Repeal BSL Ordinance in Garland and Madisonville Texas

We the undersigned request that you reconsider the said Breed specific bans in your towns. We the undersigned are aware of Texas state law, and know that it is illegal to make any law that is breed specific.

822.047. Local Regulation of Dangerous Dogs

 A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions:

  (1) Are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and

  (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter.

CREDIT(S) 

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 916, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.

We the undersigned know your ordinance has been in place since 2007 and 2008. However, many communities around the US are reconsidering their ban due to BSL not working.

We are well aware that attacks in Garland and Madisonville have increased after ordinance was placed over 7 years ago. Moreover, not by Pit bulls, but by other breeds. All dogs bite, all dogs grip, shake and can have an aggressive streak. We should not blame dogs for what guardians fail to teach and train their companions. We should not be breed specific either or fall prey to the BSL Standards of the Pit bull label. Being that by their standards anything with a blocky head, oval shaped eyes or muscular built is consider a “pit bull”.

With all due respect, enacting a BSL bylaw, never accomplished anything, nor has it ever worked before. You still run the risks of other dogs attacking, maiming, mauling or causing death to people. Pit bull types and mixes are no different. 85% of the time, these dogs become blamed for something they never have done before. Many people cannot even tell the difference between each breed, it is therefore illogical to enact said law when people judge based on looks of said dog. Instead of testing their genetic coding. The other fact is that there are several types of dogs under the pit bull label, which you are condemning to death. Just to name a few- American bulldog, the Cane Corso, the Alapaha blue blood, the Dogo Argentino, Boxer, Scottish Terrier, Bull Mastiff and many more.

We know that public safety is a priority, which is why we think that these guidelines below will be suitable for both parties.

Instead of having a discriminatory law, change it to where all guardians and their dogs must follow specific guidelines. Such as when walking have said dog on a short leash, muzzle in place, mandatory obedience classes. Possibly free or low cost, so everyone may afford it. Spay and Neuter programs in place. A required license to own said dogs. Fine owners for allowing their dogs to run loose. Fine owners for when their dogs attack while also holding said dog for 30 days or longer to test for aggressiveness, if said dog is non aggressive yet does attack again. Then said dog should be taken away and rehomed to a more capable guardian.

As to the point, dogs who act out cannot be held responsible, being as the owner may have abused, mistreated or neglected said dog. Therefore, said person should not be allowed to have another dog again. Which brings us to another point. Create an animal abuse registry listing to place irresponsible owners on, so they may never obtain another companion animal again.

It is time to move away from the barbaric archaic way of thinking and place blame where it belongs. That of which is on the owners whom are irresponsible.

There are always multiple options to prevent attacks, which need to be addressed and taught to people for future reference. Breed specific bans are never the answer and should never be the first reaction to serve as a public safety measure.

We the undersigned wish that you would consider putting in place an all dog law, instead of a discriminatory one. While also electing a non-biased animal control officer to handle all future complaints of dog attacks, or loose dogs. We also ask that all police officers be trained to handle non-aggressive or aggressive dogs, so they may better handle certain situations that may arise.

We the undersigned are willing to work with our governing office’s to come to an understanding and compromise, that will better serve the public and guardians of companion animals.

We thank you for your time.