BTW the fasces is Roman, symbolizing strength through unity. That symbol was in the halls of Congress long before Fascism even existed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces

One small point Kristen, We are born with our rights. The constitution doesnt give them to us, it limits the ability of Government to infringe on them.

True, but I consider dog ownership a privilege and a time-honored tradition, not an inherent right of the human race. We should have the freedom to own dogs, but not to the point of infringing on others rights to safety. It's similar to driving a car. Driving is not a right.

 Quote: kristin mortensen

BTW the fasces is Roman, symbolizing strength through unity. That symbol was in the halls of Congress long before Fascism even existed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces

The Romans did use this

First from the above link:

"Traditionally, fasces carried within the Pomerium — the limits of the sacred inner City of Rome — had their axe blades removed. This signified that under normal political circumstances, the imperium-bearing magistrates did not have the judicial power of life and death; that power rested, within the city, with the people through the assemblies. However, during times of emergencies when the Roman Republic declared a dictatorship (dictatura), lictors attending to the dictator kept the axe-blades even inside the Pomerium — a sign that the dictator had the ultimate power in his own hands."

Could someone please ask that they kindly remove the axe on ours, please? Thanks a bunch...

*Moderator Notice*
This has become a political thread for the past two pages - if it doesn't veer back to dog topics and stays there, it's gonna be locked.

Thanks, I was hoping someone would do that!

BTW: The PB issue has been thouroughly discussed here, anyway. I would advise the newer people to do a search on the subject before posting; I made the very same mistake myself, right Will?!

Will, you should really try to get the sticky about searching going!

Sorry Will.

I was trying to put the issue from a politician's perspective. Saying "Unfair" even if correct isn't going to stop BSL. It makes people think, which is valuable, but it doesn't change the outcome. A long-term solution has to be found unless everyone magically becomes responsible. Most laws already on the books are reasonable and if enforced would prevent the majority of tragedies.

From my personal experience animal control can be very effective. When my parents were visited on a routine AC check, all of the dogs in the neighborhood were registered and many sterilized. Two houses, overflowing with loose, intact dogs, were cracked down on and the animals cut back to reasonable, legal numbers. It made a significant difference in our unincorporated semi-rural neighborhood (even to me who was chased several times); the problem was it only happened once. My parents have lived there for over twenty years and the area is notorious for dog problems and AC doing nothing.

Making people see consequences, makes them evaluate what they are doing. I don't want more laws any more than anyone else here. I think enforcement is the key. AC needs better funding to do their job.

As the owner of two, I love Pit Bulls - all three breeds, APBT, Am Staff, Staffy Bull - not too keen on the American Bullies (aka BLUFFs). They are highly intelligent, they love to train, they have great drive and they are so misused. Most people wouldn't know an APBT if they tripped over one, let alone tell the difference between the three breeds. I am all in favor HISL. Human Intelligence Specific Legislation. If you have none..you need to be banned!

 Quote:

overflowing with loose, intact dogs

Sounds like my house!

What you're describing, Kristin, sounds a bit like some other country I certainly wouldn't want to live in. Animal control doing random sweeps and taking animals? Maybe there's more to it, but unless they were severely neglected, I have a huge issue with the government telling what kind and how many dogs I can keep. BTW, when did leaving a dog as nature intended constitute a criminal activity?

I know there are two camps on this: some say that altering a dog will adversely effect certain aspects of temperament. Others say that this is totally false. Aside from Temperament and breeding, are there any reasons that 99% of pet dog owners shouldn't spay/neuter their pet? I'm not saying "Should have to neuter" as a recent bill in my home state (CA) tried to say. Just...is there a reason not to?

Doesn't spaying increase life expectancy?