Breed specific legislature is popular topic these days, with many towns, cities and states contemplating banning Pit Bulls and/or other so-called dangerous breeds. I usually stay as far away from politics as possible, but I do take a stand here.
Senator Bruce Starr of Oregon has authored a bill proposing a ban on all Pit Bulls in the entire state. The punishment for owning a Pit Bull would be a $6,250 fine and having your dog euthanized. I've read the bill, and one of the scariest part is the definition of "Pit Bull" which includes:
Has an appearance and physical characteristics that substantially conform to the breed standards of the United Kennel Club for an American pit boll terrier or of the American Kennel Club for a Staffordshire bull terrier or an American Staffordshire terrier, as those standards existed on January 1, 2009.Who decides what "substantially" is?
Should Petey be euthanized?If, like me, the thought of this type of legislation makes you sick visit StopBLS.com. They have a lot of great resources (including alternatives) as well as how you can voice your opinion.