Ypsilanti Township makes pit bull spay/neuter ordinance permanent
The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees approved an extension of an ordinance that requires residents to spay or neuter their pit bulls.
Officials approved the ordinance in October 2010 with a two-year sunset clause that would allow officials to assess its effectiveness before extending it.
The board unanimously approved the extension Monday, making the ordinance permanent.
Residents who violate the law face criminal misdemeanor charges punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail.
Officials said the ordinance is an attempt to reduce the number of pit bulls euthanized and control the breed's population. So far, more than 700 pit bulls have been sterilized for free through a grant awarded to the HSHV from PetSmart, and the program has enough funds left to sterilize another 150.
Ypsilanti Township accounted for nearly 50 percent of the shelter’s pit bull intake, while 11.2 percent came from the City of Ypsilanti and 7.4 percent from Ann Arbor.
In 2011, as the law went into effect, 237 pit bulls were brought into the Humane Society. That number has dropped to 113 through the end of October and is projected to rise to 135 by the end of the year.
Euthanasia of pit bulls dropped from a peak of 139 dogs in 2009 to 103 in 2011 and 56 through the end of October. Officials are projecting putting down 58 pit bulls total in 2012.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” Mike Radzik, director of the office of community standards, said.
Jenny Paillon, director of operations at the HSHV, thanked the board for being progressive with the ordinance.
“We’re very, very happy with the results and we want to see it continue,” she said. “We love this breed and we don’t to euthanize them anymore.”
Trustee Mike Martin was the lone vote against the ordinance in 2010, but he supported it this time. He said last month that he thought the ordinance was effective, but added that he wanted to see a more comprehensive spay and neuter program for all animals in the township.
Comments
Larry Cor
Thu, Jan 17, 2013 : 6:59 p.m.
I'm very much against the usual 'breed specific legislation' but this law is a good idea. Shelters where I live , and I'm sure in MI too, are full to the brim with pit bull/mixes. Cutting down on the number bred is not denying one of these dogs to anyone who wants one. Whereas, taking away loving family pets, which have caused no trouble, because somebody defines them as 'a pit bull' is a violation of human *and* animal rights. We love our 'might be a pit bull' (there's no fixed definition, American Pit Bull Terriers are not the only extremely strong and potentially dog aggressive breed that can be mis-trained or mis-bred to be dangerous to people, so it's not really even relevant if the exact breed is APBT, and you can't tell anyway just by looking at the dog), but there are obviously too many. If you want one, and I highly recommend a neutered male or female with American Temperament Testing Society certificate, go to your local shelter. You'll end up with a super dog: sweet, loyal and no threat to anyone.
grimmk
Wed, Jan 16, 2013 : 6:15 a.m.
Awww, did you have to use a picture of a poor dog with horribly cropped ears? Such an appalling thing to do to any animal.
stevek
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 10:30 p.m.
A better idea would be to spay/neuter the owners.
mady
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 8:54 p.m.
@youcan'tbeserious, very well said, I am behind you 110%. Blame the Deed, NOT the breed!!
Jaloney
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.
More proof that BSL WORKS. It is a win, win, win. Areas with well known bans that have been in place for decades are correlated with much more stable property values, even during the housing crisis! People don't want to move out of areas that have the safety of bans, but they do want to move in. The bans are much more humane for the breed, and the attacks on humans and pets that are life threatening or life ending stop. The financial costs to tax payers to house, euthanize, and control pitbulls go down a lot over time, too making BSL a much more responsible decision that is respectful of tax payers. It is great that leaders don't listen to the out of area pitbull groups that flood towns with emails, calls, letters and emails from people all over the world that don't live in the area or pay taxes. Of course reality t.v. still has some "celebraties" willing to peddle the dogs on t.v. but we have to remember that celebreties are paid and they continued to peddle tobacco as cool and safe on television until the government made it illegal. There will always be those who will sell anything for a buck, and it is wealthy dog fighters that promote the pitbull fad as it makes it difficult for police to see dog fighting activity with pitbulls everywhere. Oh, yeah another plus: Gang related violence goes down in areas with pitbull bans. Pitbull bans are good for the greater good of all.
