Please send your polite and respectful opposition to breed specific
legislation to the Forsyth County officials listed below. Please also
send them viable alternatives to a breed specific ordinances. Jodi
Forsyth County, North Carolina
Board of Commissioners
201 N. Chestnut St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-2020
(336) 727-8446 FAX
Contact Form: http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/commissioners/contactus.aspx
Forsyth County
Government Center
201 North Chestnut Street
Winston Salem NC, 27101
County Manager
201 N. Chestnut St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-2020
(336) 727-8446 FAX
Forsyth to study problem of aggressive dogs
Aggressive breeds draw residents' complaints
By Blair Goldstein
JOURNAL REPORTER
Give your opinion on this story
Becky Hutchinson said last night that three dead cats were enough to
send her neighbors into a panic.
Hutchinson, an eight-year veteran of the neighborhood watch at Gordon
Manor off Country Club Road, said that the pets were killed this
summer by two pit bulls who have been wandering the streets around her
house.
After hearing from Hutchinson, Forsyth County commissioners asked the
county fs Animal Control Advisory Board to research the extent of
aggressive dogs in the county and to come up with potential solutions.
The animal-control board started that discussion at a public meeting.
The commissioners will consider any of its recommendations.
Every time the dogs appeared, dead cats were left behind, h Hutchinson
said. We are so concerned for seniors and children. I have hundreds of
people that are afraid to walk right now. h
Tim Jennings, the director of the county fs animal-control department,
said that the board will debate many different solutions, from banning
certain aggressive dog breeds to imposing higher licensing fees for
certain dogs.
Jennings said that there are 11 breeds of dogs that insurance
companies commonly label as aggressive, including pit bulls, Doberman
pinschers and Rottweilers.
He said that these aggressive dogs can cause public-safety issues and
consume public resources.
For example, the county fs animal shelter took in about 780 pit bulls
last year. Of those dogs, 82 percent were euthanized.
To a certain extent, yes, this is a problem, h Jennings said.
People have the right to use public sidewalks without having to worry,
eIs this dog dangerous?
Hutchinson and several of her neighbors told the animal-control board
about their problems with aggressive dogs.
Some told stories about how their cats were killed in their backyards
by pit bulls. Another woman said she was knocked down by a Rottweiler
that was attacking her Yorkie.
I certainly don't think they are the only ones that are having this
problem, said Jennifer Tierney, a member of the animal-control board.
I think there is just a real issue about aggressive animals in this
community, and animals running at large.
Forsyth County fs ordinances are based on a complaint system, Jennings
said. Dogs are assumed harmless unless evidence can prove otherwise.
Though some animals, such as lions or venomous snakes, are banned, no
breed of dog is singled out for special rules.
Board members were given copies of other states' laws to learn how
other communities have dealt with problems with aggressive dogs.
Jennings said that many proponents of these breed-specific laws argue
that they help improve public safety. Opponents, he said, argue that
they penalize dogs and responsible dog owners rather than penalizing
irresponsible dog owners.
The animal-control board will continue debating the issue until it has
a recommendation to pass on to commissioners.
Gloria Whisenhunt, the chairwoman of the board of commissioners, said
she is looking forward to receiving the group's suggestions.
To me, it fs just a public-safety issue, Whisenhunt said. I just
believe people should feel safe in their neighborhoods.
Blair Goldstein can be reached at 727-7284 or at bgoldstein@wsjournal.com.
--
Amy
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.
If we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."
~ Anne Bradstreet ~
Posts
5 comments:
My boyfriend and I own an American Bulldog, Pitt Bull, Lab chow mix, and a Cocker Spanial.
They are the most loving and loyal friends anyone could have.
We love all Bully breeds. It is all in the way you raise them. We don't ban a certain race for the bad things they do, if we did, we really wouldn't have human civilization. Ban the DEED not the BREED.
my mom lives i Yadkin County North Carolina. About 5 days ago someone someone threw a while pit bull puppy out at her house. skinny/boney looking. mom got the dog in a crate gave the dog food and water and called animal control. i guess the dog is now dead or will be in the next day or two if now taken. Anyway if by some slim chance it is not too late I found this site and am passing this along. again the dog is/was in yadkin county north carolina.
I truly believe that irresponsible dog owners should have their dogs taken from them. Anyone who has a breed that is on this list should educate themselves thoroughly about their pet. NO ONE should allow their dog to roam around freely to get into trouble. Yes, certain dogs have distinct temperments, but if everyone were to educate themselves, the dogs would get into a lot less trouble. Owners of troublesome dogs are irresponsible owners. The dogs are just being dogs!
I have a pit bull mix, and I absolutely love her! Se has the best personality of any dog I've ever owned. She's a sweet, goofy, clown. She gets along very well with my other dog and cat. BUT...I ALWAYS keep her on a leash.IALWAYS make sure that I'm aware of what's going on around us. I'll ALWAYS crate her when I'm not home. I'll NEVER take her to a dog park where I have no control over what might irritate her.Not because I distrust her breed, but because I know she's a dog breed with a bad reputation and I don't want to give anyone ammoto use against this wonderful breed of dog.
With all given information on the internet now days, I think lawmakers need to watch out. This is becoming a borderline violation of the 14th Amendment. And if they do not take into fact they are introducing a new law, and current "bully breed" owners do not get "grandfathered in", they could be looking at a violation of "ex post facto". Theronstitution and other laws. It ise is entirely too many ways to make someone look bad given the C all the media's fault, they never portray anything positive. Perfect example is the war in Iraq. I know we are doing positive things, my father is there now, but the only thing you see on TV is negative things, same as Pit bulls.
I have adored the american pit bull terrier all my life. I currently own a beautiful female, her name is Alice. I take her everywhere i can whenever i can. I have never had a problem with her when it comes to people or dogs. When i take her out i get compliments. She and i both have been attacked my chihuahuas, dauchsunds, malamuts, australian shepherds and golden retrievers. Dogs that are not considered dangerous and are the 'ideal family pet' no matter the breed a dog is going to become what their owners make them. Any dog of any breed, when abused or made to fight will react negativly depending on temperment. The apbt was origionally developed to never attack humans, those who did were put down cus ppl cant affod their prize fighting dog/family pet to hurt their family. No it wasnt right what people did to create the apbt and amstaff but thats wut made them to the amazing human kid friendly pet. I love my baby and im working toards getting he certified as my service dog :)
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