Brea, CA – October 1, 2010 – ROVERlution.org is holding its Sixth Annual Luv-a-Bully March, in protest of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). The first protest began in 2005 when the city of Denver, CO banned several dog breeds, recklessly resulting in the extermination of innocent family dogs. More information can be found on ROVERlution's web site, ROVERlution.org.
March protestors uphold that breed bans violate citizens' Constitutional rights. Protestors maintain that no reputable study has found any particular breed of dog to be inherently dangerous and cite irresponsible dog ownership as the root of problematic dogs in society.
Three breeds most under fire are the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, all commonly referred to as ‘Pit Bulls’. It seems forgotten that the all American Pit Bull Terrier was once a favorite family dog revered as the "nanny dog" and showcased as the loveable Petey of the Little Rascals.
Other breeds that have been the target of BSL in cities around the country include the Rottweiler, Doberman, Chow Chow, and the German Shepard.
"The behavior of any breed of dog is largely determined by the actions of dog owners. All dogs must be judged by their actual behavior and not stereotyped as breed aggressive. Insurance companies and government entities who have chosen to penalize dog ownership based on breed prejudice have recklessly violated the rights of good citizens,” said Dr. Paula Terifaj, veterinarian and leader of ROVERlution.org.
Terifaj further asserts that media hype and misinformation has largely contributed to the irrational fear and ignorance that surrounds these breeds. “Stronger law enforcement of existing dangerous dog ordinances would protect communities from any dog found to be a public threat and stiffer penalties on dog owners who harbor dangerous dogs would target the real problem.”
Shorty Rossi, star of Pit Boss on Animal Planet and his pit bull rescue organization will be attending the event for the first time. Protestors will gather at Arovista Park in Brea beginning at 9am in preparation to march downtown in route to City Hall.
While at City Hall, Tim Welch of Redefined Dog Training will demonstrate some good training tips to stress the need that all dogs remain welcome in their neighborhoods.
