Second Chance: Ban Breed Bans

21 Feb Second Chance: Ban Breed Bans

Breed bans have been a hot topic in this country for many years.  This approach of targeting specific dog breeds has not proven to be effective and has negatively impacted families who consider dogs of these breeds as family members (not to mention shelters that rescue them). An alternate approach is being championed by Representative Paul Rosenthal of Denver through the introduction of House Bill 1126.  This Colorado House bill seeks to prevent such bans on dogs of particular breed while encouraging responsible pet ownership.

Casper

We all want safe and humane communities for people and pets. The policies of homeowners’ associations that discriminate against dogs based solely on breed, size or weight do nothing to advance that goal. Instead, such policies often tear apart responsible, law-abiding families and overwhelm our state’s shelters with dogs that otherwise would be living in a loving home.

The bill presents as, “In the law governing common interest communities, the bill invalidates any covenant that prohibits the keeping of certain types of dogs based solely on a breed, weight, or size classification. Other regulations, such as the prevention of nuisance barking and requirements concerning the number of dogs per household and the disposal of waste, remain valid.”

Certain breeds are also being targeted by the insurance industry: Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, Chow, and Bull breeds are being discriminated against by homeowner insurers who are refusing coverage for those living with such breeds. As a result, many owners are being forced to give up vital members of their families. These dogs are winding up in shelters despite having no history or indication of aggression.

The breed bans driven by the insurance industry are only adding to the annual problem of three million pets euthanized in shelters. Opponents of the ban agree that there is no simple way to identify all the breeds that could pose a danger and that such a ban is a very simplistic reactions to a much more complicated problem.

The alternative, say opponents of breed bans, is to look at the dog, not the breed. 

Taking a more proactive approach as House Bill 1126 does and going even further by promoting proper training, socialization, and health of dogs is a far greater solution. Take action now to encourage your senator and representative to support House Bill 1126 and suggest their colleagues on the House Local Government Committee to do the same.

My name is Casper. I am nine-month-young handsome boy. Yes I was born in the body of a Pitbull, but I feel I deserve the same chance as any other dog to show you how sweet, gentle and loving I am and how well I get along with other dogs. 

I also was born deaf, but it does not keep me from being a fun and happy boy. And to counter the challenge of being deaf, I am quickly learning hand signals. I am excited to meet the special person who will embrace my special self.

For those looking for a super low maintenance (and boring in my opinion) feline, you should come and meet Fluff. 

Fluff is the same age as me, nine months, and similarly is very friendly and playful with people and other cats. Now that I think about it, Fluff is just like me except he is a cat and has full use of his ears – but otherwise we are twin souls…

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff with Cabella & Wilbur

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup or get your pup (or adult dog) trained than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org

Vetting the Vet: Dr. Michelle Dally, DVM, J.D. is Medical Director of Second Chance Humane Society. She also has a private practice, Dally Veterinary Medicine, 333 S. Elizabeth Street, Ridgway, Colorado. Her service area is  San Miguel Mesas, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose. For more on Dr. Dally, go here.

Michelle & Wallowby