm sorry you lack the understanding of this breed's true history, gentleness with people, wonderful temperament, intelligence and behavioural conformation. I'm sorry you won't read the ATTS stats regarding our breed's true temperament, putting it in the top four for temperament, scoring better than breeds like Golden Retrievers, and cocker spaniels.

I'm sorry that you side with and protect animal abusers by marking the breed of dog, and not the irresponsibility of the owner. I'm sorry that by your logic I could steal a car, run some people over with it and then you can blame the make of car for the accident, as I walk free.

I'm sorry you generalize one breed of dog with one group of people.I'm sorry you can't see the love and determination that many often highly educated, non-criminal and "normal" types of people show towards this breed and the great personal sacrifices that they make to take care of their dog responsibly.

I'm sorry you cannot go into the shelters and see the hundreds of abandoned and abused pitbulls, dying only for the inane "crime" of being born the breed they are. I'm sorry you cannot see the look of disappointment in their eyes as someone walks by their kennel, and refuses to consider adopting them based on an ill educated fear mongering reporter. I'm sorry that you cannot be there when the animal looks at a human for the last time, and in spite of betrayed by all humans they have met, their tail still wags as someone approaches with the syringe of Euthinol.

I'm sorry cannot be there when law enforcement shoots one of your dogs dead inside it's own home in front of the children it mutually loves for simply getting off the dog bed and walking over to say hello with it's tail wagging. I'm sorry you cannot be there to rescue pitbull puppies from a plastic bag in a dumpster, dumped there by someone switching their illegal and inhumane activities to another, more lucrative breed.

I'm sorry you cannot understand the difference between canine and human aggression, in the way that this breed can. Yes, I'm saying my pitbull is smarter then you.

I'm sorry that the medieval witch-hunting genetics of intolerance, generalization, and racism make you feel the need to vilify a breed of dog. I'm sorry that justice, equality, tolerance, common sense are all things you hold dear as a fellow Canadian, and expect from others, but do not yourself offer them towards a pitbull or its caregiver. I'm sorry that you don't take the constructive time to petition changes in the Canadian animal cruelty act, and in the criminal code that would deal out serious punishment to the real animal abusers.

I'm sorry you cannot see the disappointed look on a puppy's face when the people petting it quickly frown, and walk away when you tell them it is a pitbull. I'm sorry you feel the need to terrorize my family and my dogs for crimes we never have and never will commit. I'm sorry you don't have to live in fear of your dog's safety from hysterical and mentally unstable people trying to inflict all manner of evil upon your dogs.

I'm sorry that you cannot see my breed working in some of the best Search and Rescue groups in the world, saving countless lives each year. I'm sorry our media censors and refuses to print the breed name "pitbull' when in connection with a positive act such as saving a person or child from a burning house, drowning, wild attacking animals, etc. I'm sorry you cannot see the many pitbulls registered as therapy dogs and bringing so much joy to another misunderstood, neglected demographic in our society, the senior citizen.

I am sorry you can't see a pitbull kiss a child, step carefully over a kitten, or play in a sunbeam. I'm sorry you cannot wake in the morning to feel a warm pitbull cuddled next to you in bed, and know that you are their total world, and even if the house caught fire and trapped you, they would stay with you to the end.

But, now that I really think about it, I'm not at all sorry you don't own a pitbull--you do not deserve one."

Rob MacBean - The Mongrel HordesLake Cowichan BC(Permission granted by me the author to cross post as long as it stays intact, and with my name on it.

<3 Kitty

Reading about what Canada has....

2005-09-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Introducing Michael Bryant Attorney General of Ontario. He is to Canada what Boign is to Colorado.

Today I found a wonderful letter written to Michael Bryant by Marjorie Darby, Director, GoodPooch.com. Of course I wanted to share the links with everyone quote some of the great things said. It reminds me of the letter to PETA that I posted on last month. Enjoy.

"There is a saying that has been taken from the words of Chief Dan George. It goes like this: What we don't know, we fear. What we fear, we hate. What we hate, we destroy.

I can't think of anyone who embodies that sentiment more than you, Mr. Bryant, in relation to your view of 'pit bulls'.

You say they're "inherently vicious beasts" yet, using the city of Toronto's own records so far this year, 97% of licensed 'pit bulls' and significantly more than 99% of the estimated overall 'pit bull' population has harmed neither man nor beast. Can any group be considered "inherently vicious" when fewer than 1% of its members are dangerous?

You've said that, for every person who tells you his/her 'pit bull' is a "pussycat" (to use your words), there's someone who's emailed you about being attacked by a 'pit bull'. In fact, the statistics above show the ratio is at least 99 - 1. For every person who tells you they were attacked by a 'pit bull' there are more than 99 completely innocent 'pit bulls' who never have and never will attack anyone or anything.

You've told the public that thousands of "'pit bull' attacks" have gone unreported. But why do you think a 'serious dog attack', especially those attributed to already much maligned 'pit bulls', would go unreported by victims? Could it be those incidents were not as serious as these people are now leading you to believe? Could they even by lying to you? How serious could a bite be, if even the victim doesn't deem it necessary to contact authorities?"

"You suggest that 'pit bulls' bite more often than other breeds. Yet in a study that ranked dog breeds from one to one hundred, in order of how likely they were to bite, the 'pit bull' ranked fourth...from the bottom."

"Kitchener-Waterloo banned 'pit bulls' after 18 bites reported the previous year. During that same period, there were 85 bites attributed to German Shepherds."

"All the 'pit bull' ban did was cause the deaths of countless innocent dogs who never had and never would have harmed anyone; not to mention the emotional and financial suffering that 'pit bull' owners must have endured. Since banning 'pit bulls' does nothing to directly reduce the number of bites by Labradors and German Shepherds, it is clear that any reduction in bites by other breeds is the result of other measures...i.e. We can reduce dog bite numbers without banning any one dog breed."

"You say large dogs are a danger. Yet 'pit bulls' are typically only 30-60 lbs.

You say large dogs are capable of greater damage. But the facts clearly show that the very largest dog breeds are rarely involved in serious biting incidents, and the very smallest dog breeds have actually killed people."

Too much good information to quote. What a great letter.

<3 Kitty

News from London

2005-09-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

9/12/2005 - Article: "Pit bull owners to speak up tonight" by Joe Belanger

"London pit bull owners get their say tonight about a proposed crackdown on them and their pets."

"I expect we'll hear a lot from people who oppose the pit bull ban," said Coun. Fred Tranquilli, chairperson of the committee.

"But, hopefully, those people will realize we're trying to help them by allowing them to register their pit bulls. We've already decided we don't support breed specific legislation, but we have to respect the provincial legislation."

"The tougher controls include higher licence fees, a requirement for $1-million liability insurance, fines up to $500 for bylaw violations and a warning sign at the entrance to the owner's property.

The bylaw follows provincial legislation that came into effect Aug. 29 banning pit bulls. People who already own pit bulls are exempt, provided the dogs are sterilized, leashed and muzzled.

The city is also proposing a policy to pursue the maximum court sentence -- a $10,000 fine and six months in jail -- under the Dog Owners' Liability Act for owners of pit bulls that bite a person or domestic animal."

When I first started reading I was so happy to see that they were anti BSL only to see what they propose in place of it. I don’t like this “allow them to register”. That sounds horrible. And 1 million liability insurance? Isn’t that a little extreme people? Oh 10K if my pit bull bits your dog. But what if your bites me? What happens to you? What if your dog tried to attack mine? Is it automatically my dogs fault? Insane! Totally insane. I wonder how this meeting went.

<3 Kitty

Surfing around and found....

2005-09-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

This site, dogexpert.com.

Here is somethings I found on it:

"The Pit bull, friend or killer? Is the Pit bull a fine animal, as its admirers claim, or is it a vicious dog, unfit for society?"

"America has a four-legged problem called the American pit bull terrier. And the pit bull, its ''ridiculously amiable disposition' ' notwithstanding, has a two-legged problem called Man. These two species are not new to each other. They have intermingled for some 200 years, and some say their common history goes back as far as the Romans. But something has happened to the pit bull in the last decade that says as much about the nature of American society as it does about the nature of this aggressive animal. Far from being an aberration, the American pit bull terrier has become a reflection of ourselves that no one cares very much to see. ''They're athletes. They're wrestlers. They're dead game,'' says Captain Arthur Haggerty, a dog breeder and trainer in New York City who owns five pit bull terriers and has trained hundreds of others. ''They will literally fight till they're dead. If you found that quality in a boxer or a football player, you'd say it was admirable. Will to win. That's what a pit bull has.'' Others call it a ''will to kill.''

"A fair assessment of a growing problem? Or a bad rap against an animal which has suffered far more at the hands of man than it can possibly repay? It has been estimated that there are half a million pit bull terriers alive in the United States today. What about the 99% who have never bitten a human being? Are these dogs ''loaded hand guns,'' as many have called them? ''There's something a little scary about wondering, Is there a time bomb ticking in my dog?'' says Dr. Franklin Loew, dean of Tufts Veterinary School, who opposes efforts to legislate against pit bull terriers and believes the breed is the victim of ''canine racism.'' Loew adds, ''The pit bull does seem to respond more than other dogs to people trying to bring out aggressiveness. But everything I know professionally tells me that this is not a dog problem, but a problem of dog ownership."

"The AKC wanted its own name for this courageous, personable dog, and it wanted a name that did not include the word pit."

"These dogs are docile, and with a little training are even tractable around other dogs.'' Ginny Bazelak of Chepachet, R.I., president of the American Pit Bull Terrier Club of New England, feels the same way about the dogs that she has bred. ''They say pit bulls have natural aggressiveness,'' she says. ''I don't believe it. People who are breeding for aggressiveness will get it. For the last 12 years I haven't been, and these dogs aren't. My dogs are babies. They'll lick you to death. The people who fight dogs tell me I'm ruining the breed. They say my dogs are wimps.'' Sadly it is the responsible owners and breeders who are suffering the most from the recent wave of pit bull hysteria. ''You feel like a criminal walking your dog,'' says Bazelak. ''You're constantly approached by someone who says, 'That's a vicious dog,' as if it's a wild animal. I've stopped breeding mine. I don't want to add to the population right now. I'm disgusted with the American people who believe the problem's with the dog and not with the people raising the dog."