Jack
Wed, Jan 16, 2013 : 5:38 a.m.
I just knew those pitbulls were a bad influence on gangs. It's probably those foreign pitbulls and those out-of-state celebrity pitbulls who exert the most negative influence. In fact, I bet those gang people are just regular joes. It's those darn demon pitbulls that are at fault. Those guys probably wouldn't think smoking was cool either if not for those dogs.
Youcan'tbeserious
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
This doesn't proven that BSL works. It proves that spaying and neutering animals/responsible pet ownership decreases the number of animals in shelters. You don't provide an ounce of data to prove that gang violence decreases with any form of BSL.
RuralMom
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 8:53 p.m.
Its not a win win nor proof that BSL works! Its said that common sense has to be regulated to begin with. Oh and in my rural neck of the woods, we don't have gang violence, we have hunters. We don't have dog fights, however us neighbors get together to let a mass of Pitt Bulls play together in each others yards. It shouldn't be driven at all by breed, if it applies to ONE type of dog or animal, it should apply to all. If these were humans we were talking about, you wouldn't be so cavalier in your stance.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.
I am glad that this policy reduced the number of dogs euthanized. Because of that, I support the ordinance although the breed specific portion of it rubs me the wrong way. I would prefer the ordinance be applied to all dogs.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Jan 16, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
I don't think there is any danger of a puppy shortage from one township passing an ordinance like this. The whole point is to discourage back yard breeders. If someone wants to legitimately breed dogs, they can appeal to the township to make an exception.
flyonthewall
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
Or police dogs or search and rescue dogs or drug sniffing dogs at airports and borders or herding dogs on farms and on and on and on.
dogman32
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 9:17 p.m.
And if that were to happen where would your grandchild get a puppy?
justthings
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
Good move on Ypsi Twp, maybe if the city of Ypsilanti, would follow suit we would have a large area covered by this ordinance.
dotdash
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
Having a dog or two and raising them to be a responsible members of your family is one thing; breeding dogs is a completely different enterprise and should be regulated as such.
Lisbeth
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
It's absolutely wonderful that yet another town has decided to protect its real constituency rather than pandering to a small but very entitled (and often sociopathic) minority that just must have its killer dog. And then this: @ "Euthanasia of pit bulls dropped from a peak of 139 dogs in 2009 to 103 in 2011 and 56 through the end of October. Officials are projecting putting down 58 pit bulls total in 2012." Everywhere pit bull type dogs are banned or severely restricted, the numbers of pit bulls that are killed in shelters because no one wants them -- not even the fans -- drops truly dramatically. BSL good for all living creatures, including pit bulls themselves. The fact that pit bull 'lovers' object to BSL only proves that they are egotists who care, in fact, nothing about the pit bull dogs themselves. The pit fans are fighting a consumerist entitlement battle, over the dead bodies not only of our children and normal animals, but even of the killer dogs they claim to love so much. Thank you Ypsilanti for this decision that is humane on all sides. Let the entitled pit bull consumers have their temper tantrum. It'll pass, as all tantrums, if you ignore it. Thank you.
harry b
Mon, Jan 21, 2013 : 6:05 p.m.
YouCant be serious.... Here is a link of dog bites in the us. http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-study-dog-attacks-and-maimings-merritt-clifton.php There were 5600 dog bites in the US. (You have to go to the summary). Of these 69% were from pit bulls. I am not sure how you did not come accross this in you detailed search. I have no idea where you get 38 dog bites in the US in 2012. 38 dog bites in 2012?!?!?!?!
Youcan'tbeserious
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 6:42 p.m.
Actually harry b you can't. Because there weren't 100 cases in 2012. There were 38. And as for last year, there was a lab attack on April 23, June 11, and Oct. 16. And many more. In the nicest way possible, quit talking out your butt and actually do a little research. Have there been attacks involving pits? Yes. Only pits? No. ANY DOG can bite. Pits are one of the most mistreated, misrepresented and maligned breeds in history. People did that. People are responsible so it is people that should try and educate themselves and fix the problem instead of thinking that killing and entire breed is the answer.
harry b
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
When the last time you heard of a lab mauling someone or a irish setter killing a baby? I can give you over 100 examples of pit bulls killing people just last year. They are very dangerous animals.
