Thursday, July 09, 2009
New WPBTCA Newsletter
The Working Pit Bull Terrier Club of America has revived its member newsletter. It looks great, and you can read it online at the WPBTCA site. Check it out!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
HSUS Press Release on the bust
And here's the HSUS release on the bust. Indicates that the dogs will be evaluated for placement with rescue groups.
Here We Go Again . . .
Another massive dog-fighting bust. They say they've seized 200 dogs. Wonder if they have made plans for how to handle all of those dogs, or if they'll put them all down and try to pin the blame on rescues not having room for them or some such.
Baltimore City Announces Animal Abuse Task Force
Today Mayor Sheila Dixon and Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld announced the formation of a Baltimore Animal Abuse Task Force. The announcement was made in response to a couple of pretty horrific incidents that took place here this summer. The first was the burning of a young pit bull on the streets of southwest Baltimore. The second was a dead cat found tied to a utility pole with ropes and chains, under whose head someone had lit firecrackers.
The goal of this task force, the city says, is to come up with best practices for preventing and prosecuting acts of cruelty against animals. They'll examine methods used in other cities, and they have one year to come up with a list of recommendations for preventing dog fighting, educting people about the connection between animal abuse and violence against human beings.
The goal of this task force, the city says, is to come up with best practices for preventing and prosecuting acts of cruelty against animals. They'll examine methods used in other cities, and they have one year to come up with a list of recommendations for preventing dog fighting, educting people about the connection between animal abuse and violence against human beings.
According to the press release, the members of the task force will include:
Sheryl Goldstein, Director of Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice,
Representative from the City Council President’s Office, City Council, State’s Attorney’s Office and the ASPCA,
Baltimore City Police Commissioner (or Designee),
Baltimore City Health Commissioner (or Designee),
Ms. Zoe Michal, Mayor’s Office,
Jennifer Mead, Executive Director of BARCS,
Aileen Gabbey, Executive Director of the MD SPCA,
Bob Anderson, Director of Baltimore City Animal Control,
And, two Baltimore City residents
Sunday, July 05, 2009
HSUS "town hall" meeting in DC
As I think I've made clear before, I am not a fan of HSUS. Or Wayne Pacelle. But I wonder if it would be worth it to go to this and attempt to ask some questions the organization's plans for dealing with the American pit bull terrier "issue" after that mysterious summit they held in Las Vegas.
I'd love to know what the organization's specific strategy is for changing the rhetoric is uses when talking bout pit bulls. I'd like to know how, when they do their next dog-fighting bust, they'll ensure that there is appropriate money and resources to care for confiscated dogs so that they aren't a drain on the shelters that have to care for them while court cases drag on. I'd like to know, if they care so much to combat dog fighting, if they plan to implement more and new programs in every major metropolitan area in America to teach kids what they can do with their dogs besides dog fighting. I know there's a plan in Chicago, funded by HSUS for instance. I do know we don't have a good one here in Baltimore, where pit bulls make up more than 90 percent of dogs in the city shelter . . . oh well. Anyway. HSUS is coming to DC. If you have any good questions for them, it might be worth checking out and keeping the pressure on.
I'd love to know what the organization's specific strategy is for changing the rhetoric is uses when talking bout pit bulls. I'd like to know how, when they do their next dog-fighting bust, they'll ensure that there is appropriate money and resources to care for confiscated dogs so that they aren't a drain on the shelters that have to care for them while court cases drag on. I'd like to know, if they care so much to combat dog fighting, if they plan to implement more and new programs in every major metropolitan area in America to teach kids what they can do with their dogs besides dog fighting. I know there's a plan in Chicago, funded by HSUS for instance. I do know we don't have a good one here in Baltimore, where pit bulls make up more than 90 percent of dogs in the city shelter . . . oh well. Anyway. HSUS is coming to DC. If you have any good questions for them, it might be worth checking out and keeping the pressure on.