''Dogfighting is the greatest perversion of the special relationship that exists between people and dogs,'' says Randall Lockwood of the Humane Society. ''It is people subjecting dogs to incredible cruelty. And now that has turned into dogs killing people.'' Dogfighters vehemently dispute this, and with a straight face one writer compared pitting a bulldog with taking a greyhound out on a run. "

"Who has suffered more, then? The pit bull for his association with man? Or man for his association with the pit bull? It should be pointed out that pit bull terriers serve man in a number of legal and interesting ways. They are not just guard dogs and fighters. The stamina and courage of the pit bull make the breed unparalleled as a hunting dog for wild pigs, a popular quarry in parts of the South and Southwest. Some ranchers, particularly those who graze livestock in brushy country where it is difficult to rope, use pit bulls as catch dogs for cattle. They can also be trained to herd sheep -- pity the coyote that would bother a pit bull's flock. And, recreationally, pit bull owners have started to show enthusiasm for weight pulling. '' The pit bull's the hardest-pulling dog in the world,'' brags Ralph Greenwood of the American Dog Breeders Association. Last year in Seguin, Texas, a 78-pound pit bull named Bighead set a record by pulling 5,650 pounds over rails for a distance of 15 feet. Clearly, though, steps have to be taken if man and the pit bull terrier are to continue to coexist. ''Dogfighting needs to be prosecuted,'' says Blair of Tufts, ''And effective vicious-dog legislation needs to be enacted.'' There are a number of reasons why ''vicious dog'' legislation is preferable to ordinances that specifically target the pit bull terrier."

"Of course the vast majority of problem pit bulls are unregistered and unlicensed. These are the animals that law enforcement officials must focus on, and quickly. Unlicensed dogs should be impounded. And anyone who knows of individuals who are keeping unlicensed dogs, or whose dogs are allowed to run loose, should be encouraged to report them to the proper authorities."

I think some of the things said in this article were so dead on. But I couldn’t always tell if it is pro pit bull or really against. I of course quoted the things I liked. There were a lot of attacks listed through out the article hence my question on really which way this article leans. This article was listed along with “7-27-1987. Sports Illustrated”. Pretty old and surprising but still pretty good.

Facts & Stats about Dog Bites & Dog Aggression

"Mixed breeds and not pure bred dogs are the type of dog most often involved in inflicting bites to people. The pure-bred dogs most often involved are German shepherds and Chow chows."

"The list of breeds most involved in both bite injuries and fatalities changes from year to year and from one area of the country to another, depending on the popularity of the breed."

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document that a chained dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite than an unchained dog."

"Canines not spayed or neutered are three times more likely to bite than sterilized ones."

"The breeds most often involved in fatal attacks are Rottweilers and Pit bulls.

"In the United States, pit bulls make up one to three per cent of the overall dog population and cause more than 50 per cent of serious attacks."

"From 1979 to 1998, at least 25 breeds of dogs have been involved in bite related deaths. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers were involved in more than 50 percent of these incidences."

Of course no links to where we got these stats from. Oh but he did list a disclaimer, "The reader should assumed the information below is accurate, although no attempt at independent validation has been made by this author." Wow, so basically he titled this Dog Bite Statistics and labeled these all as facts but found everything on the internet, never validated any of it and posted this up anyways. How misleading.

Fatal Dog Attacks in the United States

"Disclaimer: The accuracy of the information posted on this site depends on the validity and accuracy of the newspaper reports from which information posted on this site has been collected. It is assumed that reports are valid concerning the fact that a dog-related fatality happened. Newspaper reporting may be inaccurate with respect to the breed of dog(s) involved in the fatality, however. This is particularly true for the pit bull terrier. Accordingly, since there is likely to be significant error in the identification of the breed of dog(s) involved in a fatal attack as reported in newspaper stories, it would be inadvisable to use the information posted on this site to support agendas promoting legislation banning, limiting or curtailing the ownership of certain breeds of dog. Dr. Polsky acknowledges this fact and therefore discourages and specifically requests that statistics on this site not be used for this purpose. Note that other data collection techniques (animal control reports, police reports, witness observation) used for breed identification purposes in fatal dogs attacks may also be flawed. Last, the incidences of fatalities for the years 2004 and 2005 listed on this site may not represent every single case in the United States where death happened because of a dog bite. In the very least it represents a near exhuastive listing, however."

I stopped reading at his disclaimer. At least he is honest in saying mislabeling breeds happen. Really the only things I found good on the site was his Dog Bite Prevention area. There seemed to be good common sence information there. The SI article again wasn't too bad.

<3 Kitty

A Poem

2005-09-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home. I had no place to go, no one to call my own. I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow. I ate what ever I could find, I was always on the go. My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain. And no one stopped to give a pat or to gently say my name. I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run. For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun. And then one day I heard a voice, so gentle, kind and sweet, and arms so soft reached down to me, and took me off my feet. "No one again will hurt you" was whispered in my ear. "You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear." "You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat and rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet." I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear. I can't remember when I let a human come so near. And as she tended to my wounds, and bathed and brushed my fur, she told me 'bout the rescue group and what it meant to her. She said, "We are a circle, a line that never ends. And in the center there is you protected by new friends. And all around you are the ones that check the pounds, and those that share their home after you've been found. And all the other folk are searching near and far, to find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star." She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently, and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see. And then they'll join our circle they'll help to make it grow, so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go." I waited very patiently, the days they came and went. Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent. Then just when I began to think it wasn't meant to be, there were people standing there just gazing down at me. I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too. They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you." Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be. "Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me. But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street, and send a rescue person to lift them off their feet."

Arlene PaceSeptember 18, 1998

Found on the Pit Bull Rescue Central website. I just wanted to share.

<3 Kitty

Help!

2005-09-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Can't figure out why all my links over there ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
don't look the same.

Update: Thanks Pete! Much appreciated!

<3 Kitty

News in Muncie

2005-09-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

2/11/2005 - Article: "Dog Found Dead in Muncie; Apparent "Bait" for Dog Fight Training" by WishTV 8

"A Muncie Animal Shelter investigator found the pit bull dead in a trash can behind an old closed down restaurant with a rope around its neck, and its snout duct-taped shut. Investigators say this dog was used for training purposes, as bait, by dog fighters. Investigator Bob Patterson says it was bound in a way that it couldn't get away. "Basically it was defenseless, whether it was hanged from the ceiling or tied to a post in that nature."

"About 50 feet of rope was tied around the dog's neck. Investigators say the bite wounds weren't enough to kill the dog, rather, it was strangled by the rope, trying to get away."

"It's sickening. It's absolutely sickening." That's how Jami Brown of the Muncie Police Department describes this crime. "I have 2 of them myself and it bothers me. It bothers me a lot."

"The Muncie Police Department says with numerous teeth marks on its belly and legs, it appears the dog simply laid on its back while other dogs bit it."

"If you know anything about this case, call the Muncie Animal Shelter or the Muncie Police Department."

I have now come to the conclusion that pit bulls may very well be one of the most commonly abused breeds.

<3 Kitty

"the beast isn't the pit bull terrier, it's man"

2005-09-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Off the Chain" Reveals Betrayal of Man's Best Friend by HSUS

"President Theodore Roosevelt owned one. So did Helen Keller. This breed of dog was the trademark of Buster Brown shoes and RCA Victor. Petey was the canine star of television's Our Gang. And Stubby was the most decorated dog in American history, having received numerous medals and the honorary rank of Sergeant for his services during World War I. What do these famous dogs have in common? They were all American pit bull terriers."

"HSUS West Coast Regional Director Eric Sakach says, "This film goes inside the belly of the beast, and the beast isn't the pit bull terrier, it's man. This is the ultimate betrayal of man's best friend."

"People don't realize that fighting dogs are made through intensive breeding and cruel training methods."

"I felt representative of the majority of the public," he says. "I was ignorant and fearful of pit bulls. But all the myths began to evaporate before me as I worked on the film. Now I'm in love with the breed."

If you want to buy this of find out more. Evidentially I don’t think I could ever watch this. I think it would break my heart.

<3 Kitty

No really, euthanize people like this:

2005-09-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

8/23/2005 - Article: "Man's Best Defense" by David Shaftel

"I like having very vicious, angry dogs. I'm going to teach them not to like other dogs. I'm going to agitate them, make them aggressive."

"My dogs are my pistols," he says, cracking a gold-tooth smile. "I have my dogs on my property, and I have faith in them. If they're coming at you, you have to shoot them to kill them."

"Hoping to turn Rock's offspring into deadly weapons, Eison started antagonizing them when they were around nine weeks old. One afternoon he held an all-brown puppy by its midsection and for several minutes forced it to lie across the neck of one its sisters, who Eison believes might be the pick of the litter. Eison didn't think the brown pup was willing enough to play rough, so he decided to force it into a scrum. After a minute or so, its sister became angry and began to growl and bite the brown one's ears. After the incident the brown puppy cowered under a metallic-blue racing motorcycle Eison keeps in the backyard and peed."

"Studies have suggested that pit bulls are not inherently dangerous. In evaluations by the American Temperament Testing Society, the pit bull passed at a rate of 83.4 percent, just below the beloved golden retriever and 4.5 points higher than the collie. That said, the city's shelters reported that almost 6,000 bull breeds (pit bulls and pit bull mixes) were admitted in the last fiscal year. Though they represent 37 percent of all dogs in city shelters, bull breeds accounted for almost half of the 7,136 dogs euthanized in shelters last year. Pit bulls are routinely adopted, but shelter officials say a disproportionate number can't be because they haven't been socialized properly. Some have spent their whole lives in cages."

"Ed Boks, the director of New York City Animal Care & Control, says the blame for pit bulls' negative image is shared equally by the press—which is fascinated by pit bull attacks—and breeders who take advantage of the dogs. "Pit bulls are actually a rather stable breed," says Boks. "The thing about pit bulls is that they are stuck with this bad reputation. They are extraordinarily loyal and loving animals and they will fight to the death just to please you."

"After Eison bathes them, he force-feeds his dogs a deworming solution. The puppies stagger around coughing and trying to spit up, as Eison tries to keep track of which ones he has given the medicine to."

Again really why aren’t we going after these people? Why aren’t we targeting people like this rather then going after the dogs? This guy makes me sick. I honestly think that we need to put him down. Training his dogs with stuffed animals (a child like toy). If that dog were to get out and do damage who would the media blame? Who would the ignorant people out there blame? I know who Denver would blame.

Really I don’t know if I am appalled or should applaud the article. It was nice to have proof for others to see that people make them this way. But again, I hate the idea that everyone would think an owner is like this guy. I can’t say enough about responsible ownership and how important it is.

Again, euthanize this idiot.

