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Just read this in the Detroit News:
Howell (Michigan)
Adoption of 'bully' dog breeds banned
Policy goes into immediate effect; petition presented urging education, training.
Valerie Olander / The Detroit News
They lined up outside Monday night, some with leashed pit bulls and other breeds deemed aggressive to show how docile they were, but in the end, dog owners couldn't sway county officials who approved a ban on adoption of "bully breeds."
Livingston County commissioners passed the policy Monday despite an outcry from animal activists, rescue group volunteers and pet owners.
About 60 people packed the commission chambers. The new county policy goes into effect immediately.
Stray "bully breeds" picked up by animal control will be euthanized if not claimed within four days if they are not collared or seven days if they have owner identification. Those claiming ownership of the strays face prosecution for having animals running loose.
A petition with 180 signatures protesting the policy was presented to the commission by Melissa Mumma of Fowlerville. They urged education and training, not a blanket ban.
"You're not going to solve this by banning a particular breed," said Patricia Coffee of South Lyon.
Commissioner Dave Domas, who represents Iosco Township, where two residents were mauled to death last year by a pack of four bulldogs, said the safety and welfare of residents guided the commission's decision. Earlier this year, two pit bulls strayed onto a Handy Township farm and mauled a horse in its stall.
"We have a responsibility to all people in Livingston County," he said.
While education may resolve some issues, Commissioner Jack LaBelle said county animal control's job "is not to preach to make good misters and mistresses of dog owners."
Anne Burns, director of Livingston County Animal Control, said she could not adopt out aggressive dogs or bully breeds based on the number of incidents in the last year.
I'd like to know what other breeds they consider to be "bully breeds"
"I know this is not a popular decision, but I've looked into all the other options," she said.
Howell (Michigan)
Adoption of 'bully' dog breeds banned
Policy goes into immediate effect; petition presented urging education, training.
Valerie Olander / The Detroit News
They lined up outside Monday night, some with leashed pit bulls and other breeds deemed aggressive to show how docile they were, but in the end, dog owners couldn't sway county officials who approved a ban on adoption of "bully breeds."
Livingston County commissioners passed the policy Monday despite an outcry from animal activists, rescue group volunteers and pet owners.
About 60 people packed the commission chambers. The new county policy goes into effect immediately.
Stray "bully breeds" picked up by animal control will be euthanized if not claimed within four days if they are not collared or seven days if they have owner identification. Those claiming ownership of the strays face prosecution for having animals running loose.
A petition with 180 signatures protesting the policy was presented to the commission by Melissa Mumma of Fowlerville. They urged education and training, not a blanket ban.
"You're not going to solve this by banning a particular breed," said Patricia Coffee of South Lyon.
Commissioner Dave Domas, who represents Iosco Township, where two residents were mauled to death last year by a pack of four bulldogs, said the safety and welfare of residents guided the commission's decision. Earlier this year, two pit bulls strayed onto a Handy Township farm and mauled a horse in its stall.
"We have a responsibility to all people in Livingston County," he said.
While education may resolve some issues, Commissioner Jack LaBelle said county animal control's job "is not to preach to make good misters and mistresses of dog owners."
Anne Burns, director of Livingston County Animal Control, said she could not adopt out aggressive dogs or bully breeds based on the number of incidents in the last year.
I'd like to know what other breeds they consider to be "bully breeds"
"I know this is not a popular decision, but I've looked into all the other options," she said.
