After four years of pounding Denver with every logical argument and reliable statistic explaining why breed bans are bad public policy and purely discriminatory, the ground is starting to shake. The biggest shock wave has emanated from the civil lawsuit brought against the city three years ago — a growing financial burden to the city budget scarier than any bully type dog!

Eric Christensen/IsaakHook Images

Me and my bully mix, Brad Pit — Outlaws of Denver.

The ban echoes pit bull paranoia etched in fear-based thinking — ignoring factual information that disputes any logical reason to legislate a breed of dog as dangerous. You can find statistics, data and the gruesome history of Denver’s brutal breed ban on DenverKillsDogs.com.

Just two days before my scheduled flight to the Dark City, I was informed that Denver only wanted to hear from its own constituents — no “outsiders.” Here is the notice I received: Denver city council is not taking seriously any e-mails from outside the area. If you are a Denver resident, make sure to put something about being a Denver resident in the subject line.

What about ex-Denver residents forced to chose between their beloved dog or their home? Or thousands of concerned citizens who signed the Boycott Denver Petition? And what about angry dog owners who have vowed not to move to Denver or open a business there because of the breed ban? I guess we should all go fly a kite…

If testimony from Sergeant Heidi J. Tufto, a previous Denver resident and one of many who fled the city, was not enough evidence to convince city council members of the breed bans’ ridiculous assault on dog owners, I don’t know what other “evidence” Denver is seeking to determine if dog owners have any rights at all. Here is the gripping letter Heidi wrote…

Dear Denver Legislators -

I want you to know that I moved from your "fine" city several years ago specifically due to the breed ban and merciless slaughter of family pets. I moved to Aurora and when they enacted their breed ban, I sold my two homes in that city and moved from there as well – even though I could have "grandfathered" my two beautiful dogs. This year alone, I have purchased more than 450,000 worth of property – all outside of your city and tax base – even with the current economic issues. You have lost a valuable patron, a community volunteer, an active duty combat Soldier and first responder, and a generally outstanding resident.

I ask that you focus all of your currently misused resources toward issues that will help to change the face of Denver in a positive fashion. Instead of hunting down harmless pets, perhaps you could better enforce your spay and neuter policies and reduce the general number of unwanted animals. I suggest sting operations where you contact any of the thousands of people selling puppies and kittens in the Denver Metro area to ensure that these animals are properly licensed for breeding. They shouldn’t be too hard to track down, as they are clearly advertised in the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. Reduce the total number of animals in your shelter, and ensure that ALL dogs and cats who are not show animals are spayed or neutered if living in Denver city limits. Now that is a cause I can rally behind. As an added bonus, spaying and neutering typically helps to reduce aggression in all breeds. Nice bonus, eh?

It is proven that breed specific legislation does not work. Why persist in persecution and genocide of a particular breed of dogs? If this were a people and not a breed of dog, there would be worldwide pressure on you to stop the killing. Discrimination is discrimination — and it is never acceptable. Please educate yourselves on the other legislative options available, such as a strict dangerous dog law that encompasses all breeds and will better protect the public.

In the meantime, I will reside in a relatively safe area with my two beautiful dogs, Lumpy and Bo. They have a lot to offer your city, as Lumpy is a Canine Good Citizen and a Certified Therapy Dog who was a much-loved and welcome favorite at the Children’s Hospital in El Paso.

Lumpy is a former fighting dog who wants nothing more than to show her compassion and depth of character to sick children — not eat them. It is a shame for all parties concerned that she cannot do what she does best and shine as an ambassador for her breed.

I invite you to call me, write me, or contact me in any way. I will gladly give you the opportunity to meet my beautiful Lumpy dog whose only fault was being born a pit bull who was abused, fought, thrown out and left for dead — but who recovered, forgave us all, and lives to love everyone. The same beautiful dog who you have decreed must die simply because she exists.

I will and do not spend any of my money in the cities of Denver or Aurora. I find my entertainment and necessities elsewhere and will continue to do so until such time as the ban is repealed.

Sincerely,
Heidi J. Tufto
303-859-XXXX

Wake up Denver! You have already heard from Heidi, a sergeant of our military forces and other responsible citizens severely penalized by your ineptness to enact an effective dangerous dog ordinance. Furthermore, as a result of your deafness, the city is bleeding taxpayer dollars in a costly legal war waged by outraged citizens forced to move from their Denver homes and treated like criminals!

Other than expert testimony refuting the validity of breed bans given by the professional veterinary community, numerous respected animal welfare organizations, and research data complied by the National Canine Research Council, what more “evidence” are you looking for, Denver? I am afraid the adage: “You can’t fix stupid” applies.