Friday, July 03, 2009
And this is what we are up against . . .
This is from Holland, not the U.S., but I think it does a good job illustrating the kind of mentality people who own pit bulls are up against.
The author believes that an increasing number of pit bulls on the street--whether they bite or not--means more dangerous dogs are on the streets.
She is also angry that people would like to see stronger animal-control laws that apply to all dogs.
How do you, as the owner of a pit bull, combat that kind of mindeset? I don't think that simple "education" is gonna cut it. Frustrating.
The author believes that an increasing number of pit bulls on the street--whether they bite or not--means more dangerous dogs are on the streets.
She is also angry that people would like to see stronger animal-control laws that apply to all dogs.
How do you, as the owner of a pit bull, combat that kind of mindeset? I don't think that simple "education" is gonna cut it. Frustrating.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Off Leash Hours in Baltimore City Parks?
So I read this story in the Baltimore Sun today.
Over the past few months, the city's leash laws have been a huge issue here. First, the City Council voted in favor of cracking down on violators, charging them $1,000 for having a dog running free in a non-designated off-leash area. After much complaining, they backed off on the bill and suspended the fines, pending further investigation.
Seems to me that the smartest thing to do would have been twofold: Investigate ways to create more dog parks in the city (we really have so few for the people who like them--maybe one or two?) and look at a tier system, by which people who are caught violating the law can be fined in a reasonable and fair way. Maybe $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and so on.
Instead, it sounds like they plan to just suspend leash laws in some city parks during designated "off leash" hours. Which I think is a horrid idea. The off-leash hours proposed in this story are 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.--basically any and all times people with day jobs might want to use a city park. Any time someone like me, who has a dog that hates to be molested by unruly off-leash dogs, might want to walk my dog peacefully in a city park. I love dogs--all dogs, not just my dogs. I understand that they need exercise and stimulation and time to just be dogs. But I don't think that unfenced areas in city parks, where the dogs are free to run up on people and other dogs that don't wish to share in the fun, are the right venue for that.
And by the way, one of the obedience classes I attend happens to take place in one of these city parks between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. So now, should this pass, we will have to contend with dogs illegally off leash during those hours, which may wander through and disrupt the class. Why can't the city just make it easier for citizens to band together, raise some funds, and create dog parks? nstead, from what I hear, people who try to do so get hit from all angles with obnoxious obstacles and red tape.
I am not a dog park person. I never go to dog parks, have no interest in taking my dogs to dog parks (especially not the pit bulls--no need to tempt fate there). But I would love it--LOVE IT--if the city would create more safe places for people to run their pet dogs where they aren't going to chase after people and dogs that are simply not appropriate for off-leash play. A dog park in every park, as far as I'm concerned, then fine the hell out of the violators. But that'll probably never happen--instead, we'll just make it legal to let your dog off leash during the busiest park hours. Smart.
Over the past few months, the city's leash laws have been a huge issue here. First, the City Council voted in favor of cracking down on violators, charging them $1,000 for having a dog running free in a non-designated off-leash area. After much complaining, they backed off on the bill and suspended the fines, pending further investigation.
Seems to me that the smartest thing to do would have been twofold: Investigate ways to create more dog parks in the city (we really have so few for the people who like them--maybe one or two?) and look at a tier system, by which people who are caught violating the law can be fined in a reasonable and fair way. Maybe $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and so on.
Instead, it sounds like they plan to just suspend leash laws in some city parks during designated "off leash" hours. Which I think is a horrid idea. The off-leash hours proposed in this story are 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.--basically any and all times people with day jobs might want to use a city park. Any time someone like me, who has a dog that hates to be molested by unruly off-leash dogs, might want to walk my dog peacefully in a city park. I love dogs--all dogs, not just my dogs. I understand that they need exercise and stimulation and time to just be dogs. But I don't think that unfenced areas in city parks, where the dogs are free to run up on people and other dogs that don't wish to share in the fun, are the right venue for that.
