So all kinds of stuff has recently hit the fan in response to a horrendous attack on a Westwego woman that was sharing a tiny home with a “Pit Bull” breeding operation, live litter and all. Since this horrible incident, the Westwego City Council have moved to amend their city ordinance in an effort to make it far tougher on Pit Bull owners as a whole…
Under the proposed changes Pit Bull owners must be at least 21 years of age and carry $100,000 in liability insurance, follow specific confinement regulations (both in and out of the home), keep the dogs muzzled when leaving the home (perpetuating stereotypes), display warning signs on the premises (perpetuating stereotypes), mandatorily spay and/or neuter their dog as well as implant a mandatory microchip. Going further, this will also require that unlicensed Pit Bulls be killed, that the city’s code inspectors be able to visit people’s private homes to “determine compliance,” and that DNA-testing be done at the expense of the pet owner. Back quickly to the dogs being killed if they are “unlicensed”–what then happens to the strays that are impounded at the shelter? I’m assuming they’d all be unethically killed.
“Those responsible Pit Bull owners will not have a problem with this, I’m sure, recognizing we do not want to take their dog away,” Mayor Johnny Shaddinger said Wednesday, a day after City Attorney Joel Levy submitted a first draft of the proposed ordinance.
Ugh, actually we do. I’m responsible, and I have a big problem with it. Why? Because requiring that all “Pit Bull” owners get liability insurance in order to have or keep their family dog is BSL through and through. Folks, please remember that breed-specific legislation is not just simply a “ban” of a certain type of dog. It’s any legislation crafted that targets “specific” types of dogs. I put specific in quotations because there’s nothing ever specific about these policies, nor is there anything specific about how they are going to go about identifying whether your dog is or is not a Pit Bull. And notice how the Mayor says that “we do not want to take your dog away.” Um, okay. But you do want to create such a negative stigma around the dogs, as well as put hurdle after hurdle up in front of those already having the dogs, that they might voluntarily give their dogs up or be in violation of some law, thus being forced to give their dogs up. Not to mention the blowback that always follows a law that mandates liability insurance, allowing more landlords and insurance companies to move to over-protect themselves and avoid the dogs altogether. This is definitely an excuse for those folks to be more discriminatory in that regard. So no, all of this may not amount to Mr. Shaddinger actually coming to your home to personally “take your dog,” but it absolutely will amount to dogs being taken, given up, situational upheaval and the continuation of broad and sweepingly vile discrimination.
Green said the city needs the harsher guidelines because of Henry’s ordeal, and because he hears too many troubling stories about Pit Bull attacks. He doesn’t blame the animals, but he does blame pet owners who don’t properly care for them.
Ahem… Doublespeak alert!! Councilman Glenn Green “doesn’t blame the animals,” but yet what he’s doing is fundamentally making all of the animals guilty until proven innocent. He’s also admitting that “too many troubling stories” played a role, and goes on to admit that Mrs. Henry’s boyfriend didn’t “properly care for” his dogs. WOW. What a quote. So if he actually believes ^his last sentence then why aren’t his efforts based around responsible dog ownership and not the blatant targeting of an entire type of dog? Also, they already have a Pit Bull ordinance that went unenforced, and now they are “strengthening it,” even though the original ordinance did nothing to stop the attack that is prompting the doubling down on a new law. Again, how about targeting responsible pet ownership instead?
Now, onto Villalobos Rescue Center and Tia Torres, who I genuinely respect and think that they do great work with bringing public awareness to the true and very positive nature of these dogs. Up and to this point my only concern with them, in any area, has been that some of their merchandise is so abrasively Pit Bull-exclusive that it puts all other dogs down in the process (i.e. “If it ain’t pit, it ain’t shit”). Minor. Just me being observational and having an opinion. And I doubt they care. But anyways, to my surprise they are actually SUPPORTING this legislation! What the hell? See for yourself.
In this photo they then relay people to Einhorn Insurance, implying that they will be fine once they call them. I guess so, if local carriers are still available. I’m told that there are currently options, and Einhorn can assist in detailing those for folks when and if this becomes necessary. Most Louisiana homeowner’s insurance companies continue to flat out exclude Pit Bulls. That’s just another challenge that remains, and one that is not going to be getting any better in light of what has happened in Westwego. All of this is kind of besides the point though, as not everyone can afford liability insurance for their dog. Far more important than that, it’s wrong to have to be forced to get it when no one else does. That’s exclusionary. That’s punishing responsible people for committing no crime. That’s punishing the dogs.
