URGENT Action Alert! Help Save Miami’s Pit Bulls

As most animal lovers are aware, Florida’s Miami-Dade County has had a notorious breed ban in place against “pit bulls” for 20 years. This ban has proven completely ineffective, and in fact, is the only one of its kind in Florida, as the state outlawed them years ago but grandfathered in Miami’s ban (stupid).

With HB 997 and SB 1322, we now have a chance to get this ban overturned, saving thousands of lives AND taxpayer dollars in the process, but a few lone naysayers are engaging in fear-mongering, attempting to keep the ban intact. One such person is Fred Grimm of the Miami Herald. With absolutely no factual basis for his position, he’s pulling out isolated events and dubious statistics to convince readers to support the ban’s continuation. Meanwhile, this type of legislation is opposed across the board by animal welfare advocates and experts worldwide based on its absolute ineffectiveness.

And is Mr. Grimm aware that things are just dandy in Broward County, which has no such breed ban? Just a few miles away, pit bulls are permitted to live, breathe and walk the streets, and amazingly, the county’s children and adults alike are perfectly safe. Imagine that.

Ohio, a state notorious for its lax attitude towards animal welfare, just changed their dangerous dog designation against pit bulls. Why? Because it DOESN’T WORK, and the state has spent $17 million per year on enforcement. Taxpayer money flushed down the proverbial toilet – the same thing that’s been happening for decades here in Miami.

Yesterday, the senate’s version of the bill, SB 1322, did not pass the Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee. It missed by ONE VOTE. The bill is technically still alive, but time is short.

Lawmakers need to address the FACTS, not ludicrous and emotionally-based pleas from a few close-minded and uneducated individuals.

Miami residents, it’s up to YOU to get this ban overturned. Please, please contact our state senators and congressman and voice your strong support for HB 997 and SB 1322. We still have a chance, but we need to make our voices heard.

Below are the email addresses for Florida’s state senators and congressmen, as well as a sample letter from the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL). Please take five minutes of your time to speak up for those who need it most.

