Not a lot of American Pit Bull Terrier news this week, but it’s always a pleasure to start off with a victory in the struggle against breed specific legislation (BSL).
Another BSL Bites the Dust
From Long Island, New York: Tuesday night, the Village of Rockville Centre reversed a ban on pit bulls and Rottweilers.
If anyone out there wondered if educational campaigns exposing misguided but well-intentioned public officials to the truth about pit bulls and breed specific legislation could really be effective, you have your answer.
Rockville Centre spokesman Jeff Kluer said public reaction to the ban “brought on a slew of information that was not available to the board at the time of the vote.” As a result, a second hearing on the measure took place last week. “The public that showed up certainly wanted a repeal of the ban,” stated Kluewer.
The repeal passed by a 5-0 vote, with board members officially rescinding the measure because it conflicted with a New York State law forbidding the regulation of specific breeds of dogs. But I’m sure public pressure played the key role.
Keep up the good work, guys!
A Pit Bull as Rescue Dog of the Year?
An El Paso, Texas resident saw an abandoned pit bull by the side of the road and pulled over. The good samaritan picked up the dog and took her to the local shelter, where she was named Jojo.
Jojo now works as a therapy dog, helping people recovering from injures at an El Paso rehabilitation center, and she’s a finalist for the Purina Rescue Dog of the Year. Be sure to vote for Jojo!
Update on Thor
Speaking of awards, two weeks ago we told you the story of Thor, the heroic pit bull who saved his family from a house fire by waking them and even dragging the baby’s bassinet to the door.
This week, Thor was named Canine Hero of Elkhart County in Indiana by the Elkhart County Humane Society.
Thor and his humans also send a big “Thank You” to everyone who donated clothes, dog food, and toys, and extra big thanks to the individual who donated a mobile home. The family lost all their belongings in the fire, and the donations are “really helpful and it means a lot,” said Kemper Hunter, Thor’s human. “It’s gonna help us out and he’s gonna love these toys.”
Unfortunately, the family has yet to find a mobile home park that will allow Thor, what with his status as a pit bull making him such a clear and present danger.
“X” Marks Rhode Island
Add Rhode Island to the growing number of states including pit bulls as part of law enforcement. The elaborately named “X” has become the first pit bull to be certified as part of the Rhode Island State Police Search and Rescue Disaster Team.
X completed a Disaster Search Course that tested her ability to find people buried under rubble as well as an agility course test on her way to becoming certified.
Way to go, X!
Wow so many positive stories
Wow so many positive stories this week! With the exception of Thor and his family, you would think after him being recognized as ‘Canine Hero’ that perhaps one of the trailer parks would accept him and his family. It’s just a shame. 🙂