Breed Specific Legislation heightens human risk of rabies exposure!
Please ask the Animal Health Inspection Service, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, to acknowledge and report that citizens are at a heightened risk for exposure to rabies in areas where Breed Specific Legislation exists, and to urge local governments to reverse all existing bans on pit bulls. As long as local governments have the authority to implement breed bans and outlaw companion animals, the potential for large-scale disease outbreaks such as rabies remains an unrealized threat to public safety. Local governments cannot be allowed to impose such un-American laws such as breed specific banning of companion animals.
Dear Administrator,The public remains unaware, but the risk for human exposure to rabies is growing. I am asking for assistance in reporting this fact, and aid in urging federal and state governments to review the authority of local governments to implement BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) before we see more humans exposed to rabies, as per reported in Texas. I am sure you are aware of the people exposed to rabies from a "pit bull" sold from a pickup truck. As BSL continues its popularity with commissioners across the country, I am quite concerned we will see more human exposure to this disease. As pit bull/mixes become more targeted, their owners will fear taking them to veterinarians and fall lax on getting their animals vaccinated. This does not fall into the category of speculation. This will happen. We saw the passion people possess for their animals after hurricane Katrina. Many people stayed behind when told they could not bring their animals, and more than a couple of people ultimately perished in the rising waters. When the life of a beloved pet is at stake, people gladly resort to desperate measures to keep them safe. In addition, outdoor breeding kennels (already a popular choice for pit bull breeders) can potentially become ground zeros for a widescale distribution for this disease. The fact is- the more the government targets the pit bull, the more valuable he is becoming on the black market. The black market consists of individuals who do not understand -or care- about consequences from not vaccinating their animals, they care only about the money they can make off whatever it is they are selling. They will not risk confiscation of their animals/profit by getting them vet care/vaccinations, as most veterinarians would report them in areas where BSL exists. Also, possible cases of human exposure to rabies will go unreported if the source of the exposure is an animal purchased, owned, or bred illegally. Richard Cowen's "Iron Law of Prohibition" will prove itself if Breed Specific Legislation continues to be implemented. The short sighted "solutions" local governments feel BSL provides will be ultimately met with tragic and costly consequences. As a mere citizen I am a small voice, commissioners and politicians do not listen. So I have gathered the signatures of many citizens who are also also concerned. A formal study needs to be conducted and reported, so legislators can act quickly in reversing breed specific bans. Thank you so much for your time and consideration on this matter.
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