Florida Senators
alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov, altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov, benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov, bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov, bogdanoff.ellyn.web@flsenate.gov, braynon.oscar.web@flsenate.gov, bullard.larcenia.web@flsenate.gov, dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov, detert.nancy.web@flsenate.gov, portilla.miguel.web@flsenate.gov, dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov, evers.greg.web@flsenate.gov, fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov, flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov, gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov, garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov, gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov, gibson.audrey.web@flsenate.gov, haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov, hays.alan.web@flsenate.gov, jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov, joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov, latvala.jack.web@flsenate.gov, lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov, margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov, montford.bill.web@flsenate.gov, negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov, norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov, oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov, rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov, richter.garrett.web@flsenate.gov, ring.jeremy.web@flsenate.gov, sachs.maria.web@flsenate.gov, simmons.david.web@flsenate.gov, siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov, smith.chris.web@flsenate.gov, sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov, storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov, thrasher.john.web@flsenate.gov, wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Florida House of Representatives
joseph.abruzzo@myfloridahouse.gov, janet.adkins@myfloridahouse.gov, larry.ahern@myfloridahouse.gov, ben.albritton@myfloridahouse.gov, frank.artiles@myfloridahouse.gov, gary.aubuchon@myfloridahouse.gov, baxley.dennis@myfloridahouse.com, leonard.bembry@myfloridahouse.gov, lori.berman@myfloridahouse.gov, mack.bernard@myfloridahouse.gov, michael.bileca@myfloridahouse.gov, jim.boyd@myfloridahouse.gov, jeff.brandes@myfloridahouse.gov, jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov, doug.broxson@myfloridahouse.gov, dwight.bullard@myfloridahouse.gov, rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov, matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov, daphne.campbell@myfloridahouse.gov, dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov, charles.chestnut@myfloridahouse.gov, jeff.clemens@myfloridahouse.gov, marti.coley@myfloridahouse.gov, Richard.corcoran@myfloridahouse.gov, fred.costello@myfloridahouse.gov, steve.crisafulli@myfloridahouse.gov, janet.cruz@myfloridahouse.gov, daniel.davis@myfloridahouse.gov, jose.diaz@myfloridahouse.gov, chris.dorworth@myfloridahouse.gov, brad.drake@myfloridahouse.gov, eric.eisnaugle@myfloridahouse.gov, clay.ford@myfloridahouse.gov, erik.fresen@myfloridahouse.gov, james.frishe@myfloridahouse.gov, reggie.fullwood@myfloridahouse.gov, matt.gaetz@myfloridahouse.gov, luis.garcia@myfloridahouse.gov, joe.gibbons@myfloridahouse.gov, rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov, eddy.gonzalez@myfloridahouse.gov, tom.goodson@myfloridahouse.gov, james.grant@myfloridahouse.gov, denise.grimsley@myfloridahouse.gov, bill.hager@myfloridahouse.gov, gayle.harrell@myfloridahouse.gov, shawn.harrison@myfloridahouse.gov, doug.holder@myfloridahouse.gov, ed.hooper@myfloridahouse.gov, mike.horner@myfloridahouse.gov, matt.hudson@myfloridahouse.gov, dorothy.hukill@myfloridahouse.gov, clay.ingram@myfloridahouse.gov, mia.jones@myfloridahouse.gov, evan.jenne@myfloridahouse.gov, john.julien@myfloridahouse.gov, martin.kiar@myfloridahouse.gov, paige.kreegel@myfloridahouse.gov, john.legg@myfloridahouse.gov, ana.logan@myfloridahouse.gov, gwyn.clarke-reed@myfloridahouse.gov, dana.young@myfloridahouse.gov, ritch.workman@myfloridahouse.gov, john.wood@myfloridahouse.gov, trudi.williams@myfloridahouse.gov, alan.williams@myfloridahouse.gov, mike.weinstein@myfloridahouse.gov, will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov, barbara.watson@myfloridahouse.gov, jim.waldman@myfloridahouse.gov,charles.vanzant@myfloridahouse.gov, john.tobia@myfloridahouse.gov, geraldine.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov, dwayne.taylor@myfloridahouse.gov, greg.steube@myfloridahouse.gov, kelli.stargel@myfloridahouse.gov, cynthia.stafford@myfloridahouse.gov, darren.soto@myfloridahouse.gov, william.snyder@myfloridahouse.gov, jimmie.smith@myfloridahouse.gov, irving.slosberg@myfloridahouse.gov, elaine.schwartz@myfloridahouse.gov, robert.schenck@myfloridahouse.gov, ron.saunders@myfloridahouse.gov, franklin.sands@myfloridahouse.gov, darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov, pat.rooney@myfloridahouse.gov, hazelle.rogers@myfloridahouse.gov, ken.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov, ronald.renuart@myfloridahouse.gov, michelle.rehwinkel@myfloridahouse.gov, betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov, lake.ray@myfloridahouse.gov, scott.randolph@myfloridahouse.gov, bill.proctor@myfloridahouse.gov, steve.precourt@myfloridahouse.gov,ari.porth@myfloridahouse.gov, elizabeth.porter@myfloridahouse.gov, scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov, ray.pilon@myfloridahouse.gov, keith.perry@myfloridahouse.gov, steve.perman@myfloridahouse.gov, jimmy.patronis@myfloridahouse.gov, kathleen.passidomo@myfloridahouse.gov, mark.pafford@myfloridahouse.gov, marlene.otoole@myfloridahouse.gov, jose.diaz@myfloridahouse.gov, jeanette.nunez@myfloridahouse.gov, bryan.nelson@myfloridahouse.gov, peter.nehr@myfloridahouse.gov, george.moraitis@myfloridahouse.gov, larry.metz@myfloridahouse.gov, seth.mckeel@myfloridahouse.gov, charles.mcburney@myfloridahouse.gov, debbie.mayfield@myfloridahouse.gov, carlos.lopez-cantera@myfloridahouse.gov, rick.kriseman@myfloridahouse.gov
Sample Letter from MCABSL:

