I am an owner of an unregistered (AKC/UKC) 5 year old female American Bulldog (mix?).
I live in Lakewood Ohio a suburb of Cleveland.
I have 5 days until the "warden" comes back to my home to see if I have complied with this ridiculous ordinance.
We have had Powder for 4 years now, we took her in from a nephew who couldn't house her anymore. We were told she was American Bulldog, not papered.She has never harmed anyone, barked,menaced, chased, or even acted aggressive, not even to another animal.
We were "warned" a year ago from our warden, they were not enforcing the vicious dog law in Lakewood, but it could come anytime. He was out on a visit from a report my dog might be in "danger" because she loves to stand on my 2nd story porch railing (about 2ft wide) whining at her puppies (my boys 14,9,8) to play with her. Upon return from a week 1/2 vacation, from Ohio to Texas (she came with) we were told she was reported as being loose, and being walked without a lease? I explained she was with us all week, he never gave me a date of the report, or was I sited?
He did explain they were enforcing the vicious law now, and because I have no papers showing she is American Bulldog, and not Pitt, because she has "some" of the charcteristics of one, she was on the list. He didn't deem her vicious, he told me he knows she is a good dog, but he has to follow the law. He said I have decided to let you keep her, but you have to do the following, get the insurance, muzzle her when outside, '4 inch leash at all time under the control of 21 or older. Posted Beware of Dog sign (for the postman who pets her when she is out with us), and a 6x6ft locked run/kennel in the back yard, she never stays in? Indoor doggie only?
I have complied with some of the items, only to cover myself and her. But the fence part is really sticking in my craw. She is never outside, except with us? I am a single income home,,these things are $200?
Now I choose to fight! I want due process, I want them to prove she is a Pitt since they want me to prove she isn't? I want them to prove she is vicious, esp from the mouth of the "warden" who stood and petted her and had to shoo her off of him because she wanted to climb in his lap? Any help out there, any legal advice, attorneys? I would love to take this as far as I can, profiling my dog, violating my civil rights?
I have talked personally to Ms. Jan Cooper, great lady! I have talked personally to the Program Director of the ADOA, Maureen another great lady!! , who is also pulling resources to help me out too!
This is unbelievable! They are trying to take the surrogant mother of my boys and my furry daughter. My girl, who dove out of our burning 2nd story floor home to be with us! I am not giving her up without a fight!
Looking forward to the responses!
Your sister doglover,
Hope
Both Jan and Maureen are experienced women in the fight against BSL, and the ADOA has some good resources. Let us know if they help!