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Legislation 2001 - 2006

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Legislation 2001 - 2006
FATAL DOG ATTACKS updated 2006
Canine Behavior / Genetics
BSL FACT OR FALLACY ???
COURT LITIGATION OVER BSL / DENVER/ALABAMA/WASHINGTON
The American Pit Bull Terrier / Breeds targeted by BSL

In 2001~ 2003 A.C.F. members worked hard with responsible dog owners across the United States in a team effort to stop irresponsible dog ownwership and prevent laws that discriminate against dog ownership..

HB8 (2001) WAF assisted Representative Bobby Faucheux of Louisiana in revising HB-8 (click on bill to read letter)Glen Bui revised the California State dangerous dog law into a stronger law which was sent to Louisiana and used to revise HB-8. Glen Bui recieved a letter from Rep. Faucheux telling him thank you and advising WAF that the laws WAF sent him would be revised into HB8.

Santa Cruz (2001) WAF sent Leigh Schlosser of Powerhouse Kennel to Santa Cruz, Ca. to speak at the hearing to oppose guardianship for animals. There were four speakers opposing the ordinance and two supporting it- Defeated

SB 236 (2001) WAF recieved an e-mail from AKC asking us to assist in California. WAF made contact with the Senators that were to vote on the bill which would require permits to sell dogs and litters of puppies,etc. California representative Leigh Schlosser arranged a delievery of WAF's opposition to the Senate Committee on Good Friday the 13th. and had a large group ready to attend a hearing. WAF contacted dog food companies and other corporations to help oppose the bill. WAF recieved several phone calls from Senate Consultants asking us about Federal laws and other issues we brought up in our opposition letters. It was confirmed by several Senate consultants that SB236 infringed on peoples rights and W.A.F. recieved an e-mail from the Senate Committee's consultant stating she was recommending the bill be removed from the calendar because of concerns WAF's opposition raised. Strong opposition from local and national organizations and dog owners flooded California opposing the bill. SB236 was pulled from the calendar for this year.


HB839/SB2270 (2001) WAF 's opposition on these bills consisted of Nationwide opposition (e-mails,fax's and phone calls)until the last days of hearings. Kevin Barnett served 155 members of the House opposition in Talahassee. Kerrie and Laura served Senators in Broward Co. Lisa Barry arranged a TV segment on ch.6 in Orlando opposing the bills. Several Fax's from WAF reps.in Florida were sent along with many phone calls, WAF board members from Washington placed calls on a daily basis and fax's. WAF's chairman spoke with the Governors office several times were one aid owned an APBT. On the week of May 1st. 2001 the bills did not make the hearings. It is over for this year. Congrats to everyone and every organization that opposed the bills. Officially, HB839 ended March 13th 2001 when the bill was placed on the wrong calendar, WAF consultants addressed rule 5.6(b) with the legislators in Florida. WAF kept the opposition up to ensure Florida knows how the country feels about specific breed legislation. HB839 was a local bill from Broward County which attempted to by-pass the state law prohibiting BSL at the local level. W.A.F. will be posting the information on HB839 and when and how it was stopped on the WAF website 2002.

HB 216 (2001) WAF contacted Rep Richard Brewester of New Hampshire and we spoke to him several times. He gave us his word he would not move to pass HB216 at the upcoming hearing. We fowarded legislation to Rep. Brewester to solve the problems that prompted him to propose HB 216.

HB 567 (2001) WAF sent faxes to Maryland to all the delegates sponsoring HB-567. We Followed the bill and didn't expect it to pass.

Walla Walla, Wa Thanks to WAF member Shana Blumenberg on two days notice, Shana along with WAF consultants and the local Humane Society were able to convince the city council to adopt a new dangerous dog ordinance without being breed specific. WAF will assist the city with education on responsible ownership. (click to read newspaper articles) Union Bulletin 7-24-01 Union Bulletin 7-25-01

Pierce County Fair 2001 WAF members and the Northwest Pit Bull Terrier Club spent four days promoting responsible ownership and dog bite prevention. WAF used ASTs/APBTs for Obedience and Agility demonstrations. The NWPBT provided a Pit Bull drill team. The dogs also performed tricks and the crowds loved it!

Western Washington State Fair 2001 W.A.F. spent a day with a major dog food distributor helping responsible ownership.