Update I received from Councilwoman Carla Madison: “I can clarify to you and anyone else you talk to that we are not looking to repeal the ban but put a Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act in place.”

What is the Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act you ask?? Denver’s new and improved version of breed discrimination. You can own a pit bull only IF: you apply for a special permit and pay a fee, your dog can pass a temperament test, completes a training class, and you buy increased homeowner insurance. What a load of bully crap!

Notice to my fellow warriors: On August 25th, I stood proudly among the victims of Denver’s brutal breed ban with empty collars and leashes in hand refusing to be ignored. As one of the “outsiders”, I could only imagine the horror of living in a city that uses police force to search private homes, apprehending the friendly family dog for its last ride to nowhere.

Rob Keith/IsaakHook Images

Joining my fellow protesters at Denver City Hall. August 25th, 2009.

For me, Denver will always be remembered as a city cloaked in darkness — hiding under home rule status to impose its own laws. Its own sense of justice. Its own punishment. The Wild Wild West of Denver is looking for a new sheriff. Justice has yet to be served.

Dear Rovers: You have proudly answered the Call to Action and inspired change. And I have had the privilege of fighting with the best of the best. Thank you for the honor of being your General!

For readers of this blog, do not let breed discrimination come to your city. You must watch your city council. Don’t let Denver happen again!

]]> http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2009/09/03/farewell-to-denver/feed/ 8 http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2009/03/11/vet-warns-dog-owners-to-stay-out-of-denver-colorado/ http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/2009/03/11/vet-warns-dog-owners-to-stay-out-of-denver-colorado/#comments Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:33:22 +0000 Dr. Terifaj http://30minvetconsult.com/blog/?p=70

Jamie Downey, publisher of The American Dog Magazine, is committed to stopping the rise of breed discrimination and abolishing breed bans. In the Winter 2009 issue (President Obama on the cover) she published an article I wrote: Vet Warns Dog Owners to Stay Out of Denver, CO.

Now Jamie has made this generous fundraising offer: Buy a subscription to The American Dog magazine and Jaime will donate 100% of the proceeds to The Point, ROVERlution’s ad campaign in Denver!

If you have already subscribed — you know you have received an excellent value at the bargain price of only $20.

Each issue is loaded with information from respected dog experts from all over the country: veterinarians, professional dog trainers, lawyers, and animal welfare advocates. You will also enjoy the personal success stories of those who are making a difference in the animal welfare movement — from fighting animal abuse to stamping out the puppy mill industry.

Please do not pass up this special offer from Jamie — you can GIFT this fine magazine to one of your dog loving friends (or family members) and HELP us fight breed discrimination. Support the magazine that supports many animal welfare issues!

You must order BEFORE March 15th to receive the Spring issue. Look for the box that reads animal charity special code (top of subscription page) and write in: BSL

Order Here:

http://www.theamericandogmag.com/subscribe.shtml

Eric Christensen/Hook Images

For adoption information on Jewel, or one of our other foster dogs, please contact Founders Veterinary Clinic.

The Spring issue will be on newsstands next month! FYI for my fan club: I will be featured as part of the LA Dog Scene — pictured with Jewel. She is a gorgeous pit bull boxer mix that I am fostering for adoption.

So, don’t wait! Now is the time if you have not yet subscribed or want to gift a friend. There is NO better way to spend 20 bucks and make a difference!

Only education and mass public awareness will bring down the brutal breed ban in Denver and copycat cities all across America. The American Dog Magazine is paving the way for better dog laws and the welfare of all America’s dogs.

Thank you for taking action …

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."

Thomas Jefferson

Another Great Turnout This Year!

Lisa Scarsi

The 4th Annual Luv-a-Bully March gets underway in Brea, CA.

On October 25th we celebrated our 4th Annual Luv-a-Bully March, protesting breed discrimination as part of the Second Annual Pit Bull Awareness Day. On this day, 39 states participated in cities from Alabama to Wisconsin.

In our Southern California city of Brea, it was an unusually hot day for October, but that didn’t deter our 125 protestors marching side by side with their canine companions. All breeds, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, were there to support their bully buddies! Our Kiss-a-Bull booth was a smashing hit, with kids and adults who lined up to hand over a dollar and then had to walk away as our volunteer bully licked them to the point of laughter!

Lisa Scarsi

Our Kiss-a-Bull booth was a licking success!

See more photos here.

On a more serious note, Farmers Insurance Company attended at the invitation of Dr. Paula Terifaj DVM to announce that in California, Farmers is only one of two insurance companies surveyed that does NOT discriminate against dog owners. To find out more about breed discrimination by insurance companies, read the tragic story of Tanner: Mercury Insurance Signs Death Warrant on Family Dog.

