Posted by Julia Daly

Target: Mayor Michael Hancock, Denver City Counsel, Colorado State Legislature.

Goal: To stop Bread Specific Legislation in Denver.

Profiling, kidnapping, and mass killings are alive and well in Denver, Colorado. I am talking about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). BSL allows Denver Animal Control to discriminate against, and capture, any animal that is believed to be a Pit Bull. This is ignorant animal profiling of a sweet animal, and it needs to end.

Any animal owner knows perfectly well that a family pet is much more than an animal. Some people have known their pet longer than their children, and the thought of giving them away to be senselessly murdered is unthinkable. These animals are being unjustly treated like criminals before they even have a chance to commit a crime. This is ignorant profiling. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Legally, pets are considered to be the property of their owner. Taking that property away, or killing it, is a violation of our 14th Amendment right to liberty, property and to due process of law. Currently the ASPCA, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Humane Society of the US, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Kennel Club are openly opposed to BSL in all capacities. They are the experts. We should trust their judgment.

Since the “Pit Bull ban” began, the number of dog related bites and attacks has NOT decreased in Denver. This is proof that Pit Bulls are not any more naturally aggressive or dangerous than the dog breeds that are allowed in the city. In fact, according to a 2005 study by Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers, Lab’s, those friendly family pets, accounted for 13.3% of bites and attacks where Pit Bulls were blamed for only 8.4%, just 1% point above German Shepherds.

Breed Specific Legislation discriminates against dog breeds and puts thousands of innocent dogs to death every year. It is senseless, expensive, and ignorant. By signing petitions against BSL we can force our leaders to listen to our concerns and stop the needless killing of Pit Bulls in Denver, and all over the nation.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mayor Hancock,

I am writing to you in hopes of reversing the Breeding  Specific Legislation, otherwise known as the Pit Bull Ban, in Denver. The city of Denver has unjustly euthanized thousands of dogs and puppies that are even suspected to be part Pit Bull. This legislation is outdated and ignorant. I know you are an intelligent person, so please consider the following.

The American Humane Society has repeatedly stood up for the rights of America’s most abused dog. Because of BSL, Pit Bulls have held on to their violent reputation and for this reason they are attractive to people who want them for the wrong reasons. Any animal is capable of violence if they are raised in a violent environment. Pit Bulls are no exception. These animals are murdered without being given a chance to prove their kindness, affection, and loyalty.

BLS is legalized mass murder that is killing puppies before they even commit a crime. Would you recommend the city of Denver begin profiling and murdering residents who fit the physical description of a serial killer?

Denver’s BSL was put in place long before you were elected. I respectfully ask you to reconsider this legislation and rise above the ignorance of this law. Please reverse or revise Denver’s BSL and let thousands of animals live.

Sincerely,
[Your Name Will Go Here]

Sign this Petition