<3 Kitty

Finally good publicity for pit bulls in CO

2005-09-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

9/8/2005 - Article: "Pit Bulls Save Couple's Life In Fire" by Denver's 7

"Three family pit bulls are credited with saving the lives of a Weld County couple who awoke to find their mobile home on fire.

Rick Reed and his fiancee, Alyssa Baker, were asleep at 2 a.m. Wednesday when they were awakened by barking from Reed's three pit bulls. The dogs were frantically scratching on the bedroom door and one even slammed her head into the door several times in an attempt to wake them.

When Reed got up and opened the door, he saw heavy smoke in the hallway. Reed and Baker managed to climb out a bedroom window and then Reed got his dogs out through a back door as the mobile home fire quickly grew."

"For some time now, the dogs have been obsessed with the south wall of the trailer," Reed told the newspaper. "They kept scratching at it and wouldn't leave it alone, even through they've all got all kinds of chew toys."

And although I was so happy to see something positive published, it is funny how the next day they had to counter it with something bad. Everyone sure loves to have an enemy.

<3 Kitty

Statewide ban in the future?

2005-09-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

9/13/2005 - Article: "Dogs Shot, Killed After They Attack Goat, Horse" by Denver's 7

"The owner of the dogs, Kyle Stozek, was cited for having vicious dogs at large and arrested on an outstanding warrant."

"Just as neighbors were being notified of the incident there was a similar incident Monday morning, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies thought they had another duo of pit bulls running loose and when the dogs were captured, they turned out to be brindle-colored Rottweilers."

"Elbert County Sheriff's Sgt. Dane Hiatt told 7NEWS that they are concerned that the pit bull problem will not go away. Denver's ban on pit bulls is only transferring people to more rural areas such as Elbert County, Hiatt said."

Let me get this straight? It isn’t working in Denver, so lets suggest putting it statewide? Oh, but now it isn’t working since the ban isn’t everywhere? Look at places that have done this and not been successful (Australia being one). They found other dogs to abuse and make mean!

Imagining me have to say good bye to my baby Catbull, not because she did anything wrong, and not because another dog like her did anything wrong in my area (I am not a Denver resident and while this law is in place will never be again) but because of what breed she is… what a god awful thought.

Seriously, did they go after this asshat of an owner (warrants already). Not that it said in the article. Again probably one of those owners who wanted a mean dog, got it, something happened and now the rest of the good dogs are punished. And I am so sorry for the wonderful responsible owners in Denver getting punished for his actions or the ignorance of the Denver city council to not see past this and do some fucking research into this. And you know what Denver, don’t you dare try and push your ideals all over this state. It is not your right to tell me what pets I can and cannot have! Not when my pets are well-behaved and the only thing she ever did wrong was be born a pit bull.

<3 Kitty

Survey (CO statewide ban)

2005-09-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Go vote please! The question is, "Do you think there should be a statewide ban on owning pit bulls?" Yes, no or undecided. So far the poll shows:

Choice - Votes - Percentage of 15463 Votes
No - 9682 votes - 63%
Yes - 5044 - 33%
I can't make up my mind on this - 737 - 5%

<3 Kitty

Not BSL or ban related, just about Ruby

2005-09-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

While holding on the phone today (at work) I found another site that I wanted to share, “Ruby Cadillac, a Murdered Angel”. It was so touching to see how someone could love their dog that much to make an entire site of the life/death of this dog. I just wanted to share.

"On March 1st, 2005, Ruby and her sister Corona were let out to go to the bathroom. As they romped down the driveway, a neighbor shot them both.

Ruby was shot between the eyes and was killed instantly. Corona was shot in a front leg and is recovering.

They were both ON their own property when the shooting occured.

The neighbor claimed he panicked and was afraid they might attack.

At this point in time, efforts are being brought together to bring charges against the neighbor and bring Ruby's killer to justice."

The above picture is Ruby Cadillac. Here are some other pics. I especially love this one. What a touching site. I hope they get the guy although it didn’t look too promising.

<3 Kitty

Blog change

2005-09-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Due to my recent comment spammers you now have to register to leave a comment. Hopefully this will help get rid of some of these guys.

<3 Kitty

Explain to me again.....

2005-09-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Why people are mainly going after the dogs rather then people who allow this? Or who encourage this? I mean really is this ok? Personally I think this is totally unacceptable.

Article: "Project Hope Seizes 61 Pit Bulls"

"On February 7, 2005 I received a call from a Mississippi Narcotics Bureau (MNB) agent. In serving search warrants for narcotics on two adjacent properties, he had discovered fifty-four pit bulls on one property and nine on the other, as well as treadmills, a "breeding block" (which I call a "rape block"), and other items that he believed were for the training and breeding of dogs for fighting. The Chickasaw County Sheriff's Department gave him Project Hope's number to contact me for help."

"Across the road, dogs chained to axles buried in the four to six foot span between them. Lunging menacingly at one another, the stiff collars securing them to their chains had worn both hair and flesh from most of their necks. Even most of the juveniles (who were confined by twos in pens, or crowded into two of the three standing cages) had scarred legs and heads."

"I immediately documented the presence of two slat treadmills, a "flirt pole," and a rusted metal crate that contained a stuffed puppy with a stuffed pony lying on top. In the yard were two "breeding blocks," where a female's head would be forced through a metal ring so that a "stud" could mount her."

"The next few days were consumed with documenting the dogs' condition and dealing with numerous unforeseen health crises. Pups broke out with parvo, an elderly and very ill dog had to be euthanized, and Heair's "foundation stud" gave us a genuine anxiety attack as his stomach inexplicably ballooned over night. Thankfully, he recovered."

"Sandy's report to the judge included evidence from his study comparing the bloodlines of the dogs with those who have been advertised as winners in the world of dog fighting. We can only hope that Jerry Heair, AKA "Mississippi Hot," is tried and convicted by a grand jury of keeping, breeding and selling dogs for the purpose of fighting them. We do have some aces up our sleeves."

What a read. There are a ton of pictures that go with this story. For those that don't know what a "breeding block" is, here you go. Seriously, go the original site to see all the pictures and read the full story. Nothing to graphic just extremely sad.

I can’t say enough good things about the people who helped some of these poor dogs.

<3 Kitty

IDA: In Defense of Animals

2005-09-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

IDA Web Site

"Criminals in Denver, Colorado"

"At 12:01 a.m. on May 9, 2005, Denver, Colorado exploded with thousands of unsuspecting criminals. After having been given only 30 days notice, many citizens were suddenly deemed lawbreakers. They could be given a possible $1,000 fine and jail time simply because a pit bull was residing in their home. On May 8, they were average Denver residents - the next day their lives were turned upside down."

"Some citizens were lucky enough to be able to move out of Denver with their beloved dogs. It’s not so simple for others"

"Many citizens tell us they are living in constant fear and stress, behind locked doors and drawn shades. They take their dogs out only in the dark for a brief walk so as not to be “caught”. They refuse to send their dogs away. They are considered devoted family members, some having been raised with their children. Many are best friends."

"A Sanctuary Is Found"

"When this insanity began, we were frantic and wondered what would happen as dogs began to be forced out of their homes - where would they go. Fortunately for everyone, we found Mariah’s Promise, a safe haven and sanctuary for dogs, located in the mountains south of Denver in a beautiful, peaceful setting among tall pine trees. It is truly one of a kind."

"The owners of the sanctuary, Toni and Mike Phillips, are two of the kindest people and biggest dog lovers you will find anywhere in the world. While somehow managing to run a family business, their lives are devoted to the well-being of all of their residents, be they adoptable or temporary dogs. Toni and her one employee, Paula, know each dog, his/her history, temperament and idiosyncracies."

"What You Can Do To Help"

"Please send your donations, specifically marked "Mariah's Promise" or "pit bulls", to IDA: In Defense of Animals, 131 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941."

"If you have room in your heart and your home for a new canine companion, please contact Toni at mariahspromise@msn.com. Please put "POTENTIAL ADOPTER" in the subject line."

As always I just quoted bits and pieces. So go read.

<3 Kitty

Ignacio De La Fuentes > Carol Boigon

2005-09-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

8/11/2005 - Article: "Pit bull fanciers eager to polish dog's image Group encourages adoption, not euthanasia" by Henry K. Lee

"At a news conference at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Oakland, the SPCA and BAD RAP, a pit bull advocacy group, put mild- mannered dogs through their paces in front of news cameras to show that they should be adopted instead of euthanized."

"To demonstrate their assertions, pit bull owners -- some of them wearing shirts that read, "My best friend is a pit bull" -- showed off their dogs at a canine obstacle course of sorts, showing that pit bulls can be trained to obey their masters and do a few tricks, too."

"The demonstration shows that many pit bulls can be adopted and considered everyday household pets, said Oakland police Sgt. Dave Cronin of the Oakland Animal Shelter."

"Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuentes aid, "Not every pit bull is bad, and not every person is bad."

"But in most cases of pit bull attacks, Reynolds said, there were unheeded warning signs that suggested that their owners weren't responsible. Faibish's mother, Maureen Faibish, has pleaded not guilty to child endangerment for allegedly leaving him alone in a basement of their home."

""We certainly don't think pit bulls are appropriate in every home," Reynolds said, but added: "We don't think border collies are appropriate in every home."

<3 Kitty

Look what I bought!

2005-09-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

Due to numerous links that were sent to me yesterday (Thanks Jennifer) in my searches this morning I found a link to a purple silicone awareness bracelet. “All Breeds Equal Stop BSL”. “All proceeds donated to SBTCA to help fight BSL!”

Thank you to who ever made these! I bought 2 this morning.

Kitty

Homies suck!

2005-09-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

I went to a local pizza joint the other night and they have a decent size game room. In the game room they have a row of those gumball like vending machines that you can you get things out of. Low and behold we find one of the line of Homies figurines. On the top part of the display is about 6 characters and right underneath are 2 more. These two are holding dogs (pit bull look-a-likes) back from each other.

I remember I was totally shocked. I can’t believe that they would openly advertise something so devastating to the pit bull breed. What a way to support media hype. We got camera phone shots, but most seemed rather dark so I have been searching many sites to try and find the exact pic.

Well I came across this chat room today where someone else had seen what I saw and they had provided the link that I needed. Above is the pic. Again, maybe I am just odd but I am so tired of our precious pups being displayed as aggressive, hardly controllable monsters. I was at least happy to know I wasn’t alone in my thinking.