Bremerton WA.(2001) WAF recieved a call for assistance regarding an APBT named Hercules that had been deliberately hit by a motor vehicle. The city seized Hercules and wanted to euthanize him, because after he was hit and provoked by citizens he bit a man trying to block the dog returning into his yard. WAF was able to rescue Hercules and has him in our custody. WAF is considering civil action against Bremerton for failing to prosecute the citizen driving the motor vehicle.

Jeff Harris (2001) Orange County Ca. - Mr Harris had his two APBT's seized. The recomendation from the county Humane shelter was to return the dogs. The counties legal council agreed. The director of the shelter because of political pressure ruled against the decision. Mr. Harris with the legal help from WAF appealed and won. The director of the shelter still refuses to release the APBT's and legal action is being taken against Orange County. (Mr Harris won in Jan 2002)


Red Oak Iowa (2001) Dorothy Herren who owns an AST asked for WAF's help. Sharon Coleman along with AKC and WAF attempted to assist Dorothy with resources to stop legislation for limit laws and a breed ban on the Wolf Hybrid. The legislation passed, however the owner of the Wolf-Hybrid is taking legal action against the city.

Los Angeles, CA (2001) Legislation attempting to repeal the state law preventing BSL at the local level is proposed by the city council of LA. WAF spoke to all members of the city council concerning the issue and provided the city with statitic's from LA Co. to help prevent a repeal.

Washington DC (2001) WAF sent Victor Chudowski (DC Dog Coalition) the revised "one strike" dangerous dog law allowing for courts to take away ownership privileges that has been used at the state level. Victor gave it to the DC Council. WAF is supporting Victor and will stand behind him offering any assistance needed.

Pontiac Mi. (2001) WAF assisted members with resources to stop Ordinance 2119, a breed ban on the APBT/AST that was passed without public notice. WAF arranged a protest with front page press and TV news coverage. Dr Al Stinson who has been very successful in Michigan with Legislation took time to attended the protest and addressed City Council on BSL. WAF recieved press coverage 5 times and was interviewed 2 times on WJR Detriot Radio. WAF reviewed incident reports from Pontiac Animal Control on dog bites. Press coverage on the truth behind the Ordinance told the facts to the citizens of the city. Several phone conversations and two meetings with the Mayor pressured the Mayor into making a public statement that the city would revise Ordinace 2119 into a non-breed specific law. Still pending is the outcome. Dr Stinson offered his help in June 2001, upon his request WAF in October at a city council meeting presented a letter to the city requesting they contact Dr. Stinson and Cindy Cooke from UKC. On 12-13-01 WAF filed civil action against Pontiac because inside sources told us they were going to stall it out as long as they could. We do know at one point in Pontiac that National Opposition was so strong the Mayor was extremly shook up and begged us to stop promising the ordinance would be repealed. In October we brought back national opposition and the Mayor wrote several letters back to APBT owners. WAF will focus on justice for passing illegal law in Pontiac.

Community Fest 2001 WAF members and members of the NWPBTC spent a day at the Western Washington Fairground Pavilion with 5 APBT's and 1 AST promoting responsible ownership. The School districts, Hospitals, City Governments, Red Cross, United Way, Boys and Girls Scouts of America, Animal Control, Humane Societies, Law enforcement, Fire districts and private business were all there to promote community safety in the Pudget Sound.

December 2001 Acomplishments: Major victory in LA : Jeff Harris won a long battle and the California Superior Court ruled in favor of the APBT WAF assisted with all the legal resources and support.

Pontiac Michigan: Civil action was taken 12-13-01 A 500,000,00 lawsuit was filed and a second one is one it's way concerning the illegal adoption of Ordinance 2119 and in the action Animal control officer Erin Stacks was named along with the the Animal Shelter and City Council. The city killed over 50 Pit bulls we know of for no reason. The city keeps stalling on the repeal of 2119 and now put it off until late January 2002.

Alabama; WAF has been working with an attorney and Loyce Fisher to stop a Supreme Court ruling on the Pit Bull being dangerous. Major victory at the Circit Court level 12-17-01, the court denied a stay of proceedings from the city, the Pit Bulls may go to the custody of the women fighting for them. Loyce is working hard and facing a heavy battle. She is doing this because she loves animals and has serious concern for the treatment of them at the Huntsville Shelter. She is funding this battle from her own pocket.

Garner North Carolina: WAF assisted and sent an Affidavit by Glen Bui on the APBT and Canine Behavior that's been used in Washington and California Superior Courts to save Pit bulls. BSL was stopped there 12-18-01 thanks to several that opposed the ordinance.