Youcan'tbeserious
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
Lisbeth, You act as if all pitbull lovers are against a spay/neuter ordinance. Just the opposite, most of the people I work with want to see spay/neuter programs so that we don't have overpopulation of animals that aren't being cared for. But we don't want that just for pits, we want it for all dogs so that daily euthanizing isn't necessary. The problem that we have is that BSL is not an answer. It demonizes a living creature based on physical traits and not actual behavior. If you were to replace pitbull with the name of an ethic group it would start to sound a lot like Nazi propaganda. Dogs may not be people but they are living creatures and to think that you should just blanketly kill them states more about your character than it ever will about any dog. This isn't a tantrum - it is a reasonable response to complete lack of humanity which has nothing to do with you being a human.
Youcan'tbeserious
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
First, a pit bull is a terrier. A terrier is a working dog. A working dog is a task driven dog that has been bred over time to obey the command of its Alpha. That is why they make excellent pets for a responsible owner. They are driven to please. Working breeds need to have daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without these things ANY dog can become problematic. But the dog isn't the problem the owner is. Often dogs are acquired because of a look and the owner has little to no education on what kind of requirements it takes to maintain a healthy dog. By the way, there is no such thing as a locking jaw that is pure folklore. Pitbulls have the same PSI bite as any other dog with an analogous skull structure. That is science folks. You can try and spin it with the story that someone told you about someone else's experience but a fact is a fact. Another fact is that when looking specifically at breed documented bites the pit doesn't make the top five. In fact, the top five consists of all breeds under 40 lbs. But they can't be dangerous right? Except for in November an elderly woman was taken to the hospital in serious condition due to being mauled by some Boston Terriers. I guess we better start banning them too. The media is to blame for a lot of the pitbull hysteria. The if adage of "If it bleeds it leads" has given rise to a sensationalized type of news reporting. Often dogs labeled pitbulls aren't even a true pit. The problem being that any short, smooth coat dog with a square head structure is thought to be a pit. http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html I have been a dog rescuer for a decade and have first hand experience with many breeds. A pit can be a wonderful dog for a person or family who have the desire to PROPERLY care for a dog. But not everyone should have one. Just like not everyone should be a parent.
Youcan'tbeserious
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 6:39 p.m.
Actually harry b you can't. Because there weren't 100 cases in 2012. There were 38. And as for last year, there was a lab attack on April 23, June 11, and Oct. 16. And many more. In the nicest way possible, quit talking out your butt and actually do a little research. Have there been attacks involving pits? Yes. Only pits? No. ANY DOG can bite. Pits are one of the most mistreated, misrepresented and maligned breeds in history. People did that. People are responsible so it is people that should try and educate themselves and fix the problem instead of thinking that killing and entire breed is the answer.
PattyinYpsi
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 3 p.m.
It would be nice if people posting comments would educate themselves before posting the kind of misinformation that has been posted here. First, the reason you normally don't find many purebred dogs in shelters is that the hundreds of national and breed rescue groups pull these dogs from the shelters, many of which work closely with breed rescue to ensure that these dogs will go to foster homes, rather than be euthanized in the shelter. WIth the exception of the rare breeds, there are rescue groups for every breed that exists. Most breed rescues do not list on petfinder.com. Second, the AKC has been proved--by NBC News, PBS, and many print media--to be a complete fraud. AKC has registered nonexistent dogs, dead dogs, and litters of kittens. You send in the form, you send the check, and you receive your AKC registration, which means exactly nothing. An AKC registration guarantees nothing in terms of health or good breeding. And AKC registers most of the dogs bred in puppy mills in the US. Third, if you buy a dog at a pet store, the chances are close to 100% that the puppy came from a puppy mill. Undercover investigations have found this to be true for puppies sold in even the priciest pet stores. I was the cofounder of a national breed rescue group that has placed literally thousands of abandoned, abused, and unwanted purebred dachshunds, and that rescue group was one of half a dozen national dachshund rescue groups. If you want a purebred dog, there are thousands of them in breed rescue groups awaiting homes. Do a little research. And don't fall for the AKC lies.
flyonthewall
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 7 p.m.