Message From Jodi Pries, Founder of Bless the Bullys

Thank you for making Pit Bull Awareness Day (PBAD) a huge success — it certainly could not be done without all your hard work and efforts!! I hope that PBAD will become a tradition for you, and that you will celebrate this incredible breed every year until breed discrimination is a thing of the past.

Working together to change public perception, IT CAN BE DONE!

FYI: In September, the traffic to the website doubled. However, during the entire month of October — up until PBAD — the website averaged close to 2,000 hits EVERY DAY!!

That’s A LOT of exposure for your event! Sign-up NOW.

Mark your calendar Third Annual Pit Bull Awareness Day October 24th, 2009.

Forrest & Kane: Update on Denver Survivors

As you know, both dogs were safely transported out of Denver after a grand stand battle by their owners (the McGahey and Martinez familes) and ferocious
watch dog Rovers on Dog Duty! Both Forrest and Kane are now living large in California with Rover Chef David and his pit mix Daze — collectively known as Team Pit-A-Full.

Watch Chef David share his amazing road trip and journey to Colorado:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2BGRvdy2JQ

Adopt a Denver Pen Pal

Lisa Scarsi

Adopt a Denver city official as a Pen Pal and help fight breed discrimination.

Elected city officials in favor of breed bans need a reality check! Start a friendly ongoing relationship with your city representatives. See what Denver residents are doing — and share in this creative endeavor. You can Adopt a Denver Pen Pal too!

Denver Poster Child

Check out our ad campaign and help us save the bullies in Denver!

Please visit our new website, DenverKillsDogs, and join our campaign to repeal the breed ban in Denver!

Top Denver Dog Magazine Wants Repeal of Breed Ban!

Lisa Scarsi

More licks at our annual Luv-a-Bully March!

The publisher of the American Dog Magazine, Jamie Downey, has promised to send a copy of their Jan 09 issue to city officials in Denver, CO. The upcoming winter issue will be on newsstands nationwide Jan 1st. The winter issue will include an article written by Dr. Paula Terifaj DVM on the dangers of Denver’s breed ban.

The magazine will be delivered to Mayor Hickenlooper, all twelve city council members, Doug Kelley, the Director of Animal Control, and city attorneys — sending a strong message in favor of repealing the breed ban.

This fine magazine supports many animal welfare issues and offers excellent articles on dog health care. It’s a win-win for dog lovers and the fight against unfair breed discrimination.

Please support the American Dog Magazine and buy a one year subscription for the great value of only $20!  You must subscribe before December 12th to get the upcoming winter issue:  Subscribe NOW and leave a short Thank-You note for Jamie in the comment section, Thanks!

Makes a great holiday gift too!

Mission: Spend No Dollars in Denver

We are now over 4,000 signatures — like a choo choo train — we need rapid transport! It’s not just a Boycott — it’s a WARNING to dog owners! Did you know that people with bullies had plans to move or visit Denver and were clueless? Read the comments. The story of Forrest has prevented untold suffering from countless “would be” Denver residents and visitors.

Nov 2, 2008, Kate Cross, Arizona
I am a 26 year old, well educated professional adult. I have no children; however, my two Pit Bulls are children to me. My life aside from my career revolves around them. In previous years I traveled through Denver and often vacationed in the area on my way to Kansas, unaware of your area’s pit bull legislation. I will be changing my travel plans this year and years to come to protect my “babies” as we vacation. It sickens me to think about what this bill does to responsible pet owners. It brings tears to my eyes to think of what pet owners must endure in your area. To most families pets are key members, consider having a family member taken from you in a similar fashion. This kind of tragic loss would be worse than any other.

Let’s get to our goal of 10,000 signatures by the end of this year (Dec 31,2008) and I dare to make you this promise: Yours truly will hand deliver this petition to Mayor Hickenlooper.

Now, show me what you’ve got, Rovers!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/spend-no-dollars-in-denver-colorado

I have asked the publisher of the American Dog Magazine, Jamie Downey, to send a copy of the Jan 2009 issue to city officials in Denver, CO. The upcoming winter issue will be on newsstands nationwide Jan 1st thru Apr 1st, 2009.

The winter issue will include an article I have written on the dangers of Denver’s breed ban entitled, Vet warns dog owners to stay out of Denver, Colorado.

The magazine will be sent to Mayor Hickenlooper, all twelve city council members, Doug Kelley, the Director of Animal Control, and city attorneys.

This fine magazine supports many animal welfare issues and offers excellent articles on dog health care. It’s a win-win for dog lovers and the fight against unfair breed discrimination.

