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03/22/2009
Here we go again...
Councilman Graham pushing legislation to ban pit bulls —
again
By Michael Neibauer
Examiner Staff Writer 1/20/09
Year after year, Ward 1 D.C. Councilman Jim Graham has seen his attempt
to ban fireworks fizzle, his try to bar pit bulls chewed up by
colleagues. But he’s back at it in 2009.
Graham has introduced both measures before, numerous times, to no avail. There’s
a method to the madness,
Graham said Monday.
“I’ve introduced the pit bull legislation every session, and I am
continuing in that determined pattern,” he said.
The pit bull measure bars the possession and sale of the breed in the
District. It requires current owners to register their pets with
animal control, sterilize the dogs and tag them for quick
identification. Any pit bull that doesn’t meet those requirements must
be impounded and euthanized.
Graham said the bill was inspired by vicious pit bull attacks on
people. But the Washington Humane Society opposes any breed-specific
legislation “because they just don’t work,” said Scott Giacoppo, chief
programs officer. Dogs can be dangerous because of their owners and
their levels of socialization, not their breed, Giacoppo said.
“We’re really surprised that he introduced it again,” Giacoppo said,
adding that D.C. only last year strengthened its dangerous dog laws.