Sounds like Patty's a hater. Must've had a bad experience with AKC.
dogman32
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
It goes back to the second posting on this article at 6:22 a.m. in which the writer, Kathryn, states that she would like to see a limitation on breeders of all breeds because the shelters are too full. Drop to the replies and you'll see, Harry.
harry b
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
Good information but I dont see any other posts saying the opposite. What does this have to do with pit bulls?
dogman32
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
The AKC registered over 500,000 dogs in 2011. With that many entries it's logical that some may fall between the cracks. As you say, Patty, don't rely on just an AKC designation to expect that you are getting a healthy dog. All the more reason to demand to see Certification #'s from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals that will validate what health clearances the pup's parents have had. Yes, shelters play an important in keeping purebred dogs from being euthenized. That's why I suggested it. I recently assisted in getting one of our breed from a shelter in Ohio to its foster home. There have already been several inquiries from families wanting to give this adult a forever home. Closer to home our state Rescue brought a family of four siblings from our breed up from Georgia and all were placed in permanent homes very shortly after they received the necessary medical treatment they required. That included one who had a serious heartworm issue who was successfully treated.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 3:41 p.m.
Sorry Patty; Not buying it. A search on Michigan German Shepard rescue end up ultimately putting you back at pet finder.com where you have a choice of mixed and/or unknown breeds that may or may not be a German Shepard. Maybe other breeds are different, but that is my experience. FWIW, I would never consider getting a dog from a pet store either. I would get a number of breeder recommendations from a local "club" affiliated with the breed I am interested in and go from there, interviewing the breeders etc. When I get a dog, I'm making a 10 - 14 year commitment to that animal, to take care of it, pay for problems etc. I don't want to roll the dice with that. I applaud people who are willing to take a chance, I'm just not one of them.
Barkey
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
Excellent news! An ordinance that has benefited many people and Pits. @buvda fray, it's probably a good thing you don't volunteer there anymore. Lumping all Pits together as dangerous is not a fair statement. The only other option based on your statement would be to kill each and every Pit puppy and dog that comes through the shelter doors. I can't imagine who in their right mind would want that kind of job. HSHV volunteers and staff have done a great job educating the public and working with dogs that need socialization help. You could always become a 'generous donor' to MHS who kills 75% of their animals, mostly Pits.
harry b
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
I'll never understand why anyone would want to own a pit bull. All dogs bite but no other dog clamps on like a pit bull does. They methodically moved there bite up until they reach the neck for the kill. That what is inbred into this breed. Also the stigma that goes along with owning a pit bull. Generally pit bull owner live if very rough urban areas. So many people look down on pit bull owners as if they were a lower class.
Youcan'tbeserious
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
oh harry I bet you date a French model too. You met her on the internet. And they can't put anything that isn't true on the internet.
JC
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
Wow non-biased source???? I dont think so, a lobbying group is far from unbiased... I've never understood why so many people have to force their views on others... You think this breed is dangerous, fine! Don't own one then. I think guns are dangerous and I dont own one, but I don't refuse to visit my friends who do, or think that they are urban low-lifes or rednecks for owning one. The uneducated hateful rhetoric you and other people spew on a regular basis is whats making this whole world go down... So congratulations everyone on the internets knows you hate pits along with the other pit haters. Just stop trying to disguise your irrational fears as some public service...
RuralMom
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 4:58 p.m.