I actually went to their site to look for those actual figurines, like I said above. And although I couldn’t find them on the site. I did find some other things like Chato. And here about Chato: “Chato`s favorite hobby is catching and killing cats”. And we have another dog Clown Pitty. About him: “Clown Pitty went on the attack. Poor Clown Pitty, It was in his blood to defend his owner...”. He wears a prison shirt and a spike collar in his picture. While looking at the dogs, how about a Rottweiler: DevilDog. “He is not a normal dog, and is more of an evil minion of Satan Himself”.

Is this not totally absurd that these are children’s toys. And even more so no wonder people think these dogs should be put to death. Anyways, boycott Homies. They suck.

<3 Kitty

A Pit Bull Prayer & a Rhyme (for a change from articles)

2005-09-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

"Spirit in the sky, who watches over all animals: It is my prayer and my request that you grant greater understanding, and acceptance to humans; those who love us, and those who hate us.

That they will know how loyal we are, how brave we are, and how loving we are. Help them to accept us as a breed in whole, and not let the few tragedies shine brighter then the many great traits that we have.

And those who would kill me, let them know, I forgive them even though I don't understand their hatred. And those who would beat me, let them know I still love them, even though it is not the honorable way.

Thank you for all the strong traits that you have given to me and my breed. Help those to know that I stand for courage, strength, loyalty, and bravery. And as my master already knows, let those who would come against my family know that I would surely die defending them.

And just one thing that I would ask: Let my master know, that if you should call me away, that I will wait patiently at those pearly gates until the one who chose me comes home. Amen."

Author Unknown

"You made me what I am today, courage at its best.
You wanted me to know no fear, a cut above the rest.
Not only did I master that, I've thrown in loyalty, too.
Look past my eyes into my soul, you know I'd die for you.
I'll watch your kids, I'll watch your house. Your praise will be my crown,
Ask what you will-I'll do my best, I'll even be your clown.
But some of you don't like me, I really don't know why.
The only thing I'm guilty of is courage, love, and try.
But still they want to see me go, they want my breed to end.
Will I see you sitting idly by? You, whom I call a friend?
You made me what I am today, you never saw me waiver.
I've done my best to keep you safe. Won't you please return the favor."

Author Unknown

<3 Kitty

Another Petition

2005-09-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

I found another petition, although not aimed at Denver; I still think it is important. “Stop prejudice against Pit Bulls, and Pit Bull mixes”.

<3 Kitty

ASPCA article

2005-09-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Pit Bull Cruelty

"In recent years, pit bulls have gained more than just a foothold in the public awareness. Unscrupulous breeding and negative media attention have resulted in many apartment complexes, neighborhoods and even counties imposing bans on the breed, citing them as "inherently dangerous" to the public.

But did you know that pit bulls, despite the fact that they were originally bred to fight with each other, were also bred to be trustworthy and friendly to people? These dogs actually earned the nickname "nursemaid's dog," because they were so reliable with young children."

"In March 2000, the ASPCA asked representative U.S. shelters about their experiences with pit bulls. Thirty-five percent take in at least one pit bull a day, and in one out of four shelters, pits and pit mixes make up more than 20 percent of the shelter dog population. New York, Chicago, Boston, Phoenix and Honolulu each saw 3,000 to 7,500 pits turned in during the previous year. One shelter staffer recounted hundreds of abuse cases that came through their doors-pit bulls who had been burned, beaten, and fought with."

"According to the shelters surveyed, a third do not adopt pit bulls out-some because it is against the law to have them in their communities, and others are concerned where the dogs will ultimately end up. Sadly, in these cases, the dogs are euthanized."

"Aggression to other dogs is a serious issue with this breed. Early socialization is essential for pit puppies, though your best efforts may not override a dog's genetics."

"Pit bulls are enthusiastic learners. They enjoy trick training and many graduate at the head of their obedience classes."

"As a pit bull owner, you are likely to experience breed discrimination. Legislation may prohibit you from living in certain communities, and homeowners insurance will be harder to find. Before you adopt, call your local City Hall or animal shelter to find out about your local laws."

Hearing that a third of the shelters don’t adopt out pit bulls is terribly sad. Knowing that people give up hope on dogs that were abused or won’t take the extra effort to screen possible buyers (as opposed to putting the dogs down) truly shows me how lazy people are. If this was a human, people wouldn’t stand for it. Just because a dog had a previous horrible owner who abused it is no reason to end the dog’s life. You would think this would give more of a reason to baby that dog. Love the dog, give it a real chance to live life, hell, have a life. Have these people never heard of Cesar Millan and/or his Dog Psychology Center what amazing things he has done with problem dogs or dogs with issues?

<3 Kitty

Don't know what BSL is? Here you go:

2005-09-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

I found 3 sites with information about Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). This is a good start to understanding what it is about. Of course the sites I link don’t support but still give good facts none the less. Here they are: Site I, Site II and Site III.

<3 Kitty

Animal Legal & Historical Center article

2005-09-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

2001 - Article: "Breed-Specific Legislation in the United States" by Linda S. Weiss

"The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly supports dangerous dog control. Dog control legislation must be reasonable, non-discriminatory and enforceable as detailed in the AKC Position Statement.

To provide communities with the most effective dangerous dog control possible, laws must not be breed specific. Instead of holding all dog owners accountable for their behavior, breed specific laws place restrictions only on the owners of certain breeds of dogs. If specific breeds are banned, owners of these breeds intent on using their dogs for malicious purposes, such as dog fighting or criminal activities, will simply change to another breed of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety."

"The AKC and the purebred dog fancy have worked together to promote non-breed specific dangerous dog control legislation throughout the country. Concerned dog lovers are encouraged to serve on or start animal control advisory boards to monitor problems and help develop reasonable solutions to dangerous dog issues. The AKC can help by providing model legislation that can be tailored to the needs of individual communities."

"Dog control problems are people problems, and are not limited to a breed or mix.

Banning a breed or declaring it inherently vicious punishes those responsible dog owners who are the type of citizens that communities need to keep, not drive away."

"Breeds and mixes are often difficult to identify."

<3 Kitty

Edgewater, Colorado (meeting coming up)

2005-09-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Per this site, a committee possibly discussing a BSL for their area. Here is where to go:
9/8/2005 07:00 @ 2401 Sheridan Blvd.; Edgewater, CO 80214 303-238-7803 (fax) / 303-232-4201

<3 Kitty

Another good read

2005-09-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

6/3/2005 - Article: "Pooch Prejudice: Why Breed Bans Aren’t the Answer" by Rebecca Simmons

"Animal advocates agree that pit bulls require responsible, attentive guardians like Huemer, who are capable of understanding and effectively managing their pets' behavior. And there's no doubt that dangerous dogs need to be dealt with quickly and effectively. But if a breed ban were enacted in her community Huemer, a resident of Oakland, California who has a deep affection for both of her dogs says, "I would be insanely angry. BSL is tantamount to racial profiling."

"To supporters of BSL, a pit bull ban is a no-nonsense solution to eradicating dangerous dogs from a community. But to pit bull guardians and animal advocates, the ban is not only canine discrimination, it's ineffective."

"Breed bans also separate guardians from their beloved pets, regardless of the maturity and commitment of the guardians or the temperament and background of the dog. "BSL punishes responsible guardians simply because they own a specific breed of dog," says Shain. "These guardians may lose their pet even though they are doing everything right and their dog is safe."

Ironically, irresponsible dog guardians are rarely deterred by breed bans. "If you ban one breed, these individuals will just move on to another one," says Shain. "Banning a breed only speeds up the timetable." Over the last few decades animal care and control professionals have seen the public focus shift from Doberman pinschers to pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and other breeds. "Unfortunately, the 'problem dog' at any given time is often the most popular breed among individuals who tend to be irresponsible, if not abusive, in the control and keeping of their pets," says Shain."

<3 Kitty

Humane Society of the United States & BSL

2005-09-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

HSUS Statement on Dangerous Dogs and Breed-Specific Legislation

"The Humane Society of the United States offers the following position regarding breed-specific policies.

The HSUS opposes legislation aimed at eradicating or strictly regulating dogs based solely on their breed for a number of reasons. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is a common first approach that many communities take. Thankfully, once research is conducted most community leaders correctly realize that BSL won't solve the problems they face with dangerous dogs."

"It is imperative that the dog population in the community be understood. To simply pull numbers of attacks does not give an accurate representation of a breed necessarily. For example, by reviewing a study that states there have been five attacks by golden retrievers in a community and 10 attacks by pit bulls in that same community it would appear that pit bulls are more dangerous. However, if you look at the dog populations in that community and learn that there are 50 golden retrievers present and 500 pit bulls, then the pit bulls are actually the safer breed statistically."

"The main conclusion of the study was that breed-specific legislation doesn't work for several reasons: that there are inherent problems in trying to determine a dog's breed, making enforcement of breed-specific legislation difficult at best; that fatal attacks represent a very small portion of bite-related injuries and should not be the major factor driving public policy; and that existing non-breed-specific legislation already exists and offers promise for the prevention of dog bites."

"In some areas, media hype has actually increased the demand for dogs whose breed is in danger of being banned."

After my last entry I was so excited to see that someone still has their senses. For this I will always support Humane Society of the United States. Thank you for everything.

<3 Kitty

PETA has a friend: RSPCA

2005-09-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

5/4/2005 - Article: "RSPCA, victims urge state pit bull ban" by Adam Morton

"The RSPCA and a pit bull terrier victim are calling on the State Government to follow NSW's lead and ban dangerous dogs."

"RSPCA national president Hugh Wirth applauded Mr Carr's bid to breed American pit bull terriers out of existence in preference to slaughtering the dogs, a plan that drew a public outcry when proposed overseas."

"I think they should be destroyed completely. The lot of them, all over the world.''

Disgustingly sad is all I can say. The foundations that should be helping to save and debate the myths of these dogs are the ones who are supporting destroying these dogs and killing family’s well loved, well behaved dogs.

<3 Kitty

I need a good picture to end the day

2005-08-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

She even smiled when she was a baby. :)

<3 Kitty

Meet Carol Boigon

2005-08-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

"Even supporters of the ban, like Councilwoman Boigon, say the problem is not the dogs themselves.

But they note that generations of breeding the animals to be fighters have imbued them with unpredictable, violent tendencies.

“This is a strategy we have for managing a breed that is being encouraged not to be its best self,” said the at-large councilwoman."

''The problem is when you have a specific breed used for dog fighting and to protect drug premises,'' said Councilwoman Carol Boigon, ''and they're trained to be rough.''