Date

Dear Representative/ Senator XXX or Dear Legislature (For general purposes):

As a constituent, I ask that you support and co-sponsor HB 997 to repeal
breed discrimination in the entire state of Florida. Currently, Miami-Dade
County is allowed to seize and kill dogs simply because of their
appearance.

This is America, and responsible pet owners should be allowed to own
whatever breed they choose. Reckless owners should be prohibited from
owning any dog.

I urge you to grant the citizens of Miami the same rights afforded to dog
lovers in other parts of the state. This measure will not only save lives,
but tax dollars as well.

Thank you for your consideration in this important matter.

Sincerely,
XXX

 

ACTION ALERT: Show Your Support for the Florida Animal Rescue Act

If you’ve been following the legislative process for Florida’s Animal Rescue Act (FARA), you’re aware that that bill has been making positive progress in the senate. Now, the bill sits with the Senate President, and it’s crucial that Floridians stand up and voice their support for this crucial legislation.

Currently, the bill (SB 818) rests with Senate President Mike Haridopolos. Senator Haridopolos will make the decision as to whether Florida’s shelter pets will continue to be killed at taxpayer expense or, alternatively, saved by non-profit organizations at their own expense.

This bill would set statewide standards for rescue group access and make it illegal for a shelter to kill an animal when a qualified non-profit rescue organization is willing to save that animal. The bill is common sense at its best. It will save lives and taxpayer dollars. It’s a win-win.

Florida residents, please click here and voice your support for this lifesaving bill. Our state’s sheltered pets need you to speak for them. The time is now!

 

ACTION ALERT: Show Miami-Dade Commissioners You Support Repeal of Pit Bull Ban

Lately, we’ve had lots of good news in regards to the potential overturning of Miami-Dade’s antiquated and ineffective breed ban against “pit bulls” (a “breed” the county itself is unable to accurately identify…). Two bills (HB 997 and SB 1322) introduced into the Florida State Legislature with the help of Best Friends, would put an end to a ban that’s been in place since 1980, and has seen absolutely zero success.

This ban has ended the lives of thousands of innocent dogs, and it’s time for this nonsense to go.

The bills both passed their committees unanimously, and public support has been overwhelming. Unfortunately, some of our local commissioners are seemingly ignoring what their constituents want, and are looking to introduce a bill that would sustain our county’s breed ban. This is ludicrous, especially considering that years ago our state passed a law banning breed bans … albeit while grandfathering in our current local law. Stupid much? Cities and states across the county are putting an end to these ridiculous and impotent bans – why should Miami be left behind?

At this point, we need to make our voices heard loud and clear to the County Commissioners. They need to know that we won’t settle for any more indiscriminate killing of dogs which may or may NOT be pit bulls at the hands of animal services (paid for with our tax dollars). It’s time to end this, once and for all.

Below are the email addresses of the commissioners and their chiefs of staff, as well as a sample letter I sent voicing my support for overturning the ban. Please email and call (additional contact information can be found here). And, if you’re able, please attend the hearing for this new legislation, to be held on Tuesday, 2.14.2012 at 9:30am, 111 NW 1st St.

This is our time, this is our chance. Let’s save some lives!

