Retired Chicago Police Officer forced to give up service dog because of breed bias

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Please consider signing this petition regarding a Chicago Police officer that was forced to relocate his service dog.  The dog a pit bull mix is outlawed in this small Iowa town that he is moved to-this is such an example of breed bias versus how a dog is trained, the dog is a therapy dog for gosh sakes.  Here is a link to the petition

http://www.change.org/petitions/aurelia-ia-city-council-a-disabled-...

Here is a full news story on this travesty.http://www.suntimes.com/9566024-417/retired-chicago-cops-service-do...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Okay, I'm not usually a petition signer but this story really got to me!! It just breaks my heart!!  I'm IN!!

(Plus his name is Snickers!! I'm sure that didn't get past you!)

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Thanks! And yes the name of the dog did strike a cord with me! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wish there was a way to find out if the dog indeed has a service dog certification from an accredited agency. If so, that trumps the breed-specific ordinance. I know this because my town was one of the first towns in the nation to enact breed-specific laws (In fact, we may have been the very first; People magazine did an article about it at the time), and yet dogs of the restricted breeds (Pitts, Rotties, etc) who have verifiable service dog training and certification are exempt from this.

I feel absolutely terrible for this man and his dog, but there are a lot of people who call their dog a "service dog" when in fact, the dog has no special training or abilities and acts prinarily as a comfort to the person. The term "service dog" is also used when what is really meant is "therapy dog." The two are very different, and when it becomes a legal issue, important.

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

@Karen good to know about the difference between certified service dog. However I am a believer in that it isn't the breed it is how the dog is raised. I got bit by a rat terrier but I don't think they should be banned it was a bad owner situation.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with you completely. Some people are terrified of German Shepherds, yet they are the original Guide Dog for the Blind, so how can they be inherently vicious? On the other hand, my mother had a tiny Maltese who bit my sister in the face without provocation. It's the individual dog, not the breed.

But I think this gentleman is going to have a very tough time getting the law to recognize his need to have his dog back if the dog has no credentials for service work. :(

 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Karen - I agree with you - IF the dog has the credentials then it should be allowed to trump the breed ban. I am for these bans - because some breeds have traits that cannot be trained out.  Are all Pits vicious - no but there is plenty of documentation to show that they have much higher incident rates.  Also most Pit owners know about the bans so I find it odd that if you had a Pit or Pit mix and moved - that you wouldn't check first.  Sad situation.   

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

The only dog that has ever bitten me was a Chihuahua. :( (Pocket wolf!)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

"Pocket Wolf" is my new favorite expression! ROFL!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Don't tell Allyson! :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Are you kidding, I think Allyson will love it, lol!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

OOOHHH, I like that term  - Pocket Wolf.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Ricki - the only time I have ever been bitten - was by a . . . . wait for it  . . . PONY!  It snuck right up behind me and took a big bite of my hinney!!!!  OUCH!