Above quotes by: Carol Boigon

Thank you Carol for admitting the issue isn’t the dogs but supporting killing then anyways. And thanks for assuming that because people may own this breed that of course we must be fighting them or selling drugs. Didn’t your parents ever tell you not to assume (there was even a catchy saying for that)? Also where is this proof that they are all unpredictable or violent? I am so glad to see that you know all the dogs personally to know they were all trained. Thanks for taking the time to stop by to see how my Catbull was raised as well, how we encourage it, much appreciated. Did you get to visit all the dogs to see they were all breed to be rough? One more question, what breed will be next after you take all our pit bulls (out of our homes) to protect us?

Is anyone picking up my sarcasm? Please tell me “yes” since I laid it on thick.

<3 Kitty

"they are a lost cause" & "social butterfly"

2005-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Just a rebuttal to the person who said “they are a lost cause”. Again in my daily searches I found all kinds of information to prove this wrong. I found links for where Pit Bulls are used for assisted therapy (link 1, link 2) and then some heroic stories. I am sure none of those people who Pit Bulls saved or helped (even it is just presence) would think they are a “lost cause”.

Now for another link I wanted to share to the people of Denver; Find the Pit Bull. This Denver breed specific ban clearly states they will confiscate your dog if just looks like a Pit Bull. I remember this site from a while back, happy I came across again. Take a look.

And on a personal note. I found this site while in searches and found a quote that I swear was written for my own Catbull. Here it is:

“A trained pit bull is often a "social butterfly," loving friends and strangers alike.”

She is so a social butterfly.

<3 Kitty

Want to write someone about the ban?

2005-08-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Found a site “In Defense of Animals”. They have a link with all the council members to write and an already formatted letter to send to them. I put this as a side link but wanted to post it up as well.

FYI: Council Members are:
Councilmember Carol Boigon
Councilmember Charlie Brown
Councilmember Jeanne Faatz
Councilmember Rick Garcia
Councilmember Michael Hancock
Councilmember Marcia Johnson
Councilmember Peggy Lehmann
Councilmember Doug Linkhart
Councilmember Kathleen MacKenzie
Councilmember Jeanne Robb
Councilmember Rosemary Rodriguez
Councilmember Elbra Wedgeworth

<3 Kitty

Boigon again /sigh

2005-08-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

7/6/2005 - Article: Denver pit bull ban draws dog lovers' ire by: Jeff Kass

"Denver's ban has reignited the debate on whether the dogs or their human handlers are to blame for vicious behavior and who should pay. A number of municipalities, including Prince George's County in Maryland, have banned pit bulls, and supporters fear Denver's recent action will prompt more to follow."

''If you judge the success of the program by the number of pit bulls we're impounding, then we're getting more success," said Doug Kelley, Denver animal control director. ''If you judge by the number who keep choosing to have pit bulls and break the law, then we're not."

"Boigon, who supports the ban, said generations of breeding pit bulls to fight has made them violent. ''This is a strategy we have for managing a breed that is being encouraged not to be its best self," the at-large councilwoman said."

"Pit bull supporters say the dogs are actually less violent than other breeds. They point to statistics from the Georgia-based American Temperament Test Society, which shows a relatively high 83.4 percent passage rate of 469 American Pit Bull Terriers tested for temperament. The dog is put through a series of scenarios, from being approached by a stranger to hearing gunshots. The tests measure characteristics such as shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness. One of the lowest rates was registered by bearded collies; a little more than half, or 23 of 43 dogs tested, passed."

"Some alternatives offered to an outright ban include stiffening penalties for dogs that are caught running loose, because they may be more likely to bite. Some suggest that pit bulls be required to undergo temperament testing and be muzzled in public and their owners be required to carry insurance.

Kelley, the animal control director, said he is reviewing such proposals with the city attorney's office, but ultimate approval lies with the City Council. Boigon, however, has already expressed reservations, indicating that more monitoring could be costly, and the city has more important concerns."

"Opponents of the ban aren't waiting. More than 100 people rallied outside City Hall after the ban took hold, and they say they have gathered more than 2,000 signatures to rescind the ban.

For now, a network of volunteers will continue to drive illegal pit bulls to the Mariah's Promise Animal Sanctuary in the southern Colorado mountain town of Divide, about 100 miles from Denver. So far, the sanctuary has taken in about 30 pit bulls."

<3 Kitty

Online Debating

2005-08-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

I always find it interesting to read people’s debates on this topic. I found this site while searching and although there are some really great quotes to give:

"There is no rationalizing with people's phobias. I remember my little sister, everything we did could not convince her that there wasn't a monster under her bed. Pitbulls have becoome a media buzz word. And if you look closely enough, the people who are anti pitbull probably listen to Bill O'Rielly, Rush Limbaugh and any one else who is happy to tell people what to do. The funny thing is, these people actually believe that they are free. This is just another devolution of America, the religious zealots and neocons are taking over." (by eric[il])

"It's truely unfortunate that the people who decide the laws in this country, are too ignorant to see that it's how you raise them, and not the breed as a whole. Especially when most of these people have never even been around a pit bull, because they have misconceptions that they won't allow to be corrected...." (by Harley Jane[TX])

"For the guy above who poated about his dog having rage against other dogs, motorcycles, etc.- give me a break. How dramatic can you be- to use the word rage?? It's a just a dog. And BTW, alot of dogs don't like other dogs, cars, motorcycles and more- not just pitbulls. Not only that, but there are many small breeds out there that are aggressive as well- they bark, snap at you and try to bite- Which is alot more than my female pitbull has ever done. For the lady worried about her child because his eyes meet those of a pitbull- again, that's most dogs that will take that as aggression. And you should always keep your child away from ANY dog if you don't know it, no matter the breed. That's just common sense. People need to teach their children not to approach and try to pet strange dogs. If the kids are too young to understand and adhere to that, then they're too young to be wandering around unsupervised (where a situation with a dog could arise).They're animals and they all react on instinct." (by SSG Chris[MN])

"It will accomplish absolutely nothing except to bring heartbreak and anguish to hundreds of families and hundreds of children. It is easier to kill a dog than it is to control gangsters and drug dealers. So the city seizes innocent pets, no matter how well trained or how carefully confined and controlled and the thugs simply get a different breed of dog and train that dog to be bad. Already, the scum is obtaining Presa Canarios as their next bad dog of choice. Nearly any breed of dog can be made mean with enough effort, and the Presa is a lot bigger and a whole lot meaner to begin with. There have been approximately 6 people killed by Pit-bulls in the past 10 years. There are several milion pit-bulls in this country. So what is the percentage of Pit-bulls that are killers? 0.000002% ? More people are probaly killed every year by their carborator blowing up in their face while they are giving a tune up. Unless the city of Denver want to figure out how to control their dopers, their losers, and their scum, they have not made their city one drop safer. it isn't going to make any difference to the child who is bitten if the bite comes from a pit-bull, or the Presa, Dogo, or Tosa, who was trained as the Pit-bull's replacement." (by CAW[OR])

Of course not all the comments are positive. Some are actually quite supportive of the ban (or just anti Pit Bull):

"rat poison works great, have not tried anti-freeze - and then if no-one is looking, a 22 will do the trick, or for kicks, a 12 guage. but those are noisy. best thing is rat poison." (by pmh[tx])

"Hang all those pit bulls. Hang them high. Put them on poles in the court yard of the court house. Make school children look at what happens to BAD DOGS. They are a breed that was bred to KILL. SOme people are just stupid. I am sorry someone bred them that way. They should all be done away with. Ever last one of them. I think the breed should be banded from the united states" (by ..[.]) *152.163.100.5*

"Those stupid no good for nothing trap jaw dogs are cuddly. And poodles can kill an elephant if trained to do so. I swear the good people of this good country are loosing there ability to think straight. Ship all them cute puppies here. I’ll take good care of them… The grill is warming up." (by TJ[wi])

People amaze me. Really you can never tell if it is a case of trying to prove big e-peens, internet tough guys or just plain ignorance.

<3 Kitty

Go WI - good article.

2005-08-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

8/11/2005 - Article: Pit bull ban barks up wrong tree by Unknown Author but located at: Madison.com

"But the campaign to prohibit pit bulls is based far more on emotion than on reason. That is why banning pit bulls has generally failed to make the public any safer from dog attacks and has led to ugly consequences, including incidents of authorities taking a devoted pet from a tearful owner merely because the dog looks like a pit bull."

"Madison and other Wisconsin communities should steer clear of pit bull bans. A more effective way to protect the public is to aggressively enforce dangerous dog ordinances and to educate dog owners about their risks and responsibilities."

"If past is prologue, none of the bans will have the desired effect. The United Kingdom has prohibited the sale and breeding of pit bulls since 1991 with no impact on the number of dog attacks. "

"Many studies have demonstrated that a dog's viciousness has more to do with the care the dog receives than with what breed it is. As the "Pediatrics" study concluded: "Most of the factors contributing to dog bites are related to the level of responsibility exercised by dog owners."

"Consequently, attacks by other breeds are often blamed on pit bulls, and authorities have difficulty distinguishing pit bulls from other dogs."

"Further weakening the argument for pit bull bans is the fact that fatal attacks by pit bulls or any other breed are rare. The total number of deaths attributed to dog attacks nationwide is usually 15 to 20 per year, reaching 21 in 2004. The number attributed to pit bulls annually is four to five."

"Dangerous dog ordinances, like Madison's, put the focus where it should be on a dog's behavior rather than its breed. Madison's ordinance grants authorities the power to declare any dog dangerous based on its behavior. The dog's owner has the right to appeal. If the dog is finally determined to be dangerous, it can be impounded, removed or destroyed."

<3 Kitty

Edit (Add): This is all the responses that came to this article listed above.

"Denver's ban was a reaction to a problem they probably did not get control of over many years. Most cities have laws on the books to monitor dog ownership. They need to emphasize enforcing what they have. Dogs need a city license and current rabies vaccination. They cannot run at large or unsupervised except in designated areas. Animals exhibiting vicious behavior need to be destroyed. If these laws are made a priority, then breed discrimination would not be needed.

A city also needs to provide funding for senior citizens and low-income citizens to get their pets spayed or neutered at a nominal cost, and give them a discount on the license if it is done. Don't breed discriminate without working with the existing laws first. Education is the key. Once you ban one breed, it can become a slippery slope." by Cindy Lease, Cottage Grove

"My pit bull, Ginger Ale, is a wanted dog. Some activists convinced she is a danger to society want her out of public parks, out of doggie day care centers, out of sight altogether. This is largely due to the fact that, of the five to 10 deaths reported annually as a result of dog attacks, roughly a third are caused by a pit bull. These statistics can be found under the banner of the CDC and other government sources online.