(You can find more information about the process from the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation)

Commissioners’ email addresses:
“jforte@miamidade.gov” <jforte@miamidade.gov>,
“district13@miamidade.gov” <district13@miamidade.gov>,
“eddieb@miamidade.gov” <eddieb@miamidade.gov>,
“District8@miamidade.gov” <District8@miamidade.gov>,
“aragin@miamidade.gov” <aragin@miamidade.gov>,
“district10@miamidade.gov” <district10@miamidade.gov>,
“District4@miamidade.gov” <District4@miamidade.gov>,
“mariacl@miamidade.gov” <mariacl@miamidade.gov>,
“District12@miamidade.gov” <District12@miamidade.gov>

Sample letter:
Dear Commissioners,

As a Miami-Dade resident, I urge you not to consider the bill that
would maintain our county’s ineffective and nonsensical breed ban
against “pit bulls”. As I’m sure you know, the ban has done nothing to
reduce the number of dog bites in our county, and it has led to the
deaths of thousands of innocent dogs, many of whom were improperly
labeled. Our animal services staff is unable to even accurately
determine what a “pit bull” is, so why on earth would we support a ban
that targets animals the county can’t even pinpoint?

Overturning this ban is the right thing to do for our county’s
citizens and their pets. As you can see from the overwhelming support
for striking down the ban, it’s clear that the taxpayers no longer
want to see public dollars wasted on unfairly targeting and killing
“pit bulls” who have done no harm.

As they say, “punish the deed, not the breed.” That is the only
logical way to address the issue of dangerous dogs.

Again, I ask you to please support the passage of HB997 and SB1322,
and NOT consider a bill that would retain this ban. It’s time for
Miami-Dade to move into the future and reject nonsense legislation
that has proven itself ineffective and costly. Across the country,
cities are overturning these types of bans based on their track
records of failure. Don’t let Miami be left behind.

The Future Looks Bright for Miami-Dade’s Pitties

As most dog-lovers have heard, there’s been a fervor brewing as of late over Miami-Dade’s antiquated and ineffective 20-year ban on “pit bulls” (a distinction the city has been unable to accurately define).  Thanks to some tireless animal advocates (as well as a little celebrity support for good measure) the issue is finally getting the attention it deserves – and the ban is thisclose to being overturned. The bills that would strike down the ban are getting a positive response in the legislature, and have passed their first committee tests.

Miami-Dade is the ONLY county in Florida with this type of law. In fact, the state legislature passed a rule prohibiting breed-specific bans, but Miami’s law was grandfathered in.

It goes without saying that this law has been completely ineffective, and has only served to sentence thousands of innocent dogs to death – an estimated 1,000 each year. Everyone, and I mean everyone with any credibility in the animal welfare field has spoken out about this type of legislation, and it’s time that Miami finally put this crap to bed.

Best Friends, along with other animal advocates, are the forces behind House Bill 997 and Senate Bill 1322, which would overturn the ban. In addition, the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL) has been battling for decades to make this change happen. Dahlia and her team have fought tooth and nail to save the lives of Miami’s innocent pitties. And now, the dream is close to being realized.

The fact that this ban is so closed to being struck down is INCREDIBLY exciting news for pitties and their families across Miami-Dade, as well as for all the homeless pibbles who will now have a much better chance at making it out of animal services alive. While we are VERY close, it’s still crucial that Florida residents show their support for these bills and contact their legislators.

Fingers and paws crossed all goes as planned and this ridiculous legislation is overturned, once and for all!

(PS – My apologies for the lack of recent posts. I’ve been traveling and have not had immediate internet access.)

Crunch Time: Show Your Support for the Florida Animal Rescue Act (FARA)

For those who haven’t already heard, the Florida Animal Rescue Act (FARA)was recently introduced in the Florida legislature, and is currently sitting in the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee. On January 23rd, a hearing is scheduled to address the bill. It’s CRUCIAL that this bill make it out of the committee and come to a vote. This is the time that animal lovers across the state must stand up and make their voices heard. 

Basically, this act will insure that shelters cannot kill any animal that a (legitimate) rescue group is willing to save. While it seems like common sense, shockingly, 63% of non-profit rescue groups in Florida have said that at least one shelter has killed animals they were willing to save. Whether due to incompetence or willful cruelty, either way, it’s almost unimaginable that these animals died so needlessly. FARA can end these tragedies in Florida.

