Death by penis?
But whatever. Most politicians want to be able to say they did SOMETHING. Right? ANYTHING. Whether or not the law is enforced is another matter entirely. So, what exactly did the city council do for Troy?
In Troy, a dog can be found dangerous without having injured anyone or anything. A dog can also be found dangerous for "attacking" any other animal without provocation.
So, if your dog chases the squirrels in your backyard? Technically speaking:
DANGEROUS
If your dog scares the bejeezus out of the neighbor's cat that is once again poking through the iris next to your driveway? According to the Troy City Council:
DANGEROUS
If your dog should go after a mouse . . well, okay, you get the point.
And what are the consequences for a dog that "attacks" another animal -- any other animal -- in Troy?
DEATH
You got it. Mandated euthanasia. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Judges have no options. The city council just removed any discretion they had.
And if your cat-hating dog somehow escapes the death sentence? Better enjoy the time left to you because that'll be the last dog you'll ever own. For as long as you live in Troy, at least.
But don't forget the chain. You will have to walk you dog on a 3 foot, 300 lb rated chain. Never mind that it doesn't have a wrist loop to hold on to and doesn't have a clip to attach to your dog's collar. Never mind that under that law it would be perfectly fine to send a two-year-old out to walk the dangerous dog on the 3 foot chain.
So sad. So unnecessary. So unfair.
And so very, very inefficient.
Here's what we want to know: How does Councilmember Wojcik and his colleagues on the Troy City Council envision enforcement of this mess?
Just in certain areas of Troy? Are the new sanctions just for the emasculated, penis-envying owners of pit bulls? Because unequal enforcement of the law is illegal. Justice is blind.
Isn't it?
More importantly: When are Troy's public policy makers going to get serious about a dog bite prevention program for school-aged children? All of these ordinances and death penalties are too little, too late. Why wait for another bite to happen? How about enforcing leash and licensing laws starting today?
Wake up and smell the dog!
In their zeal to hop on the breed profiling bandwagon, Councilmember Mark Wojcik and the entire Troy City Council seems to have lost track of a few basic facts. Such as. . .
Not a single reputable organization with any expertise and experience with the issue of dogs and public safety supports the negative stereotyping of pit bulls, or any other breed of dog.
Not the New York State Veterinary Medicine Society, American Kennel Club, American Veterinary Medicine Association, American Dog Owners Association, National Animal Control Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Humane Society of the United States, and many, many more.
The Supreme Court of New York State found that insufficient evidence has been offered to indicate that pit bulls are naturally prone to viciousness or violence, or are unsuited to domestic life - Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Div., 11/24/98
Pit bulls are extremely popular dogs, the vast majority of which are owned by loving and responsible owners.
Oh, yeah, and 44.9% of households include a dog these days, according to the latest surveys. Which makes dog owners one heck of a big voting bloc.
So wake up Troy! My dog votes! Does yours?
Mahlon Goer, member, Dog Federation of New York
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