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ATTENTION!!!

On December 28, 2009 Florida Representative Perry Thurston filed a bill (HB
543) which would remove statewide protection against the passing of any
(and all) forms of breed specific legislation. Currently, Florida state law
767.14 prohibits municipalities from passing BSL.

If HB 543 passes, any municipality in the state of Florida could pass
breed-specific legislation ( banning ) or use breed specific referencing
for more punitive restrictions against certain breeds or mixed breed type
dogs.

The bill has not been placed in a committee so NOW is the time to act and
act swiftly. For once it passes committee, it will become very difficult if
not impossible to halt its progress.

DO NOT THINK that it is not possible for any state to ban a dog.

The Canadian province of Ontario did just that in 2005 and despite its
having the reverse desired effect (of lowering bite rates and deaths by
dogs), it still stands intact.

The bill status and text may be viewed here:

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=42937&BillText= dogs&HouseChamber=H&SessionId=64

Potentially thousands of dogs which have never been a public safety concern
will die for the actions and misdeeds of distinct minority of dog owners.

Even if you are not a resident of the state of Florida, your right to visit
with your dog could be taken away. Dog shows, dog sports and all other dog
related businesses and groups could very well face significant financial
losses if this legislation goes through.

At this stage, Florida residents should contact their state representatives
and let them know that this bill is simply not acceptable.

If you are not a resident of Florida it is every bit as important for you to
voice your opposition to this Bill. Tourist dollars to the state of Florida
are reported to be in the billions, much of which comes from dog owners.

So your voice will count but only if you take the time to use your voice!

Contact information for State Representatives:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx

Contact information for Rep. Thurston, the bill author:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/ ... berId=4396
603 NW 7TH, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: (954)762-3746

Rep. Thurston is a long-time proponent of BSL and has introduced like bills
in every session since 2007. He is a DANGER to our dogs. Please do your part in keeping our beloved companions safe from BSL.

Please keep any correspondence with Rep. Thurston polite and be brief.

This info was taken from:

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/breed-bans/article/658

Update Jan. 22, 2008: The Senate version of this bill was filed today. Sen. Anthony C. Hill, Sr. filed S.B. 922 which, like the  House version discussed below, will allow local governments to pass breed specific legislation. 

Contact Florida senators and urge them to vote no on S.B. 922. 

Original report: Florida State Rep. Perry E. Thurston, Jr. plans to introduce a bill, already pre-filed, House Bill 189, to repeal the prohibition on breed specific legislation.

Currently, Florida law bans breed discrimination throughout the state except in Miami Dade County where there is a long standing ban on pit bull type dogs. Fl. Stat. Sec. 767.14. Read more about a proposed legal challenge to that ban.

Under H.B. 189 local governments would be allowed to enact breed specific laws.

A similar effort was unsuccessful in the last legislative session.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Let's stop this now. Email Rep. Thurston or call him at 954-762-3746 or 850-488-1084 and urge him to drop this bill. Be polite. Local governments are already free in Florida to adopt regulations for so called dangerous dogs. They have the ability to take all necessary measures to protect the public. Breed bans should not be an option: they don't work and penalize responsible dog owners. Breed discrimination laws are also hugely costly to enforce. Send Rep. Thurston this article which contains studies and other information showing BSL does not work and offering real solutions to keep communities safe. 

Also, write or call Florida representatives and tell them to vote no on H.B. 189.

Jan 30, 2009

A pit bull named Bubba, was given to a man in Hollywood, FL only to be resold/given away/lost a day later. It's said that this man is dangerous, is a known dog fighter, and has a record of animal cruelty. Due to legal reasons, we will not be posting his name, but if you're interested, email us for the information. 

The owners of Bubba would like him returned, and are offering a reward for him being returned to them safely. He was given to the Hollywood, FL man to be a loving part of their family. This dog means a lot to them, and want to know he's safe. 

If you have seen this dog, or know who has him, please contact us or his owners directly: Kim and Mark 954-326-9791.