Best Friends joins movement to quell HB 568
Best Friends has sent out a news release to major media outlets to help spread the word and get more constituents to vehemently oppose HB 568.
“It is unconscionable to destroy beloved family pets simply because a dog is of a particular breed,” said Julie Castle, director of community programs and services for Best Friends. “There are much better ways to help communities control dog attacks than seizing family pets and taking them away to be put down.”
To further help Ohio defeat this bill of ill repute, Best Friends has come out with an official position on HB 568. Giving a brief description of the bill which outlines how pit bull dogs will be surrendered willingly or seized under a search warrant, and euthanized no later than 10 days, the statement describes clearly why this bill is dangerous to all the citizens of Ohio.
The precedence of a bill such as HB 568 passing would be catastrophic and Best Friends will continue to take steps to see this bill defeated before even one dog is harmed in the name of this proposed law.
Read the official statement from Best FriendsTo read the Best Friends position statement on HB 568 please
click here To find out the current status of HB 568
click hereTo read HB 568 in its entirety
click hereThe background storyIf House Bill 568 is enacted any breed, “commonly known as a pit bull dog” will no longer be welcome in the State of Ohio.” Owners and rescuers of pit bulls will have only 90 days to surrender their dogs once the bill is signed. They won’t even have the opportunity to send the dogs to rescues, family or friends in other states. After that 90 day period, police officers believing that a dog is a pit bull will be allowed to apply for a search warrant to seize the dog. All dogs surrendered or seized will be euthanized within 10 days after the surrender or seizure.
What does this mean for pit bulls? If passed any dog deemed a “pit bull dog” that is currently in a shelter will be euthanized and Ohio families will be torn apart as they are forced to surrender their family members. More frightening than that may be how Ohio police officers may be able to take dogs that look like pit bulls.
This bill will not only affect Ohio residents and their pets, but all owners of pit bulls across the country. If passed, House Bill 568 could set a dangerous precedence that other states may be too willing to follow. Additionally, pit bull owners may no longer be allowed to bring their pets with them when they visit Ohio.
Sadly this bill comes on the heels off a hearing on a potentially landmark puppy mill bill.
Puppy Mill Bill Hearing.
How you can help:Sign the petition on The Petition Site
No to House Bill 568Please let the State of Ohio know how you feel about House Bill 568 by contacting Governor Strickland and the Legislature. When contacting Ohio officials, please do so courteously. Talking points:
• Best Friends work with the Vicktory Dogs
• The need to direct laws at the owners and not the breed
• Encourage spay/neuter and support funding for free or low cost spay/neuter
• Ban tethering or chaining dogs – both the USDA and AVMA say that tethering dogs is inhumane. Tethering of dogs tends to lead to unsocialized animals that are potentially dangerous.
• Enforce current dog at large and leash laws
• Pass stronger animal anti-cruelty laws
• Increase education on proper care of dogs
To read the proposed changes to Ohio law:
House Bill 568Contact Bill Sponsor, Representative Tyrone Yates:
Tyrone Yates77 S. High St
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Email:
district33@ohr.state.oh.usTelephone: (614) 466-1308
Fax : (614) 719-3587
Contact Governor Ted Strickland
Governor StricklandContact other Ohio Representatives
Ohio RepresentativesAdditional InformationBF Article on Breed Specific Legislation
BSLAnimal Law Coalition
House Bill 568Article by Lori Skaggs, Volunteer News Writerupdate by Denise LeBeau, Best FriendsPhoto Credit: Vicktory Dog, Best Friendslead image by Clay Myers, Best Friends photographer