With your support, The American Dog Magazine will send copies of the Jan 2009 issue to named city officials in Denver, CO.

Please send a short thank you to Jamie for her support to overturn Denver’s breed ban at:

www.theamericandogmag.com

Eric Christensen

Dr. Paula Terifaj gets a loving kiss from one of her bully patients.

Dear City Officials,

Please rid our city of pit bulls so I can feel safe again.  And oh, by the way…

Could you also keep drunk drivers off the streets, stop people from running red lights, and ticket all drivers that can’t remember we have speed limits? These irresponsible people put my life at risk everyday.

I would also feel a lot safer if gang bangers did not have guns and terrorists did not hate Americans. Let’s take away their guns, bombs and secret weapons. Just think how many thousands of innocent lives we could save!

And while we are making our neighborhoods safe again, could you please hunt down and lock up all the pedophiles, rapists and serial killers. Who needs these human predators lurking around?

But let’s take the easy route first, shall we. Round up all the pit bulls and kill them. After all they are just dogs, they can’t fight back. And there are no laws to stop breed discrimination — only people are protected against unfair acts of discrimination. Guilt by association is fine if we are talking about dogs. Innocent dogs will die, but so what. Our streets will be safer for all of us. And it’s pretty simple too. After you make dog ownership a crime, just let the police do all the dirty work. Any dog looking like the breed in question will be hauled off and jailed by animal control. Sentenced without a jury and caged on death row. Our neighborhoods will be safe again.

Don’t listen to any dog owner who cries about how the dog grew up with their three wonderful children and loves to sleep on their beds at night. Others will beg you to hear how special the dog is and recount heart warming stories while they prepare to call a moving van. And no doubt a few more protesters will adamantly defend their constitutional rights by re-stating the 9th and 14th amendments. This time government has gone too far. They say the bells of freedom have stopped ringing. These American freedom fanatics have joined an army of dog rebels called ROVERlution to defend their rights to keep their dogs!

But wait a minute — statistics don’t lie. If you read about my untimely tragic death odds are that I have been killed by a dangerous drunk driver at the wheel of a car. Or perhaps fatally wounded by the bullets of a madman, a carjacking or while visiting my ATM. Worse yet I was the murdered victim of a vicious human predator. Shame on you for not doing more to protect my life! But you need not feel guilty if you couldn’t rid our city of pit bulls. There is a 99.99% chance I was not killed by a mad dog. In fact, fatal dog attacks are rare. More people have been struck and killed by lightning.

Being the fortunate recipient of a sound and rational mind, I don’t let perceived fears make decisions for me. I am not entertained by Nancy Grace and her hysterical news reporting. And I certainly don’t get my facts straight by watching the 5 o’clock news. I do however have a healthy respect for the driver with road rage, lunatics with guns, and the criminally insane. So, to reduce the odds of me departing ahead of schedule, I have cut out unnecessary driving, I limit time spent in public places, and I make sure to keep all  doors locked with a dead-bolt. In fact, I feel safest behind bolted doors, curled up on the sofa reading The New Yorker with my dog pal who loves to snuggle.

And if you pride yourself on making informed decisions,  refuse to react to eager reporters who "sell the news", are able to think like a rational human being, and understand the fight against laws of injustice — then Rover and I would like to invite you over for tea. Just promise you won’t tell my devoted dog pal that her breed has been defamed, persecuted and abused by the human race. She has such fondness for these strange creatures — it would surely break her heart.

Eric Christensen

Tanner 2003 — 2007

Breed discriminatory laws are sweeping our country and Denver, CO is only one hot spot. Other cities in the states of Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas (to name a few) have adopted similar legislation. Insurance companies have jumped on this breed bandwagon — placing restrictions on homeowners or refusing to provide coverage if certain breeds of dogs are owned.

If you have been thinking that breed discrimination is not your problem, wake up and smell the illegal dog lying on your living room couch! As a veterinarian, I have added breed discrimination to my list of warnings for dog owners. I now caution my clients (who own one of several dog breeds that have been blacklisted by insurance companies and cities around the country) whenever I am introduced to their American Pitbull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Chow Chow, Akita, Great Dane, German Shepard, or Doberman. In my state of California, I have personally witnessed the pain of breed discrimination first hand, compliments of Mercury Insurance Company.

For a heavy dose of reality, read what happened to Tanner:

In 2007, Mercury refused to pay a claim when it was discovered that the policy holder owned a dog that a company representative determined was a “pit bull”. The dog was a mixed breed, (a fact that any dog expert would attest to) and so I promptly wrote them a letter of objection arguing that Tanner, the dog in question, was in fact a mongrel by pure definition. In addition, I said I would testify to the fact that in my three years of working with this dog, he had never displayed any signs of aggression.

