Resolution banning breeds a topic on the City Council agenda this Tuesday.
The Cedar Hill City Council is considering breed specific legislation (BSL) this week. According to the upcoming
July 8, 2008 City Council agenda, they plan to discuss Resolution #R08-257, which would support BSL locally.
This is despite the fact that they are aware that BSL is illegal in Texas, per the
Texas Health and Safety Code Title 10 Chapter 822, Section 822.047. The code states “A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter.”
In fact, a little over one year ago, after one of the town’s children was attacked by a pit bull terrier, Cedar Hill Mayor Franke stated that the city plans to toughen its animal ordinances and that their town is a member of the Texas Municipal League, which is lobbying to overturn the anti-BSL law currently on the books.
HOW TO HELP:While municipalities have an obligation to protect their citizens from dangerous animals; BSL is
not the way. Instead, suggest a
Community Safety Program as an alternative.
If possible, attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 8 at 7:00 PM to voice your opposition.
Cedar Hill City Council
502 Cedar Street
Cedar Hill, Texas 75104
Phone: 972-293-1467
For those who are unable to attend, please phone or e-mail the Cedar Hill city officials to oppose any legislation that encourages BSL.
• Mayor Rob Franke
Phone: 972-291-8450
E-mail:
rob.franke@cedarhilltx.com• Mayor Pro Tem Cory Spillman
Phone: 972-293-8468
E-mail:
cory.spillman@cedarhilltx.com• Councilmember Clifford Shaw
Phone: 817-763-4601
E-mail:
clifford.shaw@DCMA.mil• Councilmember Greg Patton
Phone: 972-291-1128
E-mail:
greg.patton@cedarhilltx.com• Councilmember Makia Epie
Phone: 469-454-2462
E-mail:
makia.epie@cedarhilltx.com• Councilmember Daniel Haydin, Jr.
Phone 972-299-5355
E-mail:
haydin4citizens@sbcglobal.net• Councilmember Wade Emmert
Phone: 469-878-7368
E-mail:
Wade.Emmert@cedarhilltx.comFor more information:•
Cedar Hill pit bulls give rise to residents’ fears•
Stop Breed Specific Legislation Campaign•
Pit Bulls – the real story**Best Friends Animal Society has not taken a position of support or opposition to this piece of legislation. For more information on how animal legislation is reported on the Best Friends Network, click here.Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff
Photo credit: taken by Jennifer Hayes