Doggie Discrimination

There’s a bill circulating around the California legislature that would allow cities and counties to be able to restrict dog breeds deemed “malicious and dangerous,” by requiring owners to spay and neuter their dogs, and prohibit breeding. SB 861, introduced by Senator Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco) was later advocated by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom following the slaying of a 12-year-old boy by a pit bull. While the bill itself is making its way through the legislature, the controversy is heating up.

The proposed spay/neuter requirement actually violates current California law that prohibits cities and counties from instituting breed-specific legislation. Other states and cities have adopted similar legislation, and in many cases, have banned or heavily restricted certain breeds altogether–such as Denver, Miami and Cincinnati.

Specifically targeted are pit bull terriers and pit bull mixes. While a well-intended idea, the bill fails to address the real issue–dangerous dogs of all breeds, and irresponsible owners.

Case in point–the bill makes no mention of the Presa Canario dogs that mauled San Francisco resident Diane Whipple to her death in 2001. Yes, pit bulls have been known to attack humans, but the far majority of those attacks are the result of poor training and irresponsible owners. There must be another way to prevent these attacks without discriminating against breeds and responsible dog owners.

While I think SB 861’s intent to prevent further deaths from overly-aggressive dogs is a step in the right direction to prevention, I don’t think it is the best way to go about doing so. I think the majority of the responsibility lies with the owners and how they care for their dog. I would like to see more emphasis place on owner responsibility, rather than on the dog itself.

In other news of interest, I’m sad to say that staff writer Dawn Love has left Wells Publishing to pursue a graduate degree in Utah. She will be missed, but we wish her the best of luck!

We also have a couple of other staffing changes here at IJ: Midwest Managing Editor Kevin O’Reilly has also left to pursue other interests, and as has Production Coordinator Karla Boedeker. While we are again sad to see them go, we know that they will thrive in this next stage of their lives, wherever that may be!

Joining the IJ team in place of Kevin and Karla are Laura M. Toops and Erin L. Jay. Laura is no stranger to the insurance world; she previously worked as senior public affairs specialist for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America in Chicago. Erin also joins us from Chicago, although she will be relocating to the San Diego headquarters. She previously worked with media marketing firm Kelly, Scott & Madison in Chicago.

Laura and Erin, we welcome you both to the Wells Publishing family!