The tragedy of these deaths is undeniable. Knowing that any of our children can be a victim drives home the point that this is too many deaths, and something must be done. We must ban pit bulls.

But while working to protect our children, we should note another statistic, this one from the Web site for National Child Abuse Statistics (www.child helpusa.org), which reports that four children die in their homes as a result of child abuse by their relatives each day. Four kids dead every 24 hours. Some of these homes may even have pit bulls.

Comparing the two classes of perpetrators, it is easy to see where the threat to our children lies. Next time you look next door and worry about what kind of dog your neighbor has, try to tell what kind of parents they are. Because chances are, one of those parents is 146 times more likely to cause a child a fatal injury than the pit bull, chow chow or Pomeranian running around in the backyard. When do we start banning humans? Ginger Ale wants to know." by Nancy Dietrich, Madison

"He didn't get a choice to be born a different breed. He is not a threat to anyone. He is just my dog. Take my dog away? A breed ban does just that." by Steve Evans, Middleton

You really have to read to see them all.

<3 Kitty

CA & OK looking at a ban as well?

2005-08-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

8/6/2005 - Article: Pit Bull Bans Bad, or Necessary? by Dana Brueck

"Police in California say a 150-pound Rottweiler attacked a toddler this week, killing her. The tragedy comes as Denver cracks down on its ordinance banning another breed ... pit bulls. But do the dogs deserve the designation as dangerous?"

"Dr. Richard Karlburg says blame ought to fall on irresponsible dog owners letting poorly trained pooches roam free."If you're gonna impose a ban on pit bulls you might as well impose a ban on every other large breed of dog," he says.He says it takes people to enforce current laws to keep a community safe."If a person is going to have a dog they know is dangerous ... have to learn to control it."

Lawmakers have either proposed or plan to introduce pit bull bans in Georgia and Oklahoma. California also is considering a bill on breed specific legislation."

I may have to research this more but GA people just fought this down. Maybe they are trying to get a ban again after being shot down already. I have the article somewhere on here. This is the first I am hearing of CA & OK. Will have to research that more as well. The article was “eh” but wanted to post due to mentioning other states. And really it is a positive pit bull article otherwise just not the best reading.

<3 Kitty

"A Letter To Peta"

2005-08-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

A letter to Ingrid Newkirk, President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, in response to "Some Dogs are Weapons - Ban Them" by Sonnet Dashevskaya

"I was under the impression that PETA was dedicated to helping animals. That was until I found out that you support a mass-euthanasia policy for the most abused, persecuted and misunderstood breed of dog - the American Pit Bull Terrier."

"The only people a pit bull ban will hurt, will be the law-abiding good citizens who can provide loving homes for them. Pit Bull rescue groups would not be able to operate if they were banned. We would not be able to rescue Pit Bulls from the shelter and adopt them out."

"America's first war dog was a Pit Bull named Stubby who earned several medals and the rank of sergeant for his service in W.W.I. He received a hero's welcome and was even honored at the White House. He inspired the U.S. Military K-9 Corps. He also went on to become Georgetown University's mascot."

"Would the parents of the Little Rascals let their children be in such close contact with a Pit Bull day after day if they feared that Petey could suddenly attack them without warning? Of course not. Petey was by far one of the most well trained and intelligent dogs."

"What are your thoughts on Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds? These are also big powerful dogs who can do a lot of damage if they attack. Many of these dogs are also abused and trained to be people-aggressive. Should we ban them as well? Or what about wolves? What about sharks and poisonous snakes? Should we ban them too, and kill all the ones we come in contact with because they have the potential to cause harm? Cars, knives and cigarettes are not banned, yet they cause many deaths."

"How can you possibly support an animal shelter euthanizing Pit Bull puppies and completely docile and adoptable Pit Bulls? I thought PETA stood for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is not fair to exclude Pit Bulls."

"The Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Texas is just one facility that frequently adopts out Pit Bulls. In fact, the State of Texas does not allow breed-specific legislation. We have dangerous dog laws which deal with individual dogs, instead of entire breeds."

There are so many good quotes in this article you should really just go read the whole thing. What an awesome letter. Please go read.

On a side note I went to go to the author’s website. Only to see the message, “The Chako Rescue Association's website was hacked. We are currently reconstructing the site”. I really hope it wasn’t due to this article, but I have a feeling it was.

<3 Kitty

"Colorado is pit-bull racist"

2005-08-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

8/10/2005 - Article: Pit-bull backers raise howl by Jeremy Meyer

"Hundreds of pit-bull supporters jammed City Council chambers Tuesday to urge lawmakers not to ban the dog within Aurora.

The city's code committee is weighing three ordinances to bring to the full City Council for consideration: banning all pit bulls; forbidding any new pit bulls in the city; or imposing strict rules for any household that owns a pit bull. No decision was made Tuesday.

The resounding sentiment in the standing-room-only, 2 1/2-hour hearing was in support of the dogs. People took to the microphone to plead for their pooches, carrying photos of their dogs, turning in signed petitions and reading prepared speeches and poems. Some trembled and cried at the thought of the city banning the dog type, which includes several breeds.

Dog lovers asked the committee to work to prevent poor ownership. They said negative media reports, skewed studies and hysteria are driving the bans. Some said they would move from Aurora or boycott its businesses if the city imposed a ban."

""Colorado is pit-bull racist," she said. "Don't let a couple bad owners ruin the pit- bull breed. Think about the responsible owners who love their dogs."

<3 Kitty

More about Commerce City & Aurora

2005-08-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

8/8/2005 - Article: Pit bull owner frets as Aurora mulls ban by: Erik Olvera

"Tuesday, an Aurora City Council's subcommittee on code enforcement will be presented with three proposals to restrict the breed:

• A total ban, which would make it illegal for residents to own such a dog or transport one through the city without a permit.

• An ordinance that would allow existing dogs to stay, but they would have to be licensed with the city, and the owners would have to adhere to a long list of regulations, including carrying $100,000 in liability insurance. No new pit bulls would be allowed.

• An ordinance that would permit new dogs and dogs already in the city to remain, but it would establish a number of requirements for owners, such as immediately licensing the dogs.

Under the two proposals that would allow the breed, the dogs also would have to be spayed or neutered, microchipped, kept securely on the owner's property and muzzled when away from it.

At this point, subcommittee chairwoman Molly Markert supports a total ban of the breed, while members Nadine Caldwell and Bob FitzGerald would allow only existing dogs to stay."

"This comes as Commerce City considers banning the breed. "

"I don't want them anywhere in the city," said Markert, adding that she has received several requests from residents to ban the breed. "Their behavior threatens ordinary people."

"For example, according to Aurora Animal Care Division statistics, 207 dog-bite incidents were reported in the city last year. Of those, 37 involved Labradors, while 30 involved pit bulls, the statistics show."

<3 Kitty

"Three a day"

2005-08-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

7/21/2005 - Article: Denver Impounds, Euthanizes 3 Pit Bulls Daily by Uknown Author (KTVU.com)

"Denver has one of the toughest pit-bull bans in the country. Only two other major metropolitan areas -- Miami and Cincinnati -- ban pit bulls, according to the American Canine Foundation."

"The American Temperament Testing Society evaluated 122 breeds for panic, strong avoidance without recovery and unprovoked aggression. The group found that the American Staffordshire Terrier, a type of banned pit bull in Denver, passed 83.3 percent of the time, just behind the golden retriever (83.6 percent).

The American Canine Foundation calculated rates of human dog-bite fatalities by breed and found that pit bulls bite at a lower rate than many other dogs. A Doberman Pinscher bites 10 times as much as a pit bull, the foundation reported."

<3 Kitty

Petition Against the Ban! Please Sign.

2005-08-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

U. S. Citizens Protesting the Seizure and Execution of Innocent Family Pets within the City of Denver, Colorado

4672 Total Signatures (so far)

WE THE UNDERSIGNED: Are deeply dismayed by the horrible canine genocide that is currently taking place in Denver, Colorado. While the city ordinance prohibiting pit bull dogs may be in line with the letter of the law, the manner in which Denver is enforcing this ban is a grievous injustice to family pets, and deeply offensive to the hearts and minds of pet owners everywhere.

We support and acknowledge the right of Denver’s citizens to govern them selves, and make no attempt to infringe upon that right. The people of Denver can pass whatever ordinances they need or want, as long as they are in compliance with both the Colorado State Constitution and the US Constitution, and possess a reasonable sense of fairness and justice. However, we believe that forcing people to surrender their dogs against their will is neither fair nor just, and is an affront to our sense of common decency. In the presence of such an injustice we believe that our voices must be heard.

We are not so naïve as to believe that we live in a world where dangerous and aggressive animals will not have to be euthanized to protect the public. While there is justification to address animal aggression and safety in our communities, a broad-sweeping ban such as this one is neither humane nor effective. We firmly believe that this program of seizing and executing family pets is wrong because:

· It debases the lives of beloved family dogs—rendering them of no more value than vermin to be eradicated.

· The United States already faces an overwhelming epidemic of unwanted pets. Seizing pets that already have homes is unwarranted, heinous, and cruel.

· It is misguided. The argument that innocent dogs must be destroyed because it is thought they might harm someone lacks merit. We don’t execute people for what they might do, because it is inherently unfair and unjust to do so. This same logic should apply to our family dogs.

· It only victimizes and criminalizes. It fails to promote good citizenship or responsible pet ownership because it does not engage the public and the pet owners in creative and sustainable solutions when dealing with potential dog aggression. The burden of responsible pet ownership is upon the owner, not the animal.

Therefore, we respectfully ask that Denver cease and desist their policy of killing innocent pit bull dogs.

Additionally, in order to promote ethical and humane solutions that protect the lives of animals and people, we believe that some or all of the following suggestions be taken under serious advisement, and hopefully implemented by the people of Denver as quickly as possible:

· Number 1: Since it has already been determined that the ban is not unconstitutional, we request that the city of Denver legally reverse the ban. If reversing the ban is not possible, we ask that you make exemptions for living pets.

· Number 2: Shut down dog fighting rings. Dog fighters deliberately breed aggression into dogs, and frequently abandon unwanted dogs to the streets. Purging the city of this cruel blood sport would be an important first step.