Try again Harry B "http://www.dogwatch.net/myths/lock_jaw.html" Its all a myth! If you don't know animals, dogs, or the breed, simply don't own one! Mine have never bitten anyone, you are more likely to be drown in their saliva from the vigorous greetings you get from them. Quit lumping all dogs under ONE type. Which by the way NUMEROUS breeds are considered Pit Bulls and they are NOT!~
harry b
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
Jack You comment is dangerous and wrong. Here is a except from a non bias web site. "Through selective breeding, pit bulls have developed enormous jaw strength, as well as a ruinous "hold and shake" bite style, designed to inflict the maximum damage possible on their victims. This bite trait delivered winning results in the fighting pit. When the Colorado Supreme Court upheld the Denver pit bull ban in 2005, the high court set aside characteristics that pit bulls displayed when they attack that differ from all other dog breeds. One of these characteristics was their lethal bite. http://www.dogsbite.org/dangerous-dogs-pit-bull-faq.php
Jack
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
@harry b: The only thing that is bull in your statement is your belief that the "no other dog clamps on like a pit bull does." It's simply not true. Urban myth.
harry b
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 3:48 p.m.
Barkey I dont doubt your dog is a nice dog but what you fail to realize is ALL dogs bite. Whether they are teased, poked with a stick, someone hurts them or many other reasons. If your springer bites it will hurt, possible cause stitches. But it has very low chance of killing someone. If your pit bull bites it has a good potential to kill. They are bred to kill what attacks or hurts them. I would never let my child around anybody's pit bull the same as if someone owned a tiger or a lion. They are extremely dangerous animals when provoked. Good luck I hope your dog never bites anyone.
Barkey
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 3 p.m.
I never thought I would own a pit, but I do. I live in Ann Arbor and our pit is the happiest, most friendliest dog around. She loves her Springer Spaniel brother and her sister cats. She lets our kids and the neighbor kids climb all over her. Our neighbor walks our dogs every day and people don't freak out. This has confirmed to me that these dogs, as a whole are truly misunderstood. Yes, there are dogs that will never be friendly or social. But there are dogs like mine who is a total clown. Our pit is our greatest source of laughter every single day. All I can say, is don't judge them all by what you see in the news.
golfer
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
ann arbor next?
arborani
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
Fine with me.
arborani
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
Oops. PotentialLY.
arborani
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
Oops again. Belongs in a different thread. Must...get ...coffee...
Billy
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
99.99% of people who breed dogs casually....shouldn't be breeding dogs EVER... I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with this ordinance except maybe too lax of a fine.
whojix
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
Just ban them already, they're a violent and dangerous breed that don't have a place in civilized society
harry b
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:38 p.m.
I agree. Its no different than owning a wolf or a bob cat. They are just too dangerous.
buvda fray
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 1:21 p.m.
Humane Society is quoted as saying "We love this breed ..." with regard to pit bulls. Because of that, I refuse to support them. At one time I was a regular volunteer and generous contributor, back when I didn't have as much to give. Their fascination with big puppy dog eyes has overridden their ability to see pit bulls for what they are: unpredictable. So unpredictable that most people with substantial I.Q. wouldn't let pit bulls into their lives. I have heard about it being the owner, the situation, the upbringing, etc. I am sure that is precisely why the quote we read under all-too-often headlines continues to be "it was the sweetest dog ever until today. I don't know what happened. I never expected it to {attack, kill, mame, destroy, etc}..." Of course the buster foundation folks think someone like me must be uneducated and unteachable. I get that. I just don't see any reason to put more families at risk by encouraging this unpredictable breed. Pit bulls haven't ever attacked me or my family yet. But I am armed at all times because they live in my neighborhood and people walk them in public places, thinking they can control them. I have seen them get away from big, strong men when they want to. They are really, really powerful animals. So, cheers to any policy that decreases the population. Anyone willing to put a statewide ban on the ballot should make the effort publicly known. I would write a big check in support.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
Dogs are unpredictable, it is true. So are people. The truth is that most pit bulls and most people are perfectly trustworthy. Banning pit bulls because some might cause harm makes as much sense as banning people because some people might cause harm (and frankly, people can do much more damage than a dog and they do). It sounds terribly lonely to push so many loving beings out of our lives because a very small minority of them might cause damage.
Jack Gladney
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.