So, what happened? My client’s daughter was walking Tanner (a playfully strong 80 pound lab bully mix) when his strength overpowered the leash hold of the dog walker (10 year old weighing 80 pounds). When Tanner paid an unwelcome visit to a neighbor’s dog, a scruff broke out and the neighbor was bitten in the hand as he separated the dogs. The dogs were not injured but the neighbor got nasty, real nasty. He got a lawyer and filed a lawsuit claiming he would be out of work for 6 months and wanted to be compensated. He said the injury to his finger (it was his pinky) prevented him from using his keyboard to type.

In the end, Mercury paid the claim and then threatened to cancel the policy unless my client provided them with Tanner’s death certificate. I stood there numb with disbelief while my panicked client was distraught over the prospect of losing her homeowner’s insurance, complaining she could not afford to buy insurance from eight other companies that had quoted her higher rates, since this claim put a “black mark” on her record. I refused her request to euthanize (in this case murder) Tanner and told her I would find a rescue group to foster him for adoption. She was open to the idea. Two days later and for reasons I will never understand or accept, she took her marching orders from Mercury and handed them Tanner’s head on a platter.

I was stunned by the news. I was sleep deprived for weeks —Tanner’s handsome face visiting me at night whenever I tried to close my eyes. I had believed BSL could not get me in California. Oh No! BSL was in other states and other cities — like Denver, CO where I have carried a torch for the last four years. Now I was face to face with the same evil. I had seen the devil. And the devil won.

It’s been one year this month since Tanner lost his life to corporate breed discrimination. I could not write about it then — the wound was too raw, my emotions too unstable. Even now, I have had to reach for the courage to write about it. I’ve had to accept the outpour of more tears and gut wrenching rage.  Please use the heartache and outrage you too may be feeling to protect other dog owners and dogs from a similar situation as Tanner’s. Tell this story to anyone who will listen. Tell them to read their homeowner insurance policy for dog breed exclusions in the fine print. And watch out when it’s time to renew your policy — many carriers have amended existing policies to include breed restrictions.

FYI: insurance carriers are regulated by the state insurance commissioner* — so restrictions can vary according to which state you live in. In California, there are only two insurance companies dog owners will want to do business with: Farmers and State Farm. More than 20 other large insurance carriers (interviewed by a top agent of Roverlution.org) had breed restrictive language in their contracts. Even if you own a poodle, please send your business to insurance companies that do not discriminate against dog owners.

* Contact and write to the Insurance Commissioner in your state telling them you are against breed restrictions and find out which state representatives support your views. They can introduce legislation to prohibit insurance discrimination. If legislation is pending you can encourage your state representatives to support it!

Note: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin (not an all inclusive list) have state laws in place (or pending) which prohibits the denial of insurance based on dog breed ownership. This shows progressive action by these states!

After you study your homeowner’s policy, watch out for your city council. More and more cities have placed the topic of breed restrictions on their agenda. You must watch to see if your city representatives are meeting to discuss your dog. And before you consider a move or vacation, first check to see if you own a blacklisted dog. Bottom line: Both state law and city ordinances must be examined prior to a visit or move. Dog owners are not free to move about in the new America!

Breed discriminatory laws have become a modern day death sentence for any dog caught in the legal crossfire of ignorant lawmakers and biased insurance companies. See other posts on this subject.

Stay informed. Get involved. Or watch more of your freedoms evaporate and just maybe your dog, too.

Forrest behind bars in Denver, CO.

Writers need time to write. Sometimes we steal time—paying bills late, not returning phone calls, and turning down dinner invites — because an inner voice is louder. At times, the voice is so loud nothing else seems as important as it once was. Again, I have to hit the pause button on life because the time is ripe for me to tell you and the world about a dog owner’s nightmare in Denver, Colorado…

Sonya’s story could have been mine or yours if we had been living in Denver in May of 2005…

The saga of Chris McGahey and his dog Forrest continues…

Fast forward to August 23, 2008: After an intense 10 day shout out to Denver officials (phone calls, emails and letters) demanding the release of Forrest, I woke early on a Saturday morning and found this message in my inbox: Protest Rally at Denver Municipal Shelter 666 Jason Street tomorrow Sunday, 24th at 11am.  Bring protest signs!  The campaign I started just 2 weeks ago, (Mission: Save Forrest) had now mushroomed into a full fledged protest! Without thinking — knowing my rational mind could come up with a least a dozen reason why I should NOT cancel my Sunday beach plans to fly the blue skies of Denver — my fingers hit the keyboard. Within minutes, Expedia.com booked me a direct flight leaving for Denver at 6am and returning at 6pm — giving me 12 hours to help save Forrest from another tragic death, another family destroyed by the Denver Dog Dictatorship.

