MT HB 191

This is an email I wrote to Driscoll and the Helena Police Department:

Miss Driscoll,

My name is Robert Fleming. I do not live in Montana but my in-laws live there and my family and I visit regularly. We love the state; my wife lived in Billings and went to high school there. The reason I am writing to you is because of the proposed "pitbull legislation" that you are trying to put into effect. We have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we always bring with us to Montana. I know that you have grouped several breeds into what you call a "pitbull" and that you obviously do not care whether a dog is aggressive or not but if it has the physical caracteristics of a "pitbull", you want them euthanized: "House Bill 191 would ban Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, American pit bull terriers, American bulldogs as well as "any dog that has been registered at any time as a pit bull terrier or has the physical characteristics that substantially conform to the standards established for the breeds listed in this subsection by the American kennel club or the united kennel club." This could potentially include Boxers (they can have square heads), English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs etc. There is no way this law can be enforced without causing absolute uproar.

I am challenging you find one case of a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier attacking another human in this country. I do not believe you will find much information. I am not a US citizen but am in the process of becoming naturalized. I live here because I believe in the freedoms of this country and laws like the one you are proposing completely goes against what this country stands for. I am a physical therapist and I work in an outpatient setting. I work with people of various ages (from kids to people in their late 90s) and I often bring my dog to work with me because the patients love him and they always do a lot better when he is there. As you know, according to the AKC, "the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog."

If this law is signed, it would cost the state millions in law suites because innocent dog owners would be forced to give up a member of their family. I have heard from fellow Staffordshire Bull Terrier owners in Montana who are outraged about this law and will do anything to protect their families. You will just turn law-abiding citizens into people who hate the government and will do anything to keep their families together. Please consider what you are doing and the potential consequences. You will be forcing police officers to do your dirty work and I do not believe there is one "pitbull" owner who will not defend their dogs to the death.

The Netherlands tried to enforce "pitbull legislation" for many years, but recently decided to scrap it because it did not reduce the number of dog bites. http://www.expatica .com/nl/ news/local_news/ Dutch- Agriculture- Minister- scraps- pit-bull-ban. html

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions.

Robert Fleming