Bremerton Wa. Hercules who WAF rescued months ago(the APBT that was mobbed and hit by a car) caused serious concern to WAF regarding the actions of law enforcement. WAF sued Bremerton 12-11-01 for Gross Negligence/Failure to protect and serve/Violations of the Washington State Constitution.

Missouri: WAF is working with APBT owners to repeal a breed specific ordinance.

WAF is drafting two bills for legislation in Washington state to make dog owners more responsible.

WAF is assisting in Northern Ca. to help stop an APBT from being put down. On Christmas eve morning Glen Bui will testify in Solano Co Superior Court to the temperament of the APBT to hope and free a Pit Bull that was seized as a favor to someone who is very special to the Pit Bulls existence.

WAF is also providing resources and assistance to 13 breeders of the APBT in various parts of the country for different types of legislation in December.


In the month of December: Poul Poulsen, European Legislation Department: has been working hard planning promotion for 2002 and tracking legislation in other countries and following all reports of APBT incidents in this country and fighting BSL.

(2002) W.A.F. is working with the US Government and provided a "Dangerous Dog Law" to the Armed Forces to control dogs on military installations in favor of banning specific breeds. The law was accepted and is being used on Ft. Lewis Wa. (UPDATED)  6- 4 - 02

(2002) W.A.F. upon request from the sponsor of HB562 provided Maryland with several dangerous dog laws and offered our assistance to insure in 2003 legislation is passed to stop irresponsible owners. W.A.F. will be working with the Judiciary Committee to ensure a favorable vote in 2003

(2002) W.A.F. formed a "Dogfighting Task Force" to stop the fighting on the streets. Working with local law enforcement and the Humane Society the task force has been successfull in it's first stage of operation.   

(2002) W.A.F. is going to attempt to pass stronger penalties to existing legislation in counties and cities in Washington to stop irresponsible owners.

(2002) W.A.F. had 17 Washington State Representatives sponsor and sign to amend the existing animal fighting law RCW 16.52.177   "HB 2481". W.A.F. consultants drafted legislation to make it a Felony to fight dogs in Washington State.

(2002) W.A.F. placed 17 Pit Bulls and 7 other mixed breeds in responsible homes between January and March 2002

(2002) W.A.F. was contacted by Pit Bull owners in Wentzville Missouri to repeal an existing breed specific ordinance.

(2002) W.A.F. is assisting Denmark to try to repeal the ban on the Pit Bull.  

( 2002) WAF filed an Amicus Brief in the Hunstville Alabama Supreme Court. Pit Bull case on April 18th 2002. Pending outcome (UPDATED)

(2002) WAF is assisting the Ohio Dog Fanciers and other dog owners in Ohio to amend the states existing dangerous dog law. 6-1-02 (UPDATED)

(2002) WAF endorsed HB 6635 in the state of Washington which prohibits delcalring a dog dangerous by breed. WAF members were invited to the governors office for the signing of SB 6635. (UPDATED)

WAF, on May 28th 2002 filed a complaint against Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon for animal cruelty with the USDA, the complaint was forwarded to the Toledo Humane Society for investigation. (UPDATED)

PONTIAC MI. After one year and a 500,000,00 dollar lawsuit Pontic repealed their breed ban on the APBT which was passed without public notice. (UPDATED)

(PONTIAC MI. ) Dan and Helen Baker won their case against Pontiac for seizing their APBT "Chance" over 200 days ago. The city is fighting over paying impound fee's!  (UPDATED)

UPDATED) ALABAMA AUGUST 30 2002. THE ALABAMA SUPREME COURT AFFIRMED THE CIRCUIT COURT RULING 7/2 IN FAV0R OF RELEASING FOUR AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS BORN IN CUSTODY . THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE CLAIMED THAT PIT BULLS ARE GENETICALLY DANGEROUS. WAF SUBMITTED PROOF TO THE SUPREME COURT THAT PIT BULLS ARE NOT GENETICALLY DANGEROUS. THE FOUR YOUNG PIT BULLS ARE SPAYED AND NEUTERED AND ARE DOING GREAT, THEY HAVE BEEN TEMPERAMENT TESTED AND ARE NOT DANGEROUS. 

UPDATE) OHIO. SEPT 2002. WAF REPS ARE HOPING TO PASS THROUGH GENERAL ASSEMBLY MORE EFFECTIVE LEGISLATION THAN THE EXISTING STATE DANGEROUS DOG LAW DECLARING PIT BULLS VICIOUS. DOG FANCIERS WANT WAF TO FILE IN FEDERAL COURT TO REPEAL THE LAW UNDER 955.11. WAF IS HOLDING BACK FOR NOW. ON SEPT 9 2002 WAF BEGAN THE PROCESS TO APPEAL THE BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION IN OHIO.   

