Please remember that there is NO compromise when it comes to Breed Discriminatory Legislation (BDL, sometimes called BSL). You don't halfways discriminate against someone or something.
Some Watertown City Council members are seemingly trying to throw residents a bone with their "Grandfather Clause" or by saying that it isn't an "out and out ban". They seem to think they are appeasing the residents who already own ‘pit bull’ dogs; those who fear they will have to move or give up their dog.
Discrimination is discrimination. There are still all kinds of bogus requirements that single out "pit bull" dogs which will cause hardship to their owners. Requiring extra insurance, extra fencing, yard signs and telling you where you can and cannot live with a "pit bull" dog is discrimination. The proposed ordinance even tells you that you cannot leave your windows open.
If the "high risk" language is removed from the ordinance, a Grandfather Clause will not be necessary. A dog will have to "earn" the designation of vicious - regardless of breed.
Accepting a Grandfather Clause as a compromise will NOT make the community safer - it is STILL BDL and does not protect the community from reckless owners. Please do not allow yourself to be swayed by this argument. It would be like allowing Rosa Parks to sit in the middle of the bus.
Some Watertown City Council members are seemingly trying to throw residents a bone with their "Grandfather Clause" or by saying that it isn't an "out and out ban". They seem to think they are appeasing the residents who already own ‘pit bull’ dogs; those who fear they will have to move or give up their dog.
Discrimination is discrimination. There are still all kinds of bogus requirements that single out "pit bull" dogs which will cause hardship to their owners. Requiring extra insurance, extra fencing, yard signs and telling you where you can and cannot live with a "pit bull" dog is discrimination. The proposed ordinance even tells you that you cannot leave your windows open.
If the "high risk" language is removed from the ordinance, a Grandfather Clause will not be necessary. A dog will have to "earn" the designation of vicious - regardless of breed.
Accepting a Grandfather Clause as a compromise will NOT make the community safer - it is STILL BDL and does not protect the community from reckless owners. Please do not allow yourself to be swayed by this argument. It would be like allowing Rosa Parks to sit in the middle of the bus.
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