There needs to be a national ban on these assault dogs. No one needs a dog that can exert 350 lbs psi with its jaw to hunt a fox. Ban them outright, I say. If just one life is saved, as Joe Biden says, it will be worth it. And before anyone chimes in about pit bulls and equal protection, I say to hell with the 14th amendment.
Jaloney
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 8:15 p.m.
DEFINATELY.. Over 20 children were killed by pitbulls last year in the USA and the last one killed in Kansas, a 2 yr old, was killed just hours before the Sandy Elementary shootings. No president visits the family. Noone out pouring of support for the family that lost a child right before Christms. The child's horrifically painful death is not even covered by the national news. It is a national disgrace when politicans keep listening to the world wide pitbull groupies that are well organized online and funded by wealthy dog fighters.. They do not represent locals. We don't need Iran making USA laws, we don't need the US government listening to internet teens and god knows who else from everywhere on the planet with their Facebook groups and internet campaigns. They need to listen to the voters, and organizations like PETA that support banning the breed to protect human animals and the dogs from humans. Animal Rescue is an unregulated scam to make money and not pay taxes. ASPCA the one with the late night t.v ads and sad music showing sad, chained, wet dogs, was investigated by CNN. They took in over 14 million and spent less than 60 thousand on PETS! What a racket.
Billy
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:16 p.m.
Bro......350lbs is at the absolute top of the scale if not OFF the scale for APBTs...and Rott's are stronger than that.....you want to ban Rotts too? I had a Green Wing Macaw....they bite just about as hard....you want to ban those? Using bite pressure to justify a dog ban is just plain derp...
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
"but added that he wanted to see a more comprehensive spay and neuter program for all animals in the township." First they came for the PIt Bulls, and I didn't speak out because I don't have a Pit Bull. Then they came for the Dobermans, and I didn't speak out because I don't have a Doberman. Then they came for the Rottweilers, and I didn't speak out because I don't have a Rottweiler. Then they came for the German Shepherds, and I didn't speak out because I don't have a German Shepherd. Then they came for the Bird Dogs, and I didn't speak out because I don't have a bird dog. Then they came for my dog, and there was no one left to speak for me.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 8:33 p.m.
Before you get too butt-hurt, do some research, Jolony: "The breeds currently on this list include Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepards, Bullmastiffs, and Alaskan Malamutes. However the ordinance clearly defines that any dog with a tendency to cause injury or endanger safety is also considered to be a dangerous dog. Some people still feel that those breeds are being singled out." THIS IS IN SAGINAW, MI http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=631983#.UPW8gyf05KA So, now please tell us about "getting wise to scare tactics". I'll wait for an apology.
Jaloney
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 8:09 p.m.
Oh so you take the poem that applied to the Jewish Holocaust and try to reword it for pitbulls. Only one problem with your fear tatics: They never came for all those other breeds because those other breeds do not kill, maime, mutilate and dismember people at any rate near the rate that pitbulls have for the past two decades. This is well known scare tatic to try to scare people away from BSL but you can go around the country and see that governments are restricting bans to Pitbulls because pitbulls cause the most serious injuries and death and are overbred the most. Mortality, Mauling and Maiming by Vicious Dogs, Annals of Surgery, April 2011 found that you have a more than 2500 times higher chance of dying if attacked by a pitbull than if you are attacked by a Labador Retriever. The next most dangerous dog is the Rottweiler and pitbulls still give you a more than 2100 times higher chance of dyng if attacked by a Pitbull compared to a Rottweiler...People are getting wise to the scare tatics. In fact dog experts at www.dogsbite.org have covered this LIE and scare tatic that BSL will be extended to other breeds..
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
@arbormi: My dog's breath is roughly the same whichever end is speaking.
arborani
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
Eye: Your dog could still speak for you - it's the other end that's involved . . .
Brad
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Doggie eugenics! Oh, the humanity!