· Number 3: Create and enforce stricter leash laws. Increase the punitive fines with which citizens who fail to curb their pets can be charged, and address dog aggression and attacks on a case-by-case basis.

· Number 4: Redirect the money spent on confiscating and killing innocent dogs into pro-active programs that promote humane and responsible pet ownership and training, as well as community dog bite prevention programs for children and adults.

It should not be supposed that because we oppose this ban, that we do not care equally about public safety and the effectiveness and necessity of responsible animal control. Protecting people and protecting animals can be mutually inclusive goals. By working together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of pets and people.

<3 Kitty

Good Pit Flash (unrelated to bans)

2005-08-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this site when we were first buying our pit bull and still into the research phase. It’s sad and has some graphic images that some may not care for but it is a good little flash. It does have sound so if at work, watch your volume. I came across it again today while out searching for more information. It isn’t related to the ban, but to pit bulls. So enjoy.

<3 Kitty

Commerce City, CO - you're next

2005-08-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

8/2/2005 - Article: Ruling delayed on pit bull ban by Jolie Breeden

"Commerce City residents expecting a final verdict on a proposed pit bull ban were disappointed Monday when the city council postponed a decision on the issue until Aug. 15 at the earliest."

"Because a public hearing is planned for Aug. 15, those who came to voice their opinion weren't allowed to speak at Monday's meeting."

<3 Kitty

Baby & Chopper :)

2005-08-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

8/2/2005 - Article: Denver's Dogged Outlaws by Nicholas Riccardi

"Roxxanne Vigil rushed home from a barbecue one recent Wednesday night to find her back door open and the fugitives she was hiding gone.Neighbors had called her cellphone, warning that the police were at her house in northwest Denver. The officers had left by the time Vigil returned, but they'd left a notice on the front door. The clock was ticking: She had seven days before the fugitives would be executed.

Vigil, 19, consulted her sister and mother. There was only one hope for the family dogs Baby and Chopper: the pit bull underground railroad, an elaborate rescue network that spirits condemned canines off death row."

"Even though the group adopted a staid name — Breed Awareness Not Discrimination — it has been tagged an underground railroad. In addition to rescues, the group, which numbers about 300, stages protests and circulates petitions against the ban, and has joined a lawsuit to overturn it."

"Indeed, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after conducting a 20-year study of dog attacks, concluded that laws targeting dog behavior, rather than outlawing breeds, were the best way to ensure public safety. The CDC study did find pit bulls and Rottweilers more likely to be involved in lethal attacks, but noted that that was probably because they were popular breeds."

"The dogs were implanted with microchips that would allow animal control to identify them as pit bulls that had already been detained. Baby and Chopper couldn't stay in town anymore. Their next home would be Mariah's Promise, a 43-acre dog refuge beneath Pike's Peak founded by Toni and Mike Phillips, who operate a sheet-metal business in Colorado Springs."

Not many quotes from this article because it is so good I encourage you to read the whole thing. It so great to see people actually getting their dogs to safe area but horrible to know that it has to be that way. And to those who are hiding you family, good luck to you. I honestly hope that the ban gets lifted and you and your dogs can go on with your life in a normal fashion.

<3 Kitty

Catbull owns!

2005-08-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

<3 Kitty

HTML, yeh uh WTF?

2005-08-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to add different link categories yesterday and also got some additional links up. Of course I don’t know why I am getting these extra spaces now (look over to the left) but I am hoping to work on that today.

<3 Kitty

Blah Blah Blah

2005-08-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

Title due to while in my searches, found this interesting chat site with mediocre to decent debate. IMO the site isn’t the easiest to navigate through though, but after fumbling around you can see some pretty good posts. Some of my favorite:

"...sometime, in your spare television watching time, turn to the National Geographic Channel's "The Dog Whisperer" and get back with me. While I agree that the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentine and Bull Terrier all have roots back to the "pit," they all can be socialized to behave properly--just as Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers or German Shepherd dogs used in police work will not attack unless ordered by their handler to attack."

Ouch = “When comparing Pitbulls with the Denver Police in the number of "accidental" killings of people, the DPD maintain a big lead."

Most of all, I love this post, "First of all, the media are beating this drum, and as you know they are not above twisting the facts or outright lying to support their agenda. There are plenty of cases where the media reported a dog attack as a "pit bull attack" - and it later turned out the dog was not a PB at all - in one case around here, it was a Lab mix. There's a case winding its way through the courts here where a Golden Retriever took off a child's face. It was first broadcast on the TV as a "pit bull attack" because the EMTs and police just assumed it "had" to be a pit bull from the damage.

Second, "pit bull" is not a breed but a type. There are a couple of registered breeds that are considered true to the "type" -- but I think you'll find that the registered dogs are not the problem.

Which leads us to: Third, the Denver law allows the confiscation of any dog that "looks like" a pit bull. Taken in conjunction with (2), that means that some yahoo (maybe an incompetent government employee, maybe a neighbor with a grudge against you) can just SAY that your dog "looks like a pit bull", take it away without compensation, and gas it.

Finally, the problem is not the dogs but the owners. The gangsta types that want a "mean dog" had German Shepherds a long time ago (of course then they were just mean country boys). Then it was Dobermanns, then Rottweilers. Now it's "pit bulls". If PBs are banned, the gangstas will simply breed another type of dog for meanness and mistreat them until they attack.

I'm sure you're well intentioned, but you're falling for the media line and you haven't thought the problems through. It's actually the same sort of thinking that brought us gun control -- distract from the real problem (bad people) by whipping up hysteria about property used by the bad people, because it's so much easier to take property away from the law abiding people than it is to prosecute the criminals (who shoot back). (They never get around to taking the property in question away from the bad people though -- just the law-abiding.)"

<3 Kitty

Ban Boigon!

2005-07-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

6/17/2005 – Article: “Denver's pit bull ban roils owners” by Jeff Kass

“During a recent Sunday drive here, Sonya Dias had one thing on her mind: Get out of the city limits as quickly as possible without letting her cargo be seen. In the back of her Toyota RAV4, she was carrying Zena, a pit bull, whom she hoped to keep from city officials - and possible death.”

“Supporters are becoming increasingly vocal against the ban, signing petitions, staging a protest, and volunteering to drive dogs 100 miles away to an animal sanctuary in the south Colorado mountain town of Divide.”

"The problem is when you have a specific breed used for dog fighting and to protect drug premises," says Councilwoman Carol Boigon, "and they're trained to be rough."

“Even supporters of the ban, such as Councilwoman Boigon, say that the problem does not include all pit bulls. But they note that generations of breeding the animals to be fighters have imbued the dogs with unpredictable violent tendencies”

“The Humane Society of the United States opposes breed-specific bans such as Denver's because the organization says many factors, including how the dogs are treated, determines violence.”

"Breed is one part of what can go into whether a dog will bite," says spokeswoman Stephanie Shain, "but pulling out that one piece of five or six things just does not make sense."

“The misdemeanor penalty for owners harboring an illegal pit bull is a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail.”

Councilwoman Boigon contradicts herself in saying it isn’t all the dogs but then makes the general statement about violent tendencies to be in the breeding of them. You can tell she is definitely a politician. And way to stereotype the owners basically by saying these dogs are only used to protect drug premises and for fighting. Ignorance is amazing to me.

Thank you Human Society of the United States for using common sense. So many things determine whether an animal will be violent or not. Amazingly enough the same thing goes for people. Should we ban white males since the majority of serial killers are white males? Do a search on serial killers and what color and sex a majority of them are. Eh. Ok article IMO. Got to go home and snuggle with my killer (of dog snack).

<3 Kitty

Ban idiots at dog parks!

2005-07-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking baby dog (for fears of possible bans here in the future, I won’t use her name on this site) to PetsMart and then to the local dog park. Just wanted to share the experience.

PetsMart was wonderful; she picked out her toys that she wanted: heavy chewer bone and peanut butter flavored tennis balls (which she is still learning how to catch). We saw some other dogs and owners there. My Catbull (her nickname) found a little girl and befriended her there. She got petted, hugged and lots of attention.

Then off to the dog park for some positive interactions and hopes to dispel her hours upon hours of energy. Pulling up the dog park her little body began to shake with excitement (we have been there once before and I think she remembered). I kept her on a leash due to her not really listening the best when other dogs are around and not wanting to chase her for hours when I wanted to leave. But we went in, leash and all and greeted all kinds of dogs. Different breeds, colors, sizes, personalities. I am just amazed at how well she does around these other dogs.

And that is when I realized that in a way after listening to all this bad press and hateful people that even as a owner and lover of one, the dog hasn’t made me paranoid, all these people who run their mouths have!

Well we continue on with no issues what so ever. Not a raised fur, not a growl of any kind. Seeing Catbull drink from the creek with both front paws in it warmed my heart. And it was fabulous for me to talk to the other owners and see such loving reactions from them towards her. After about an hour or so of walking, watching, sniffing and such we were ready to leave.

This is when I came up behind a rather large older man who was talking to a younger couple who I had passed in walking Catbull around (I think they had what looked like a mastiff, who checked out Catbull and snorted with approval). Anyways the large man was in the process of telling this couple how in this park there are two breeds that he won’t let his dog near: “Pit bulls and Chows”. I could feel the hair on my neck stand up. I didn’t catch all the he said but it was along the lines of “no matter how nice they are….” and everything else he said fell on my deaf ears. After his rant he turned around and saw me and my precious Catbull. He looked at me, then her, then me. I don’t know if he got it or not. Her ears aren’t cropped; most think she is a boxer, laf. He ask me then, “What is she 6 months”? I said sharply “No, she is about a year and 2 months”, “Basically full grown”. He grunted out “Oh, she looks like a puppy”. That was about the extent of the conversation. It took everything in me not to make a tremendous ass out of my self and yell, scream, hiss and spit at this guy.

I have so many things I want to say to that guy. People like him plant the seed of fear in other’s heads about these dogs. I decided I will continue to take my exceptionally well behaved pit bull back to that particular park as much as possible. May even get her a shirt or bandana to wear that states, “I am friendly (or luvy) ask what I am”. I proudly tell people what kind of dog she is when they ask, this is all due to her being a good, well behaved, disciplined, social, loved and misjudged Pit Bull. I encourage all owners, who have a wonderful CatBull like mine to get out and beat the stereotype. There are people all over trying to give them a bad name; all we can do is prove them wrong.

Just wanted to share. And here is a recent pic to go with my story (at the top since I can't figure out how to get it down here, laf)

<3 Kitty

More to come on Monday

2005-07-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

I want to chat about Denvergov.org's link to the “Pit Bull Ordinance Information”.