And by the way, one of the obedience classes I attend happens to take place in one of these city parks between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. So now, should this pass, we will have to contend with dogs illegally off leash during those hours, which may wander through and disrupt the class. Why can't the city just make it easier for citizens to band together, raise some funds, and create dog parks? nstead, from what I hear, people who try to do so get hit from all angles with obnoxious obstacles and red tape.
I am not a dog park person. I never go to dog parks, have no interest in taking my dogs to dog parks (especially not the pit bulls--no need to tempt fate there). But I would love it--LOVE IT--if the city would create more safe places for people to run their pet dogs where they aren't going to chase after people and dogs that are simply not appropriate for off-leash play. A dog park in every park, as far as I'm concerned, then fine the hell out of the violators. But that'll probably never happen--instead, we'll just make it legal to let your dog off leash during the busiest park hours. Smart.
Hometown Dog
Good dog, Grant, showing a small town in the middle of the country what a real pit bull is all about.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
WPBTCA Nationals
The Working Pit Bull Terrier Club of America is hosting its national championship in Flint, Mich. this year.
The event is going to be held Sept. 19-20, and as usual, there will be weight pull, agility, tracking, and protection events for dogs to compete it.
Novice or champion, it's an event that has a little something for everyone. I was lucky enough to attend the event a few years ago, when it was held in Fallston, Md., and Doc and I competed in weight pull and tracking. We didn't do so hot on the tracking, but Doc came in third place novice for weight pull. It was his first time ever pulling, and I was pretty proud of his willingness to give it his best shot for me.
I can't remember how much he pulled, but I do remember that the only reason we stopped was because I fouled us out by touching him before all four of his feet made it past the finish line--d'oh!--otherwise he would have kept on going.
If you're in or near Flint, Mich., it's definitely an event worth checking out.
More info on the WPBTCA site for those who are interested.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Do Pit Bulls Belong in Dog Sports?
Lately I keep coming across people who express the sentiment that pit bulls, as a breed, do not belong in dog sports where there is any element of off-leash work. In fact, I think this is the third time in a month I've discussed this with someone.
Due to the fact that these dogs were originally bred for blood sports--bull baiting, hog hunting, dog fighting--the tendency toward animal aggression is too high to trust them, ever, under any circumstances, to be off-leash if there's another dog anywhere nearby. Despite training. Despite an individual dog's specific temperament. I guess the feeling is that dog aggression in these dogs will trump all other traits and tendencies at some point in the dog's career.
Obviously, I disagree . . . I do, after all, train in a sport where my middle-of-the-road animal aggressive pit bull has to be off leash for obedience and protection. One thing about schutzhund that appeals to me over, say, formal UKC obedience or agility is that I know that many of the handlers of other dogs in this sport (of all breeds) have to deal with dog aggression and more, and that they take it seriously. That makes it much easier to feel comfortable training and going to trials . . . but anyway, I don't want to drone on about it.
If anyone's reading, would love to hear what others think about pit bulls competing in dog sports.
Due to the fact that these dogs were originally bred for blood sports--bull baiting, hog hunting, dog fighting--the tendency toward animal aggression is too high to trust them, ever, under any circumstances, to be off-leash if there's another dog anywhere nearby. Despite training. Despite an individual dog's specific temperament. I guess the feeling is that dog aggression in these dogs will trump all other traits and tendencies at some point in the dog's career.
Obviously, I disagree . . . I do, after all, train in a sport where my middle-of-the-road animal aggressive pit bull has to be off leash for obedience and protection. One thing about schutzhund that appeals to me over, say, formal UKC obedience or agility is that I know that many of the handlers of other dogs in this sport (of all breeds) have to deal with dog aggression and more, and that they take it seriously. That makes it much easier to feel comfortable training and going to trials . . . but anyway, I don't want to drone on about it.
If anyone's reading, would love to hear what others think about pit bulls competing in dog sports.
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