In order to keep MD BSL free we need to lift BSL in PG County and over turn the MD Court ruling deeming pit bull type dogs as danergous in order to keep MD BSL FREE... We do not want to see a state wide ban.

Waiting till January 2013 to address HB1804/SB1307 will be too late.  Many responsible dog owners have already been asked by their landlords to vacate due to the irresponsible "pit bull" court ruling causing their loved furry family members to be put to sleep.  The consequences of this is HUGE!  Not only does it force responsible families to make tough decisions that will result in losing their furry family members, it will also result in over populated shelters who will be forced to euthanize many innocent, loving, family pets.

BSL punishes more than just the victimized breed. These types of discriminatory bans, destroy loving homes, punishing the responsible dog owner.  BSL targets the wrong type of dog owner.

BSL not only effects the owner, it effects community revenue. By forcing dog owners to avoid moving too and traveling through BSL cities and counties, we are losing much needed revenue in a poor economy. BSL also forces Dog Club shows and their competitors to hold conferences, shows, Expos, etc. in NON-BSL locations. These types of discriminatory restrictions are costly to the city and taxpayers because we lose out on much needed revenue.

Rather than targeting the victim (specific breeds), direct these efforts to crack down on the criminals that give these breeds a bad reputation. BSL does nothing to educate or protect the citizens from dangerous dogs or the people raising them, BSL teaches RACISM. Dogs of any breed can be dangerous if raised irresponsibly. Laws need to be based on people not dogs.  Based on actions not looks.  We need stricter punishments on animal abusers and dog fighters.

Task forces that nab dog fighters and animal abusers, will lead law enforcement officers to additional crimes such as, illegal money exchange, murderers and drug dealers. Why are we wasting good tax payer money to destroy families looking to give a dog the second chance they deserve?

I’d much rather have an American Pit Bull Terrier living next door to me then a criminal. Raising a dog is much like raising a child; just easier to train, more cost effective, they seek loyalty from their owner and are less likely to grow up to be menaces to society.

The American Temperament Testing Society does temperament testing throughout the year at breed clubs and compiles the statistics. The 2011 statistics show APBTs and AMSTAFFs are in the 83-86 percentile. (These test results are available at http://www.atts.org/stats1.html) How can we hold such high restrictions on a breed that out numbers their competitors? Clearly the breed is NOT the problem.

As a proud owner/mother of three previously abused, rescued, loving, forgiving and loyal Pit Bull type dogs; I ask you, please do not allow discriminatory bans to take my family from me. My pit bull type dogs complete my home, please do not allow unfair laws to destroy my family.

Please ban cruel deeds, not innocent and victimized dogs.  Something must be done NOW!!  A special session is in order.