Pit-bull ban not the right answer for Rockwood, TN

Saturday
February 2, 2008
http://roanecounty.com/%3Ehttp:/roanecounty.com
Pit-bull ban not the right answer for Rockwood

We almost hate to take a stand against Rockwood officials on their proposed pit-bull ban because we realize they are acting with the best of intentions.
We’d even chime in our support if we felt their proposed ban was the answer to dog maulings.
But in light of our research and interviews — which include talking to veterinary groups — it appears that banning a specific breed won’t stop the maulings by uncontrolled and unsocialized dogs.
Many of us can tick off a list of the flavor-of-the-month bad dogs over the past few decades: Dobermans, chows, Rottweillers and, of course, pit bulls.
The worst mauling seen by a former reporter here was an attack by a single Siberian husky — not a dog typically associated with aggression.
The attack happened not on the dog owner’s property, but on a neighbor’s.
The dog, which was not rabid, even forced his way through a screen door to continue its attack on the bleeding toddler in the arms of his mother after she took the boy inside.
On Monday, Rockwood voted on a first reading to adopt the pit-bull ban.
Many people attended and spoke out against the ban, but that’s not why we are opposed. We are relying on the information we received from people we consider rational experts.
Some city council members have said they will try to learn more before the next vote. That, we think, is the right way to proceed.
We already know they are acting with good faith and compassion. We know they want to do the right thing.
We hope they make good on their word and try to learn more.
And when it comes time to vote on this issue again on Feb. 18, we hope they will act with a solid understanding of the issue and possible solutions — not just react to hype about a serious problem.
Judy
BSLWorkshop, RDOWS, RDOG-GA,
RDOG-IA, Positivepitbull-L, UAOA,
PBTW, BTCA Legislation Liaison Chair,
www.chevalier-bullterriers.com
Note: Any forwarded message is for
information and is not always my opinion.