March 5, 2010
Dear Senator Hill:
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dahlia Canes and I am the Director for
in reference to 1276 that was in committee meeting today. The bill, SB 1276, as
amended by the committee reads: provided that no such regulation may ban ownership
of any breed. This would prohibit bans on owning particular breeds but would open the
door to other regulations based on breed. This is Breed Specific Legislation. If this bill
becomes law, local governments or local Sheriff, could require owners of particular
breeds to obtain costly liability coverage and impose onerous requirements for
confinements, handling, and even walking dogs based on breed. Under HB 543/SB1276
Local Governments would be allowed to enact breed specific laws.
This language in this piece of legislation is BREED SPECIFIC, in all its contents,
it is written within the silence of the mission it carries. The grave consequences this
legislation carries are inhumane and genocidal. As it is, even for experts, it is difficult
and nearly impossible to recognize a specific breed of dog without DNA test. This would
open the door to hundreds of thousand of innocent dogs being killed by our animal
services, with our tax dollars. It would financially drain any and all animal related
agencies.
This is not a solution to the problem. There are national, reputable animal
organization willing to step up and work with committees to solve the problem
accurately and cost effectively. This legislation does not address the real problems,
which are tethering of dogs, dog fighting, irresponsible owners, and weak dangerous
dog laws/ ordinances throughout our state.
The end result if this bill is passed, would be an exodus of constituents leaving
Florida as they would not be able to financial handle the imposing regulations that its
city or county may enact. This would also step up the dog bite/attack situation, as many
dogs would be let loose, become strays due to irresponsible owners. This legislation
would only punish the responsible owner and the irresponsible owners will go
underground. This is the reality of this legislation.
In Miami-Dade County, there has been a pit bull ban since 1989. This has done nothing
to safeguard the general population and it is only a false sense of security. Just last
year, over 800 good Pit Bull/Mixes were confiscated from responsible owners and put
down by Miami Dade Animal Services
In closing, I implore you to reconsider a better solution with a proposal, which we are
willing to accommodate your schedule to accomplish.
In hope and commitment,
Dahlia Canes
Director
January 21, 2010
Dear Members and Friends:
The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation has been a part of many Pit Bull Confiscation hearings within the last year. We have shown our support throughout these hearings in order to aid the dog owners whose pets have been deemed “illegal Pit Bulls” and who have been ordered to leave the county by Miami Dade Animal Services. We have been very successful in raising awareness of the unjust and unfounded BSL ordinance and the improper procedures used to implement it. We have realized that we need to file a lawsuit against the county to have this ban repealed once and for all, and this is exactly what we are going to do. It is now more than ever that WE NEED YOU! Whether you are a local resident or a long distance supporter, your help is critical. We need volunteers to help at our fundraising events, to raise awareness, and to promote the ending of Breed Specific Legislation. Most importantly, we need proper funding to file the lawsuit. Remember that at the end of the day, we’re out there fighting to save YOUR DOGS! Don’t wait until they knock on your door to stand up and make a difference, by then it will be too late. BSL affects more than just Pit Bulls and local residents, it applies to 75 different breeds of dogs targeted all over the country. Miami Dade county is the strong hold for BSL, but if we can end it here, other cities will follow. Please dig into your recession pockets and help with a contribution. Every dollar counts and helps us continue to save lives. Remember that you can contribute online or by contacting us directly. We need businesses, corporations, dog clubs, kennels clubs, animal organizations, advocacy groups, and any other individuals willing to help. WE NEED ALL THE SUPPORT POSSIBLE TO GIVE THESE DOGS A FIGHTING CHANCE! Please support this cause today. Make a difference by giving of your time and making a contribution. Bless you for caring for these animals! It is our duty to love them as much as they so unconditionally love us! We will continue to go forth and challenge BSL!
In Hope and Commitment,
Dahlia Canes
Director & Co-Founder of MCABSL
Got questions for Dahlia? Send her an email at: suthmalone@aol.com.