Villalobos responds to the few critics of their position by implying that, hey, it was either this or “AN ALL OUT BAN.” Uh, not really. But way to fearmonger people into believing that there is only 2 options. Whatever happened to standing on your principles? I guess that somehow doesn’t apply with this, even though it does, and they are just choosing not to. They then tell people to “pick and choose your battles.” Alrighty.
Well, I’m here to say that what has been described here and elsewhere is pretty much an unofficial ban. Semantical games can be played but this is an egregious squeeze on law-abiding and responsible people, as well as an endless amount of good dogs. Requiring liability insurance in an area where almost all of the insurance companies choose to exclude that “type” of dog is essentially a ban on any dog that looks like that “type” of dog, whatever that means. And you won’t be able to decide, Glenn Green and his people will. Also, requiring that all dogs of a specific breed or type be forever spayed and neutered is an eventual ban, in theory, to boot.
Quite frankly I’m not only stunned by the stand that Villalobos has taken, but I’m also stunned by the amount of praise that they are receiving (and the amount of criticism that they are not receiving) in regards to the position that they’ve taken. My 2 cents is clear. You should be standing on the principle that this is totally wrong. That’s what everything boils down to. We are these dogs’ voice, and that’s a very important role to have and position to be in. And the platform that you have to be those things, I mean, my goodness gracious… Please, Villalobos: Reconsider your position. You don’t hedge on injustice, ever. You are either anti-BSL or you are not. That should be the end of it. Giving an inch to a politician hellbent on discriminating means that he is likely to take multiple miles. And what you’ve “given” here is far more than an inch. Is it worth discarding the soul of the argument, your principles and the truth, in order to appease a grandstanding Councilman who has it backwards? C’mon.
I agree 100%. I was shocked to see this from Villalobos… Worse more, Tia and the crew perpetuate stereotypes CONSTANTLY. Tia claims many times, including in the comments of that Facebook post, that pits are so strong that you must be vigilant with them; that no matter what their bite force tests say, pits are capable of doing so much more damage; that they are “special” in this regard… She basically says “pits are mean and strong and you must take extra care around them, but I love them anyway” – giving these anti-pit people exactly the ammo they need. Hey, even a famous pit advocate says pits are especially dangerous and supports mandatory insurance, mandatory muzzling, mandatory warning signs, mandatory this and that… for pits only? Perfect…
I need to add…. this kind of BSL paves way to worse BSL. It happens time and time again. By supporting this with comments regarding the strength and potential for ‘more’ damage by a pit than any other breed, etc… you’re giving them what they need to support an all-out ban later, if or WHEN they decide to do that.
we cannot give in to any compromise of BSL.. go back years when it was the Dobie, Shepherd and Chow and Rottie. Take a lesson and how they got out of it. As far as Tia Torres, she is a rescue that they decided to make a “star” so to speak because she uses parolees, which is great. But I am sure she will agree she is not the end all to this BSL. Why is she compromising? Only she can answer that. We can only guess. Personally I have a Dobie and a Pit Mix rescues. They are service dogs, the Pit in training. we cannot compromise BSL it can be ANY BREED!! Tia I suggest you recant your statement, You do great work I agree but do not stop short and Compromise or fall under these politicans stupidity.
And in response to people on her Facebook who were saying she’s supporting BSL, she claims she was going to suggest that it is for all dogs (not just pits) at a city meeting. Um, you’re on the record officially supporting it. You cast your ‘vote’ in support of BSL. It doesn’t matter what you add as commentary- she knows they’re not going to do it, she knows they would NEVER require ALL pet owners to do ANY of these things… She is supporting it with OR WITHOUT that added suggestion. And THAT makes it support of BSL.
Btw, she posted a status about your site on her Facebook, saying that you’re “spreading rumors”. She then said supporting it was the only alternative, BUT THEN called the bill “RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP”… So which is it, Tia?
I think instead of slamming another organization that is trying to save the same animals you are, you might try to put that energy into helping each other. I mean aren’t you for the same cause or are you just out to promote yourselves as the better people.. If this is the case then shame. You have lost sight of what’s really important.
First off, this country needs federal and state breeding laws. Don’t blame the breed- blame the puppy mills and unethical dog breeders who breed dogs in horrible conditions. Only licensed professionals who run clean and healthy operations should be allowed to breed animals. Pit bulls are literally being “manufactured” by idiots who have no idea what they are doing. It makes me sick. Than these dogs are giving away to literally anyone who wants them and it continues the chain of abuse and neglect. And it is not just pit bulls that this happens to. The madness won’t end unless — and this goes for all domestic animals, we address the breeding issue for all dogs and cats.
I believe some of these proposed ideas are good. But it’s still BSL.