After a 30 minute taxi ride from the airport to the Denver Municipal Shelter (DMS), I would finally meet a pack of dog rebels inside enemy territory. Their faces, like mine, showed anger and panic. I wanted to flip off the city that called us to war — stealing countless hours of daylight and sleep. The city that has filled us with rage and sadness knowing they have marched hundreds of harmless family dogs straight into their killing camp at the DMS. Damn you Denver!

Protester stands outside Denver Municipal Shelter, helping to create a world-wide boycott of the city.

We shouted and waved protest signs at cars driving by. We told the story of Forrest to newspaper reporters talking faster than they could scribble down our outrage. That Sunday afternoon, a small but mighty group of dog rebels shined a bright spotlight on a dark Denver and helped to spare the life of an innocent family dog named after the movie character, Forrest Gump.

Back home, the following day in California I got the call: Forrest would be released. After a 2 month incarceration at the shelter, Forrest was loaded into a one way van headed to St. Louis, MO. Now, here is the rub: Forrest must never return to the state of Colorado or be released back to the family that fought so hard to save his life. Denver plays God again…

This is not one bizarre story. Dog owners are facing discrimination in cities all over the country where lazy, uneducated city council people vote in favor of breed bans — failing to address the real problem: Negligent dog owners!

Could your city become the next Denver — forcing you to move or surrender your dog?

The rights of dog owners are in grave jeopardy! You can help stop the killing of innocent dogs in Denver, Colorado. See the promise I have made to the Mayor of Denver:

Sign the petition.

No, I have not stopped my cancer research … it is still moving along nicely. Sorry, but part 4 won’t be out this week as promised — look for it next week. Last week I was called back for some urgent dog duty by several frantic emails. Duty calls. I had to put the books down and once again join forces with my fellow dog rebels. Get ready for some real fireworks…

Here is a short recap: The city of Denver, Colorado is out to kill another innocent dog. This time it’s a dog that does not even live within the deadly Denver city limits. A fact that does not concern Denver — since Forrest looks like he may carry some pit bull genes and no dog looking to be anything other than a poodle is safe in Denver ever since a breed ban on pit bulls and pit bull mixes was adopted by the city council in May of 2005.

Now they are out to execute a dog named Forrest belonging to Chris McGahey, resident of Adams County — whose dog happened to wander into the pit bull dead zone. Should be as simple as pay your fine and get your dog out of jail, right? Wrong. Not if you are in Denver. Not if your dog looks anything like the bully breed. Unfair and just plain wrong is too mild to express my feelings. I have better words for it, but they are not Internet appropriate. Some people might get the wrong idea — like I am one of those crazy pit bull lovers or just another weirdo animal rights activist. So, I will just keep a lid on my outrage and continue to fight the ignorant with knowledge. And I hope you will, too!

And remember this poem by Helen Keller — who owned the breed of dog now outlawed by Denver and a number of other cities around the country too numerous to list. America has gone so wrong…

Power of One

I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do

Invitation to join ROVERlution follows:

August 14th Denver, Colorado at the Denver Dog Jail

As of today, Wednesday August 14th, Forrest’s fate hangs in the balance. Volunteers at the Denver shelter report they have seen cases like this before. Now that Chris was able to plead his case, the decision to release him or kill Forrest (No, this is not euthanasia folks!) could be as soon as tomorrow or as late as next week. So, everyday counts — keep it coming!

Let’s set the record straight

And just for the record — Denver intends to justify the killing of Forrest because it was his owner’s second offense and they aren’t telling the truth, either.

Here is the statement from the Mayor’s office: “Chris was living INSIDE the city limits of Denver”. Not true. Chris and Forrest were NOT living inside the city limits of Denver when Forrest was picked-up by Denver Animal Control. In fact, since Chris had adopted Forrest, they never lived in Denver — they were in Adams County. Chris had apparently lived in Denver prior to having Forrest, but never after he got him. Unfortunately, he had not yet updated his driver’s license to show the new address in Adams County.

First offense: Forrest was stolen and eventually picked up by Denver Animal Control after Chris had moved out of Denver and relocated in nearby Adams County. Chris got off with a warning when he was finally able to prove he and Forrest were not living in Denver. He was told his dog would NOT be released if ever found in Denver again!

Second offense: And then one day, the worst happened. Chris was preparing to move to Fort Collins (a 1.5 hour drive away from Denver) when Forrest somehow got out of his yard. Who among us has not had that frightening lost dog experience? No, Chris was not one of those irresponsible dog owners as some people have been quick to judge. He loves Forrest the way we love our dogs. Chris is living a nightmare. He visits his dog at the shelter every day. Can you imagine that agony?

