Ohio Reeling From Pit Bull Attacks

Revised: August 9, 2014; 16:48 GMT
Revised: August 12, 2014; 16:27 GMT

"The event is to recognize Barb Sears' efforts in improving public safety for all of us regarding all dog breeds," said Jean Keating, co-founder of the Lucas County Pit Crew. "It's not really just about 'pit bulls,' it's about improving safety in our community from all dangerous dogs."
   Jean Keating, Lucas County Pit Crew
   Pit bull advocates to mark change to vicious dog law
   Toledo Blade, May 18, 2012

"We feel that this is not only more fair to the dogs, but also makes our state safer since the new law gives dog wardens tools to go after dangerous dogs of all breeds," he said.
   John Dinon, HSUS
   Former Exec. Director, Toledo Area Humane Society
   House axes 25-year-old 'pit bull' law
   Toledo Blade, February 9, 2912

"I think the new law is going to be a good thing. It's going to result in the residents of Lucas County being safer."
   Julie Lyle, Lucas County Dog Warden
   House axes 25-year-old 'pit bull' law
   Toledo Blade, February 9, 2912

In the spring of 2012 Ohio's pit bull advocates celebrated the new state law which removed the definition of pit bulls as inherently vicious. The advocates had argued that eliminating the breed-specific language would make the citizens of Ohio safer.

Following the recent Ohio pit bull attacks Ms Keating continued to insist the new law was effective:

[The new law] is much more proactive. It identifies dangerous dogs before they hurt people. That's where our focus needs to be: identifying these dogs long before these incidents occur. Dog attacks occur with every breed, in every city, and most of them are equally horrific.¹

Jean Keating

Fatal dog attacks do not occur with every breed; Ms Keating's claim is patently false. Do pit bull advocates believe no one will question such sweeping generalizations?

The interview is replete with unsupported assertions. For example, Ms Keating claims that the new law identifies dangerous dogs before they hurt people, but the 2012 Keating/Sears law failed to identify the pit bull type dogs that killed Klonda Richey, Cindy Whisman, and seven-month old Jonathon Quarles Jr.²  

The 2012 Keating/Sears law did not proactively identify the pit bulls that mauled Zainabou Drame and dozens of others so far this year, some of whom are listed below.

Ms Keating's recent NBC interview is an exercise in pedantry; she speaks as if she is tired of explaining the facts to truculent children who refuse to be educated.

Instead of talking dismissively to the interviewer and to the audience Ms Keating must acknowledge that three Ohioans have been killed by pit bull type dogs this year. Ms Keating must realize that her law has not solved Ohio's pit bull problem; it has only added to the toll of grief and misery.



* * * * *

Forthcoming: Timeline of pit bull attacks in Ohio

Notes:
¹  WNWO Toledo Interview with Keating & Skeldon:



²  The victims of the three fatal pit bull attacks in Ohio to date in 2014.


Sources:

Pit bulls should be registered, Cincy leader says

   August 1, 2014; WHIO

Dangerous dog law needed, but hard to craft
   July 29, 2014; