Parker, CO council votes down Breed Ban. Citizens become vigilantes!
Parker city council unanimously decided Tuesday night there will be no Pit Bull ban in Parker. Incidentally, 63% of visitors to The Denver Channel said they would not support a statewide ban on Pit Bulls. The Parker council room was packed with residents who voiced opposition to the breed-specific ban, and only one person present spoke in support of a ban. However, even while the opponents applauded in glee, Councilman Jack Hilbert, who originally proposed the ban, told pit bull owners that they must police bad dog owners themselves, because if an attack does happen, the ban may be revisited by the city council.
Excuse me? Are my eyes deceiving me? Did a politician just tell a bunch of citizens to "police" their fellow dog owners? So, Mr. Hilbert, how exactly do you propose these now-volunteer police officers fulfill their duty? Should they break into people's yards and steal dogs that are left chained or kenneled 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with NO socialization? Should they go up to young punks on the streets with unneutered dogs and spiked collars and ask, "Oh, do you show or work him? What titles does he have?" and when they get an answer like, "Oh, he ain't got papers. I don't show him, but he makes a good guard dog and I'm gonna breed him, make some money!" bitch slap the moron and take his dog?
I know! Here's an idea! They can form a new gang, complete with colored apparel, and go around with stun batons, accosting people who they believe aren't being responsible dog guardians and liberating the canine victims of such brutal owners!
When these volunteer police get arrested, Mr. Hilbert, I'm sure you'll show up at each and every court hearing to speak in their defense. Heck, you'll offer up yourself as a co-conspirator, since you pretty much blackmailed them into acting like the dog police.
Oh, wait, here's a ground-breaking, cutting edge idea, Mr. Hilbert -- put more resources into your city's animal control. I know, I know, money is tight, but, gee, if you're so concerned about public safety, surely your city can spare a few more bucks for this important issue. Heck, if you play your cards right, you could even end up with a system wherein the license and dog citations end up paying for more animal control officers!
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