<3 Kitty

260 Destroyed

2005-07-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

7/21/2005 - Article: "Denver Pit Bull Owners in a Panic Over Ban" by Megan McCloskey

Since May, more than 380 dogs have been impounded and at least 260 destroyed — an average of more than three a day.

Pit bull typically describes three kinds of dogs — the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. But Denver's ban applies to any dog that looks like a pit bull. The animal's actual behavior does not matter.

"If anyone says one dog is more likely to kill — unless there's a study out there that I haven't seen — that's not based on scientific data," said Julie Gilchrist, a doctor at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who researches dog bites.

The CDC, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States examined 20 years of dog-bite data and concluded that pit bulls and Rottweilers caused the most deaths.

But the researchers also noted that fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog-bite injuries and that the number of bites per breed simply seems to rise with their popularity.

Thanks to Mitch in MO for the link. Much appreciated. Also the pic isn't our dog, just one that came with the article.

<3 Kitty

Just wanted to share, our baby

2005-07-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is why. That's all.

<3 Kitty

Georgia > Colorado (well at least Denver)

2005-07-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

God I love the South for some things. Whoever claims them to be ignorant hasn’t seen the obvious common sense that Georgia has that Denver lacks. Below are some excerpts from the article and a link to it:

7/19/2005 - Article: "Proposed ban on pit bulls dropped" by Nancy Badertscher

"I'm thrilled today to hear breed-specific is going to be taken out of the bill," said Robin Wilson of the American Canine Foundation.

Keith G. Bates of Roswell, a dog show judge for 50 years, testified that "the problem is not with the sincere breeders of these dogs, but with the macho man who comes to you and says, 'I want to get me a mean dog.' "

He argued that banning pit bulls is not the right approach. "There are people who fight chickens, and nobody's suggesting we discontinue breeding chickens," Bates said.

7/20/2005 – Article: “Real men own roosters” by Tim Chitwood

Good news for all those dog owners outraged by a proposed statewide ban on pit bull dogs: The ban is off.

The legislator who proposed it promised during a public hearing Monday to instead strengthen laws targeting all kinds of dangerous dogs.

Breeders, owners and humane association advocates in Georgia rallied against the proposed ban here, arguing pit bulls are hard to identify and besides, the owner of any dog that attacks people ought to be held responsible.

Instead of pondering pit-bull bans, legislators should take these steps to help prevent dog attacks, Danese says:
• Strengthening penalties that hold owners responsible -- making them pay higher fines; making them buy permits to own dangerous dogs; having the dogs neutered, tagged and microchipped; and making owners take a course on responsible pet ownership.
• Euthanizing any dog that maims or kills without provocation.
• Making sure all dogs are neutered before they're adopted from animal shelters.
• Outlawing the practice of leaving dogs chained and unattended, which tends to make them aggressive.

What a wonderful article with good information. Again, Georgia 4TW!

<3 Kitty

I know, I am obviously horrible at updating

2005-07-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Still getting use to the “blog” thing. But to get back into the swing of things: it is so nice to see others out there with the same opinions of myself.

5/19/2005 - Article: "Actress Fights to Save Pit Bulls" by Unknown Author but found on Celebrity Justice

"When dogs attack, Blair says they unfairly bear the brunt of the blame. "It is not the breed, it is the deed, the deed of the owner," she told us. "Irresponsible ownership is the worst problem that we have in America for any dog or pet owner, and they're the ones we need to go after."

She added, "Because of fear in society, people sometimes create bad laws."

WTG Linda Blair, love what you said. But what have you done since then? :(

7/18/2005 – Article: “Pit bull owners protest Denver ban” by Paola Farer

Several dozen people held signs at Civic Center Park and attended a rally in front of the City and County building. They say breed-specific bans are unfair.

Supporters of the ban say there is plenty of anecdotal and scientific evidence to indicate pit bulls are more prone to violent behavior than many other dogs.

Next month, the Aurora city council will consider a proposed ban on the breed.

We asked 500-adults in the Denver area if they think pit bull bans are a good idea, or a bad idea.
60-percent said they're a good idea.
35-percent said they're a bad idea.
5-percent weren't sure.

Where the hell was this poll? Where was it hosted at? And if I am not mistaken doesn’t “anecdotal” mean: unreliable, sketchy or untrustworthy? In other words supporters of the ban are using sketchy information to back their claims that pit bulls are more prone to violent behavior? Maybe I am reading this wrong.

7/20/2005 – Article: “Moore Woman's Pit Bull Beaten To Death” by Unknown Author

A Moore woman says someone beat her 7-month-old pit bull puppy to death and she thinks it is an act of retaliation against owners of pit bulls.

Mickalene Thurman says the dog was taken from her back yard while she was away at church and she reported the dog stolen. The dog was found in the back yard the next day, beaten.

Police say they're investigating the case as a possible animal cruelty crime.

Not to totally speak with emotions leading but if this happened in Denver would they really be investigating? Just thoughts here.

<3 Kitty

Enjoy the silence.

2005-05-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe not. That guy never got back to me. System was down for most of the day so didn't get to do much for the site. Hopefully over the weekend, I can add something more of value.

<3 Kitty

Got a reply

2005-05-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

"Hello,Yes we are hard at work on this petition drive, thank youfor your response. There are a few things you can do tohelp. First, emailing the Denver City Council is veryeffective. They might ignore your opinion if you do notlive in the City of Denver, you can exclude thatinformation or not depending on how you want to go aboutit."

It then went on to list the city council's site information listed in the previous post.

"Also, if you are interested in petitioning, we have foundthe dog parks in Denver VERY responsive. We are going tobe at a festival in City Park on Sat. if you want to joinus."

I went ahead and shot off another e-mail in response: “If you can give me the details of where you all will be and what times, I will try and make it. Being I am in Colorado Springs, it is a distance by I may still come. Also I can post it on 2 of the boards I have to try and get the information out as well. We have a few pit owners that I know personally in Colorado Springs who may want to support this.” Hopefully I will get a response in good time with something more I can do.

Update to the site: some more positive pit bull links & a picture of our CatBull. <3

<3 Kitty

I so love the internet!

2005-05-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Found this:

"Reply to: raglankm@rocketmail.com
Date: 2005-05-11, 4:31PM MDT

Please help, Denver has implemented the pit bull ban. Pit bulls brought into the shelter are euthanized, owners have 7 days to find their dogs a home, otherwise they are put down. On the second offense the dogs are put down. Denver residents (and non-residents) must let the City Council know how they feel. The link for City Council information is http://www.denvergov.org/council_contact_list.asp If you are a denver resident please contact me to sign the pitition. My email is raglankm@rocketmail.com"

I sent this individual an e-mail today stating I am interested in signing and asked what I could do to assist him/her with what they are trying to do. Hopefully I will hear back soon.

Hopefully with the link they provided with the city council contact list I can start getting some e-mails typed up to send out. I of course will copy the letters here. For those who hate clicking links, I’m sorry that list is better viewed in their format. If you are writing in and want to share what you wrote, I am more then happy to put it on this site.

<3 Kitty

Welcome to America the land of the free

2005-05-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well that is unless you are a pit bull and living in Denver. Then of course, you are put to sleep. As we sit here reading (or typing) Denver pit bulls and those that even resemble the breed are being rounded up all to be put down.

I am located in Colorado. But for those of you who are not I want to link you to what is going on. I have a lot of links and even more opinions to go with them. I would love your positive feedback if you have it. I would love your e-mails. Any support is good for me.

Here are some great reads below. I will just quote some of my favorite parts:

4/22/2005 – Article: “Pit-bull aficionados criticize Denver ban” by April M. Washington

“Watson is one of 150 Denver residents who were sent a letter from Animal Control this week warning them that the city plans to resume its ban outlawing pit bulls within city limits on May 9, city officials said.

"It's just not right," Watson said. "I have a loving dog who loves kids and wouldn't hurt anyone. They need to look at each individual situation. It's not the animal. It's the owner.

"If I have to be put in jail, I'm going to do what I gotta do. Nautica hasn't done anything. He's just a pit bull," Watson said.”

“Animal rights activists from as far way as Australia are writing and accusing the city of Denver and the court of enacting knee-jerk legislation that discriminates against a specific breed of dog.”

“The canine foundation has an appeal pending in the Colorado Court of Appeals.”

5/11/2005 – Article: “Johnson: Pit-bull ban may reveal unwarranted prejudice” by Bill Johnson

“Yet here we have the city of Denver, newly sprung from legislative and judicial restraint, rounding up pits over the past couple of days and killing them like rats during The Plague.”

"Eighty percent all fatal attacks in the U.S. are caused by male dogs. I guess, given this, it would be prudent to now ban all breeds of male dogs." (I love this sarcasm)

"It should know there have been fatal attacks in the U.S. by Pomeranians, that half a dozen attacks that caused death or serious injuries were by cocker spaniels."

5/16/2005 – Article “Pit bull ban under scrutiny” by April M. Washington

“The city's apparent willingness to consider other options comes a week after Denver resumed enforcing its pit bull ban. The ban has been on the books for years, but the city had stopped enforcement while a state law superseding it was contested in court.”

“Denver sued to protect its ban after state lawmakers adopted a law last year prohibiting cities and counties from forbidding specific breeds.”

“Since May 9, animal control officers have confiscated about 26 pit bulls from homes in Denver.
The city sent out more than 250 letters earlier this month, warning pit bull owners to get their dogs out of the city.”

“The city has been flooded with hundreds of letters and e-mails demanding that Denver lift its ban. Locally, a group of pit bull owners is planning to stage a protest at the City Council meeting on May 23.” (If anyone has details on this, let me know!)

“About 410 pit bulls were impounded and killed in 2003, according to city figures.
Another 240 were returned to their owners. At the time, the city estimated there were 4,500 pit bulls being kept illegally.”

For those of us who love these dogs, this is horrifying. For those of you who own other bully breeds, take this as a warning. Once our precious pit bulls are gone, what makes you think your dog’s breed isn’t next? Why is it we can’t pick what dogs we want as our companions in our own house? Who are they to punish dogs that have never done an ounce of harm? They are killing dogs (even puppies) whose only wrong was being born the breed they are.

I think this is a good start for the first day.

<3 Kitty

Give me a day or two

2005-05-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

And I will have more to offer once I figure out how to work this site better. Testing things out and trying to create is proving to be difficult, especially when trying to do other things at the same time.

<3 Kitty