John Carney – Taking on the big problems of the day.
Governor Carney Friday signed a bill that blocks local governments from banning or restricting someone’s ownership of certain breeds or mixed breeds. Pit bull terriers are most often targeted by “breed bias.”
“Big or small, regardless of the breed – of course, there are a lot of mixed breed dogs in the state – it just makes them all on a level playing field for adoption and a great life,” Delaware Humane Association Executive Director Patrick Carroll said.
The bill was cosponsored by Representative Charles Potter Jr. and State Senatir David Sokola. It makes Delaware the 21st state to ban a form of breed discrimination and basically allows Delawareans to own any breed of dog they choose.
Whatever. Potter, Carney and Sokola will soon have blood on their hands.
Q: Why do I always read about pit bulls in the news?
When a pit bull attacks, the injury inflicted may be catastrophic. First responders, such as police officers and firefighters, understand this as do members of the media, who are quick to report these attacks. Ongoing social tension also keeps pit bulls in the news. The pit bull problem is now over 30-years old.11 In this time, most lawmakers have been “too afraid” to take breed-specific action to correct the problem. Due to this failure, horrific maulings continue to make headlines.
About half of all media reports regarding pit bulls involve police officers shooting dangerous pit bulls in the line of duty.12 Since the late 1970’s pit bulls have been used extensively in criminal operations for drug dealers, gang members and other violent offenders. The pit bull terrier is the breed of choice for criminals. This choice is directly linked to the pit bull’s selectively bred traits of robust jaw strength, a deadly bite style, tenacity (gameness) and a high tolerance to pain.13
2016 Dog Bite Fatalities in the US by Breed