(UPDATED)  SEPTEMBER 2002 CHENY  KANSAS.  WAF CONSULTANT POUL POULSEN ASSISTED  MICHELE
MILLER IS STOPPING BSL.

(UPDATED) NOV 2002 WAF assisted EBA with research and provided EBA attorney Randy Wagley with due process strategy to prevail in the Arcadia Parish in Louisiana. The 6th District Court ruled BSL Unconstitutional.  

(DEC 2002) Tukwila Wa. The city of Tukwila was planning on attempting to pass breed spcific legislation. Thanks to responsible dog owners from WAF and other organizations the city has opted for a law that's focus is on irresponsible owners and the behavior of the dog.

(2003) Glen Bui and Seattle Attorney Jim Anable drafted HB2043 sponsored by Representative Kirby. The Bill prohibits using breed as a determining factor in declarimg a dog dangerous/potentially dangerous. It also defines Potentially dangerous in the definition of dangerous. This year the Bill passed the Full House 95/0. It will be heard in the Senate next year. 

(2003) New Jersey. Former WAF members worked to stop A2906 and Bill sponsored by Assemblyman Burzichelli to place restrictions on APBT's and Rottweilers. New Jersey attorney Jane Kelly who was former assistant council to the previous Republican Governor woked with former WAF members to provide opposition to A2906. Also in the beginning of the opposition, former WAF members worked with New Jersey attorney Flora Edwards exchanging legal information. Former WAF members also gave advise to other organizations and clubs in New Jersey and a story was published in "Dog News In America" on the fight to stop A2906. We were told the Bill died in late December and the Speaker of the House, Assemblyman Sires would not hear the Bill. Responsible dog owners from New Jersey and the entire United States and parts of Europe opposed A2906 until March 2003 when Assemblyman Burzichelli withdrew from the Bill.

(2003 February) ACF is working on a Constitutional Challenge against the Ohio State Breed Specific law declaring APBT's vicious. The case is taking place in Girard Ohio

(2003 March) ACF filed a petition for Declratory relief against the city of Ottumwa Iowa for passing a breed ban on APBT's without a Grandfather Clause.        

(2003April) ACF filed a Motion to Dismiss/Constitutional Challenge against the City of Toledo for breed specific legislation.   

 

( AUGUST 2003)  ACF CONSULTANT JEFF ARMSTRONG LOBBIED THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A STRONGER DANGEROUS DOG LAW. ON AUGUST 25 2003 THE GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS SIGNED THE "RYAN ARMSTRONG LAW" WHICH PROHIBITS BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION AND HOLDS OWNERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DOGS BEHAVIOR. 

(MAY 2004)  AUBURN WASHINGTON PASSED A NON BREED SPECIFIC LAW AFTER MANY MONTHS OF CONSIDERING VARIOUS TYPES OF DICSCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION INCLUDING DECLARING ALL DOGS OVER 30LBS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.  AUBURNS NEW LAW REQUIRES DOG OWNERS TO TRAIN THEIR DOGS WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE AGGRESSIVE.  

( MAY 2004)  ALGONA WASHINGTON AFTER 16 YEARS REPEALED THEIR BREED BAN ON AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS AND DRAFTED A STRONG DANGEROUS DOG ORDINANCE WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW DANGEROUS DOGS TO RESIDE IN THEIR CITY.

( MAY 2004)  ROSEVILLE MICHIGAN VOTES AGAINST A BREED BAN

(JULY 2004) DENVER COLORADO, ACF RECEIVED A DECISION ON JULY 6TH FROM THE DENVER MUNI COURT THAT THE DENVER PIT BULL BAN IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAW BUT DENIED ACF AN EVIDENCE HEARING ON THE ISSUE. ACF FILED AN APPEAL.

(JULY 2004) ACF BROUGHT A CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE TO THE OHIO REVISED CODE DECLARING A PIT BULL VICIOUS. ACF IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION AND HAS FILED AN APPEAL. THE COURT RULED THAT THE AMERCIAN PIT BULL TERRIER IS NOT DANGEROUS/VICIOUS AND THAT THE LAW IS UNFAIR, BUT REFUSED TO RULE ON ALL THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARGUMENTS PRESENTED.

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