FARA will make shelters legally bound to turn over animals to legitimate, approved rescue groups. It’s a win-win for the taxpayers, and the animals. Every animal turned over to a rescue group is one less that shelters need to pay to feed, house and treat … or more likely, kill.

Sadly, those who favor the status quo of killing have been fighting to undermine this legislation, so it’s absolutely essential that Floridians come together to support this bill. Please visit www.floridarescueact.org, and scroll to the action alerts at the bottom. It takes just a couple minutes of your time. The time is now, ACT!

Miami-Dade Animal Services Faces Yet Another Distemper Crisis

Many of you will remember last year’s distemper crisis at Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS). Then Director Sara Pizano, decided to shut down the shelter, and was ready to kill all animals inside, until the community stepped up of their own accord and saved the lives of all at-risk pets.

Tragically, the same situation has presented itself, yet again. The shelter has been closed for adoptions since last Saturday, and 18 dogs have been killed thus far based on testing positive for the disease.

In addition, several dogs have reportedly been released into the community with this illness. One was already brought back to MDAS to be killed, according to reports.

For those concerned about dogs they’ve adopted or rescued who are showing symptoms,  ”Animal Services is offering free distemper testing through Saturday for dogs adopted from the shelter between Dec. 24, 2011 and Jan. 6, 2012. Testing is available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the shelter, 7401 NW 74th St., no appointment necessary.” (according to the Herald). However, please be cautious. Distemper is airborne, so it’s risky bringing your pets back to the shelter where they could be exposed, if they haven’t been already. 

Let’s pray that more dogs don’t have to die due to this horrific disease, especially when it’s completely preventable. All dogs that enter MDAS are supposed to be vaccinated for distemper upon intake. Granted, if they have already contracted the disease before intake, the vaccine will not be effective, but any dogs showing signs of illness should be immediately quarantined at the shelter, regardless. This is crucial to stopping the spread of disease.

ACTION ALERT: Help Repeal the Breed Ban in Miami-Dade County

Since 1989, an antiquated breed ban has been in effect in Miami-Dade County, prohibiting residents from owning “pit bull” dogs (a vague and discriminatory classification). This nonsense legislation has not led to any reduction in dog bites or fatalities, and has effectively led to a death sentence for any lost or homeless “pit bulls” in the region. (Not to mention, the county can’t even identify what a “pit bull” is.)

The irony is, current Florida state law actually prohibits municipalities from implementing new breed bans, but unfortunately allows those to stand that have been in place since before October 1, 1990.

Finally, after years of animal lovers struggling to strike down this ridiculous law, there are two bills in the Florida legislature looking to do just that. The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL) is asking for Florida residents to show their support for these bills: SB1322 and HB997. They would serve to remove the grandfather clause that allows Miami’s ban to stand. 

HB997 has been assigned to the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, although no hearing date has yet been scheduled.  Please email the following committee members, and urge them to pass this important bill:

Steve.Crisafulli@myfloridahouse.gov; Rachel.Burgin@myfloridahouse.gov; Michelle.Rehwinkel@myfloridahouse.gov; jim.boyd@myfloridahouse.gov; jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov; dwight.bullard@myfloridahouse.gov; matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov; luis.garcia@myfloridahouse.gov; richard.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov; tom.goodson@myfloridahouse.gov; steve.perman@myfloridahouse.gov; ray.pilon@myfloridahouse.gov; elizabeth.porter@myfloridahouse.gov; franklin.sands@myfloridahouse.gov; jimmie.smith@myfloridahouse.gov

In addition, please contact your Florida state representatives and show your support for this lifesaving legislation.

MCABSL is also asking that we write to the bill sponsors and thank them for filing this measure:

HB 997 was filed by Rep Carlos Trujillo: carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov.
SB 1322 was filed by Senator Jim Norman: norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov.

Together, we can help drag Miami-Dade out of the distant past and save the lives of thousands of deserving dogs.