You Tell Us: Share Your Thoughts on Pit Bull Legislation Failing
Patch gives readers a chance to share their feelings on controversial topics in the news each week.
Maryland legislators will consider a bill this week that could over turn the state appeal's court ruling this April that said pit bulls are inherently dangerous.
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A bill that would have overturned a Court of Appeals ruling that pit bulls are an "inherently dangerous" breed of dog failed to pass during the General Assembly’s special session.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller blamed the inability to reach an agreement on the House of Delegates “take it or leave it” ultimatum on amendments to the bill.
What do you think of the General Assembly’s inability to pass a bill leaving pit bulls as inherently dangerous? Tell us in comments.
Sean Tully
12:58 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I am glad the pit bull bill is dying. I know, I know, not all pit bulls are vicious dogs. But there are enough irresponsible owners out there to generate enough reports of pit bull attacks that something has to be done. And, yes, other breeds of dogs bite people too. But those bites generally do not cause such damage that people require reconstructive surgery or even die. There have been some, but when tallied up, pit bulls are the worst offenders.
Beth Isaacson
8:58 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Sean, while you say you're glad the court ruling hasn't been overturned, your comment points to the REAL source of danger and dogs: the owners. Dangerous dog breed fads come and go - dobermans, Rottweilers, Dalmatians, Akitas, chow chows and more have all been targeted as "dangerous breeds." Instead of a law focusing on a particular, non-specific type of dog (most dogs pegged as pit bull type dogs, aren't), Maryland needs legislation that targets dog ownership and dangerous behavior, regardless of perceived breed.
Sean Tully
11:27 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Beth, Google "Pit bull attack Harford County" and see the story from yesterday's pit attack in Harford County. No matter how you dice it, pit bulls attack more often then other breeds and their attacks are much more damaging to the victim. In the Harford Co. story from yesterday, the victim was a child. The police had to shoot the dog.
Free Tony The Tiger
2:34 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
If only people would be a lot more open minded to the idea that our attitude towards pitbulls is just the same as segregation or racism.
Christian
9:04 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
I find it amazing that our Legislators can agree on creating another casino that will more than likely make all of the casinos unprofitable, but cannot resolve an issue as simple as pitbulls. Haven't you all noticed that the commercials in support of the sixth casino stated that the state would receive a billion dollars in taxes, which now according to releases from Annapolis has changed to $300,000,000.? What happened to the $700,000,000.? Will the schools actually receive the funds or like New Jersey will this income simply be used to offset the budge already allocated for schools, resulting in no benefit for the children of this state?
Sean Tully
11:28 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
The pitbull isssue is resolved for now. The judge's order stands as is.
Judy Berlin
12:35 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Look at the Harford county dog shooting. People moved out of a home and abandoned 2 pit bulls. If the neighbors knew this then why were the authorities not notified? Since, as is stated, the 'judges order stands', then those people who left the dogs are going to be found and dealt with. This I gotta see.
Randy Davis
6:55 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Sean, it seems that you have bought into the media's unscientific reporting that pit bulls are some how this evil breed that has to be stopped. The historical record doesn't support this supposition. Your curious citation from a Harford County news source is evidence of this. We can all agree that laws need to come down hard on owners. Pit bulls haven't changed at all, people and lack of law that holds people accountable has. I suggest you broaden your source pool when suggesting incorrectly that put bulls are mainly responsible for all this unwarranted violence "no matter how you dice it."