However Tia wants the rules to apply for ALL dogs, not just the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Mandatory spay and neuter of ALL pet animals-being defined as those that have been not been titled in both conformation and at the very least earned a Canine Good Citizen certification-and these titles must be awarded by LEGITIMATE REGISTRY-not one of these recently “invented” designer groups for mixed bred/puppy mill sales support. In other words in the case of dogs, those that exemplify their breed standards in physical and mental/emotional characteristics. Next, limit the number of litters that can be produced and a 1000.00 dollar litter tax paid directly to Animal Control/Humane agency who serves the area where the “breeder” resides, money to be used to improve structure/procedures and provide education for those who handle the animals-this will in turn increase the price of sale of puppies, and cause a stall in demand because people will hesitate at prices. All puppies and adults must receive care/vaccines and health clearances by a licensed Veterinarian prior to sale-no more of these “breeder shots” and so forth-this twist on economy will also aid in providing service as spay/neuter dogs prior to owners reclaim a dog and micro chipping-no matter the “type of dog”. As far as matter Villalobos, we stopped watching and following that, although service in the community is great- chain collars/pinch collars(same with bad rap)I am fourth generation in my family with “bulldogs”, have been with these dogs my entire life, plenty longer than all these “experts” my education is Behavioral Psych, my resume’ in dogs is extensive to the point of silly-I am directly in touch with the behavioral staff at OSU, I teach currently(training trainers)for our Animal Response Team region 4. I don’t use chain/prong-used to have to provide Muzzle training and environment when teaching “bullies only” at the Capital Area Humane Society (all dogs can and should be trained properly to wear a muzzle)until we got the vicious dog law in Ohio changed. I refuse to side with anyone who uses “correction” based methods. The information of how to PROPERLY train and handle dogs and cats is readily available for ANYONE who wishes to gain it-I also refuse excuses that certain dog is too powerful, large, vicious and must be abused by harsh techniques or electronics-I know otherwise and HAVE CONSISTENTLY succeeded. Lynn
Villalobos Rescue Center
about an hour ago
To SWAYLOVE.org make sure you read before you write. Spreading rumors that we support BSL is not what we do. In reference to the incident in Westwego, LA, the city was going to push forward with an all out ban (and they would’ve won). Meeting the city “halfway” and ask for rules for all dogs as opposed to banning Pit Bulls is NOT supported BSL….it’s supporting RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP!!!!
Well, this is a really sad day. Sad because an organization I respect has made some unwise compromises, for what they feel is the greater good: and sad because they are lying about what those compromises mean, and thousands of their followers believe them without question. Also that advocates for “bully breeds’ can be so bullying.
It’s too bad there even had to be any compromise at all. I think what Tia was doing was making sure that the owner’s of pitbulls and any that “look like them” do have the chance to keep their pets if I am right , instead of just having the law come and take them away. I don’t think that she or anyone else wants Westwego City to become another Sikeston Mo. I do however agree with Mira’s statement totally. As far as Glenn Green goes, he can kiss my hind end if he thinks he will get my state to outlaw my dogs. I will fight BSL until I can’t anymore. THERE ARE NO BAD DOGS. ONLY BAD OWNERS. STOP BSL.
Just wow. Do you realize the damage you have done? This blog post or whatever it is, is utterly irresponsable. You should be fighting the lawmakers, the uneducated, and the irresponsable not other rescues! VRC has reasons for the statements they make and the actions they take. Imagine the courage it must take to try to put your entire rescue and everything you have built your life around, on the line to try to help the breed we all care about. All to have their efforts questioned and mocked by some twit with a keyboard and an opinion. You have done the unforgivable and caused good homes to turn from good dogs.
How dare you.
Maybe the one whose motives we should be questioning here is yours.
Why don’t you all go out and start up a Pit Bull rescue centre?!
Since you guys are all so amazing and obviously experts when it comes to the subject?
What the guys at Villalobos do is utterly selfless and admirable!
STOP trying to turn all this hate around on people who support the same cause! Instead, work to save Pits and you know what, if that means supporting some aspects of BSL in order to stop a ban, then so be it…
Villalobos has brought the Pit Bull issues and BSL issues to the world!
I live in the UK and never knew the severity of the situation until I watched Pit Bulls and Parolees… I never bothered about Pits and similar breeds but thanks to the crew at Villalobos, I am now a Pit fan and Advocate… I fight BSL over here and do my best to educate people about Bully breeds… And you know what? That’s all because of Tia and the crew!
Not little sites like yourself, not politicians, not the minority… VILLALOBOS!
I find it ludicrous, insane and sad that you actually highlighted the biggest Pit Bull Rescue Centre in the world, in such a horrible light without knowing ANYTHING and just jumping to childish conclusions…
True Pit Bull advocates and lovers will not care about what you have written. They will continue to stand by Villalobos and fight BSL from the front line! Not from a computer!
Removing all emotion from this matter, re-read what I wrote. BSL and compromise toward it, not acceptable. The economic impact on any area which an elected Official proposes such (elected officials can be recalled in process)ridiculous. No community can afford to waste tax money during trivial issues and on a grand scale, the idea that an elected official utilizes valuable time on topics such as dogs, proves their worth to voters. Our finale in Ohio was a proposed STATE WIDE BAN-wasting time at the Representatives level, without man hours or man power to enforce it, the controversy of unlawful search and seizure and legal expense, arbitrary enforcement, transport, housing, euthanasia, body disposal, loss of dollars from veterinary care in the private sector, reduction in sales at the whole sale and retail levels(loss of more tax money)compromising further the job losses at the whole sale and retail level on several fronts, such as the stock boy at the grocery who has his hours cut because he has less dog food to shelve and no longer goes to the drive thru for lunch and doesn’t need as much gas to get to work as often-And as far as “opening” a rescue center-I spear headed rescue of Pit Bulls in Ohio over 2 decades ago, worked with the ACO who were willing, the Humane Agents-never took non profit status or donations, the Classes for the bullys through the program at the Capital Area Humane Society, one of the PREMIER Humane Society’s in this Country-began on my front lawn until we could secure the space in the building-I HAVE NEVER taken a dime for what I do-we did the classes at a 20.00 fee per family with the dollars going to the agency and a free to repeat-the person who sent me the original post concerning this matter, I helped get certified to test for the Canine Good Citizen as an evaluator, she also has been a driving force in rescue. When we began the small adoption of pit bulls through the agency, I financially supported the dogs in the program off site, as well as providing all needed for their day to day enrichment and their training-AND I have a day job as well as a grown up household to run and dogs of my own. There are many more layers to “rescue” than housing animals-it’s not about me, never was, never will be-many people joined me on the journey along the way-Ohio had the worst BSL in history-and it was only going to proceed further, if we had allowed that, Politicians and haters were watching ready to follow from all directions. Everything ALL of us did, small and large gave responsible owners opportunity previously unknown and saved more dogs than we can count, no BSL, not even in a microscopic portion Lynn
[…] re-read my article plenty of times. Maybe I missed something. I thought that, due to the backlash that I’m […]
Really? One does not gain supporters by defaming another amazing organization. And I know you say you have read and re-read what you have written and still stand by it … that is your prerogative … unfortunately those of us who respect what both of you do are beyond disappointed by what you have written. Suggestion: have an independent person – someone you do trust – read what you have written and hear what they have to say about it. I personally find it shameful that you would publically affect Villalobos and put all the dogs that they bust their butts helping at risk – just to get your own 15 minutes of fame – without doing your homework! This is extremely irresponsible! Second suggestion – publically apologize to Villalobos and do so immediately – you may not think you are wrong – but what you think is no longer important – you have significantly impacted on this organization’s reputation – and that is distasteful and has lost you supporters!! Do the right thing – do it NOW!
You don’t think you’re being unfairly harsh.
The first thing you say is, “What the hell are they doing?”
So that leads people to believe they are completely in the wrong.
They don’t support BSL. They are trying to make the best from what looks like a losing situation.
The rescue has enough on their plate, and may be picking and choosing their battles.
Instead of the “why don’t they do this?”
You do it. You be there and be the advocates.
Let them focus on what they do- rescue.
That’s a full time job. You seem to specialize in the legislation.
It only makes sense for you to be the one fighting against it.
You can only do so many things. Rescue is exhausting enough.
That’s why ppl like you have to pick up the gauntlet.
[…] […]
[…] fact that that actually happened. And what Glenn Green has proposed is out in the open. I simply pointed it out and I’m immediately villainized. Tia could have easily taken it back, said she didn’t […]
[…] his fellow Council members. It was BSL and people don’t like BSL, nor agree that it works. As I, and others, tried to say many weeks back: There was no need to “compromise” on […]
I tend not to leave a response, but after reading a great deal of responses here Why in the hell
And, if you are posting at other places, I would like to follow anything fresh you have to post.
is Villalobos supporting BSL in Westwego?
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Fresh, fascinating critical thinking, Josh. I just found this and am wondering what was the final outcome in this jurisdiction? It was also refreshing to see Tia Torres engaging actively in the discussion, rather than simply banning people for the crime of disagreement.
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