As if there is any justification to kill any dog simply because city government says so!

Thank You Denver

You have just handed us our breed ban poster child. Forrest tells a story that every dog owner across this country will sympathize with. We all have dogs that look like pit bulls or know dogs that look like pit bulls. They are not the monster dogs you fear and justify killing.

Our message to Denver Officials: It’s time to bring you out of the closet — you need not fear pit bulls any longer. Now you have the real deal. Our dogs can’t fight you, but we sure can! Lucky for you, dog lovers tend to be compassionate folks. We feel you need to be educated, after all, how can anyone judge the ignorant? Here is how we plan to help:

Mayor Hickenlooper, honorable city council members, Doug Kelly (Director of Animal Control) and Nancy Severson (Manager of the City’s Environmental Health department and most importantly Doug Kelly’s supervisor) will be paired up with their very own pen pals. Choose which Denver official you would like to help and send them a weekly email or letter. Could just be an article or story of a pit bull saving someone’s life, sniffing out drugs at the airport, finding a lost camper in a search and rescue mission. Or maybe something personal and special about the bully in your life!

Keep it short and to the point and do it once a week. Full details and contact information about our Denver Pen Pal campaign will start after Mission Forrest completed.

Hit Denver Targets Daily

Mayor John W. Hickenlooper
Phone: 720-913-1311
Fax: 720.865.8787
E-mail:

MileHighMayor@ci.denver.co.us

City and County Building
1437 Bannock Street, Suite 350
Denver, CO 80202

Director of Animal Control
Doug Kelly

Doug.Kelley@ci.Denver.co.us

Manager of the City’s Environmental Health Dept.
Nancy Severson (Doug Kelly’s supervisor)

Nancy.Severson@denvergov.org

Councilman Michael Hancock – President
4760 Oakland St., Suite 175
Denver, CO 80239
Phone: 303 331 3872

michael.hancock@denvergov.org

Fax: 303 331 3874

Contact them daily! Tell them to release Forrest!

Thanks Rovers!

I’ve been copied on more email letters than I could read in the last two days — but I am going to read them all. Why? Because YOU inspire me! I know that I am not one, but many. I know that breed discrimination is wrong. I know breed bans insult my intelligence. I know that irrational fear threatens a free society. I know our rights under the Constitution as Americans are in great jeopardy.

General Packleader www.roverlution.org

Join the ROVERlution!

Petey living out his Golden Years in Orange County, CA

Petey and I spent his last 5 years together celebrating our survival. We had summoned our strength and courage to endure the cold realities of a teaching hospital on a mission to train future doctors. And while my psyche was permanently damaged by the unquestioned ethics of animal experimentation, I made sure that Petey went on to live a happy, untroubled life.

Denied the protective arms of the respected human-animal bond, Petey’s life had not been cherished and valued. His dog life was stolen and yet Petey only wanted to forgive. So, why does a dog give four years of his life to humans who see him only as a lab animal and not fight back?   The answer is simple: this remarkable dog modeled the traits of his true pedigree. Traits that show the American Pit Bull Terrier to be a courageous dog, used in law enforcement activities and search & rescue missions. Traits that show this breed to have a good temperament around people and therefore to be worthy of our trust and admiration. Traits that have famously earned them the title of the “nanny dog” and the right to be cherished family members.

So, what the hell happened? How have Pit Bulls become so feared by society that they have been condemned in cities across the county and are waiting to die in animal shelters? A depressingly sad, disgraceful example of how animals once again suffer at the hands of those who have failed to see the real problem; a society of the mentally blind who find it easier to discriminate than to ask questions.

Me and Petey, 1987.

When you study all the facts leading up to dog attacks on a human or another dog, there is always a sad history of human neglect, sometimes to the point of abuse, such as dog fighting—pointing the finger at humans!  In addition to neglect and abuse, many of these dogs are encouraged to be aggressive to protect unlawful activities. Others have just been left tied up in backyards, denied human companionship and socialization—both leading causes of aggression in a dog regardless of breed!

Devoted canine companions or killers? Unquestionably, the fate of every dog is determined by human intent.  Dogs that have been touched only by hands of human kindness and understood by an open mind show us the true meaning of that popular phrase: “man’s best friend”. However, in a society that fails to protect the lives and welfare of its companion animal population, human greed and ignorance are becoming the domestic dogs’ worst enemy.

It is time to tell the truth. It is time to admit that breed bans are dangerously discriminatory. Time to admit that ignorance and fear have stolen the rational minds of our lawmakers. Time to question the sanity of killing an animal that means no harm simply because it looks like or is a “Pit Bull”.

We all live with danger every day.  Women live with the fear of being beaten by their boyfriends or husbands. Children suffer at the hands of pedophiles. The innocent teenager is killed by a drunk driver.  Is it rational to fear all men as a danger to women? Should we suspect all adults of being child molesters? Is every car driver a killer?  Of course not. We must seek to educate and practice crime prevention. Crime is a failure of society, not a breed of dog!

Nancy Grace will no doubt continue her rant about these dangerous killer dogs. She like most lazy folks gets her information by watching the six o’clock news. Nancy has not witnessed the stories of bravely optimistic people who saw a dog in trouble, not the shape of its head. People who heard the cries for help, not the voices of fear. People who fed starving dogs. People who took injured dogs to the vet. These people opened their homes and hearts to society’s outcastes.  They are my heroes. They give me real hope that one day Breed Specific Legislation will be recognized as a tragic failure, shamefully buried in the history books.

Until then and in honor of my brave hearted dog, I will continue to battle all forms of breed discrimination. Petey left a big paw print on my soul and a big job for me to finish.

You can help too: Sign the Dog Rebels Pledge and add your voice to the growing constituency of dog owners across the United States protesting discriminatory breed specific laws.

• Copycat behavior following cities already infected with BSL
• Irrational fear of dogs who look like other dogs
• Frightening ignorance in the area of dog behavior

This whopping combo makes logical thinking impossible and has paved the road for breed bans — forcing innocent dogs to run for their lives!

Dazed dog owners have watched in total disbelief as legislators affected with the BSL virus are voting in favor of making dog ownership illegal, if you own a dog breed they fear to be “dangerous.”  And insurance companies will hike your rates or turn you down completely.  Distraught owners have been forced with the decision to either move out of their cities or give up the family dog.  What would you do?

But you can stop this deadly virus in its tracks — do you remember how to vote in elections and fire service care providers?  You must take immediate action today in an effort to save your dog and other innocent family dogs from suffering under the dictatorship of these mindless legislators and the insurance companies who also blindly discriminate against dogs based solely on breed and not behavior.

Start by interviewing each of your city council representatives.  Attend city council meetings and make yourself known as a responsible dog owner.  Provide information on how your city can effectively promote public safety without making your dog an outlaw!  Oregon put the brakes on a state bill calling for Breed Specific Legislation when they passed SB 844.   This bill echoes provisions in the NAIA Guide to Constructing Successful Pet-friendly Ordinances, a booklet available on the National Animal Interest Alliance website: http://www.naiaonline.org/.  SB 844 is a model dangerous dog bill that in a nutshell holds irresponsible dog owners accountable for loss or injury.  Putting the blame and the punishment where it belongs, on the dog owner.

To find out if your city officials are infected by the BSL virus, ask them the following questions:

• Do you believe that all dogs of a particular breed are inherently dangerous?
• How would you vote on legislation that seeks to restrict dog ownership based on the breed of the dog?
• Are you in favor of passing tougher legislation against the owners of dogs that have caused injuries?

Now, who will you campaign for in the next election?

Next, find out if your homeowner’s insurance has a clause that would cause your insurance to be cancelled if you own a particular breed of dog or would deny a claim.  If you’re shopping around for a new policy, do NOT buy until these two questions are answered and read the fine print!

If you think this is a joke, it is not.  Breed Specific Legislation has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent dogs all across the county!  Here are just a few cities:

• Denver, Colorado
• Independence, Missouri
• Kansas City, Kansas 

These cities have passed breed bans that allow authorities to confiscate family dogs based solely on physical appearance.  Any dog looking to match the general description of a “pit bull” can be confiscated.  Many mixed breeds have been caught in this cross fire; making breed bans all the more irrational and tragic.

How can this atrocity against dogs happen?  Ignorance and its best friend, apathy.  We are allowing ourselves to be governed by legislators who vote before they think and greedy insurance companies anxious to deny claims.  And if you would rather entertain yourself with the latest stupid reality TV show — then soon you will be watching a new show, Lost America.

Anyone for a ROVERlution? 

See more photos from Third Annual Luv-a-Bully Protest March - Brea CA.

Get the real facts and get ready to do battle.  Fight blind ignorance with the truth by reading these excellent reference books:

Fatal Dog Attacks: The Stories Behind the Statistics, by Karen Delise

Dogs Bite: But Balloons and Slippers Are More Dangerous, by Janis Bradley

The Pit Bull Placebo: Media, Myths and Politics of Canine Aggression, by Karen Delise