Dog Community

Response from Peter Vallone regarding proposed BSL in NYC

Posted : 1/15/2007 2:03:30 PM

For those of you who don't know, a councilman in New York City, Peter J. Vallone, is proposing a resolution that will overturn the ban on Breed Specific Legislation in New York state so that he can then ban pit bulls in New York City. This is a huge problem not only for the fact that hundreds, or thousands of dogs and their owners will suffer, but that since NYC is such a large, influential city, if BSL happens here, it will undoubtedly spread. It starts with "pit bull type" dogs, and then will extend itself to the next "dangerous breed."

I wrote to Peter J. Vallone as a concerned New York City pit bull owner, and this was the response I received in the mail:

Dear Ms. ________,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding Resolution 156, which calls upon the New York State Legislature to repeal a State Law so that New York City may ban the ownership or sale of pit bulls within the City.

As a dog owner and animal rights activist I am well aware that when raised properly, pit bulls can be as loyal and loving as any other breed of dog, and that many pit bull attacks are caused by irresponsible owners. However, none of this changes the fact that when they do become violent (whether it be due to training or any other reason) they are much more dangerous than other dogs and cause severe injuries or even death. These dogs have been known to withstand a gunshot without releasing their hold on the victims face or neck.

Please understand that any legislation that I do pass will not seek to penalize current pit bull owners, but rather ban the future sale or ownership of the breed. I am also working within the current parameters of New York City's Dangerous Dog Law to make sure that all provisions of the current laws are implemented and enforced. As chair of the Public Safety Committee, my primary concern is that every New Yorker can walk the streets without the fear of a violent attack.

Thank you for contacting me on this important issue,
Sincerely,
Peter F. Vallone Jr.
Chair, Public Safety Committee

This really frightens me. The fact that this law will not effect myself and my dog, Tyson, does not ease my mind in the least! This is not about just me and my dog, this is about the hundreds or thousands of dogs that will be punished, or even put to death, because of his/the public's irrational fear and misdirected action. Please contact Peter Vallone, Jr. and express your unhappiness!
[linkhttp://www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/email_form.cfm?con_id=79]http://www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/email_form.cfm?con_id=79[/link]

I also contacted my local councilman, Vincent Gentile, and this was his response:

Ms. _________:

First, let me apologize for the delay in responding to your e-mail of 12/31.
We were on holiday recess until 1/3, and I and my staff have been researching
proposed BSL since then.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the possiblity of introduction of
breed-specific legislation before the Council. I and my staff have been
studying the issue. Our consulations with animal rights advocacy groups and
humane groups have demonstrated to me that there exist problems with the
proposed legislation. I am more concerned with the way owners raise and treat
dogs than with breeding designations. Any dog is susceptible to bad,
antisocial or dangerous behavioral patterns if poorly raised.

Based on the foregoing, I remain unconvinced that the proposed legislation
represents the best answer to an acknowledged problem. I am currently not a
co-sponsor of the legislation, and I continue to solicit input from members of
the community.

Sincerely,

Vincent J. Gentile
New York City Councilman

samilin

Posted : 1/17/2007 3:45:02 PM

Hello! I live in Westchester County, NY and have a 2.5 yo Pit.
I too wrote Mr. Vallone about his proposed BSL. Amoung other things, I let him know that I was outraged that he was quoted in an article stating that "Pit Bulls jaws lock". This man angers me so.

I also received the SAME letter you printed.

"As chair of the Public Safety Committee, my primary concern is that every New Yorker can walk the streets without the fear of a violent attack. "

I am more worried about a violent attack from one of his "New Yorkers" than a Pit Bull!

UGH, it makes me so crazy. [:@]

anne

Posted : 1/17/2007 4:34:38 PM

ORIGINAL: alieliza

Ms. _________:

First, let me apologize for the delay in responding to your e-mail of 12/31.
We were on holiday recess until 1/3, and I and my staff have been researching
proposed BSL since then.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the possiblity of introduction of
breed-specific legislation before the Council. I and my staff have been
studying the issue. Our consulations with animal rights advocacy groups and
humane groups have demonstrated to me that there exist problems with the
proposed legislation. I am more concerned with the way owners raise and treat
dogs than with breeding designations. Any dog is susceptible to bad,
antisocial or dangerous behavioral patterns if poorly raised.

Based on the foregoing, I remain unconvinced that the proposed legislation
represents the best answer to an acknowledged problem. I am currently not a
co-sponsor of the legislation, and I continue to solicit input from members of
the community.

Sincerely,

Vincent J. Gentile
New York City Councilman

Someone has a brain and listens!! Hopefully this guy will get on your side and get others to agree. Good luck. This is just ridiculous. I mean this is America, you should be able to own any breed of dog you want as long as you dont abuse it or teach it to be aggressive.

spiritdogs

Posted : 1/18/2007 1:50:34 PM

I'm not in NY, but still wrote in with my professional perspective as a trainer in the hopes I could help. One thing you can try is to convince this guy to allow ownership if people attend classes, or get a CGC. It's better than having to give up your dog, or not being able to own your breed of choice.

alieliza

Posted : 1/18/2007 8:29:01 PM

New York thanks you all for your support! To the rest of you, don't be shy to contact Vallone... any little bit helps!