KathrynHahn
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
This breed of dog is being bred for all the wrong reasons when there are so many that need good homes (with good humans that want them for the "right" reasons). A good move, although I'd like to see breeders of all breeds put on some sort of limit. Shelters too full these days! Pits make great loyal family pets when paired with the right people!
arborani
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Oops. PotentialLY.
arborani
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
HSHV always has a serious number of pit mixes - usually with terriers. Most of them *look* much like pits, and perhaps, sadly, people are put off from adopting potential great dogs . Of course, HSHV neuters *all* adoptable pets - not a total solution, but a good start.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 2:17 p.m.
I think we have come to a violent agreement here dogman. FWIW, I am not currently in the business of finding a new dog. My current one keeps me quite a bit busier (and poorer) than I had envisioned. But, as they say, the joys of dog ownership. Sometimes I think they are more work than kids.
dogman32
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
Actually, Eye, she said, "although I'd like to see breeders of all breeds put on some sort of limit. Shelters too full these days!" When I read "all breeds" I can come to no other conclusion than what is implied is all purebred dogs. In your case may I suggest a German Shepherd Dog Rescue might hold what you're looking for. That would accomplish two goals-get a forever home for a worthy dog and provide you with a loyal companion. Many dogs are going into Rescue these days for reasons not of their making such as the owners losing their homes, etc. Alternatively, regional and national organizations (AKC and UKC) offer breeder referral guides listed by state and make it a requirement that the breeders they list have signed the Breeder Code of Ethics. If you want a purebred dog the obvious choice is to go to a reputable breeder. You can go to one of the many dog shows held in the area (DKC at Cobo Hall the first weekend of March), search out your breed of choice and strike up a conversation with the owner. Many times they will have a planned breeding or know of someone who either has puppies available or an upcoming breeding. When you purchase an AKC registered puppy you are assured that the parents have had numerous health clearances-eyes, hips, elbows, thyroid, cardiac and more. If a breeder can't provide you with OFA certification numbers, go elsewhere. I hope you find the one you're looking for.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
@dogman32; She didn't say purebred, just dog. But you are correct, there really are not purebred dogs available, and if they are then they cost as much as puppies with known backgrounds from a breeder. For instance, if you go to the Huron Valley Humane society, there are 2 purebreds. A Chihuahua and a Dachshund, neither of which interests me in the least. If I search for a German Shepard, at Petfinder.com, I can get all kind of hits, but when you look into it, you find out they are all in reality unknown and/or mixed that kind of sort of look like they might be a German Shepard, and (oh by the way), they are at least $300 + a home visit.
dogman32
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
Do you really think the shelters are full of purebred dogs? My guess (yes it's a guess) is that the vast majority are mixed breeds. Those whelpings are caused by the owners allowing their dogs to run loose and doing what they do naturally. Don't penalize the dog. Penalize the owner! Mandatory spay/neuter had been tried in many communities larger than Ypsi Twp and has shown it's no panacea. Owner education is where it should start.
jondhall
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 11:10 a.m.
This program is an obvious success for all the residents of the township. I like the idea of being proactive , if things continued before the ordinance the population could of gone out of control. I'm sure the dogs would agree its better to prevent a dog than to kill a dog. Great ordinance !
Jaloney
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 8:16 p.m.
They need to move to a total ban. Over 20 children were killed by pitbulls last year in the USA and the last one killed in Kansas, a 2 yr old, was killed just hours before the Sandy Elementary shootings. No president visits the family. Noone out pouring of support for the family that lost a child right before Christms. The child's horrifically painful death is not even covered by the national news. It is a national disgrace when politicans keep listening to the world wide pitbull groupies that are well organized online and funded by wealthy dog fighters.. They do not represent locals. We don't need Iran making USA laws, we don't need the US government listening to internet teens and god knows who else from everywhere on the planet with their Facebook groups and internet campaigns. They need to listen to the voters, and organizations like PETA that support banning the breed to protect human animals and the dogs from humans. Animal Rescue is an unregulated scam to make money and not pay taxes. ASPCA the one with the late night t.v ads and sad music showing sad, chained, wet dogs, was investigated by CNN. They took in over 14 million and spent less than 60 thousand on PETS! What a racket.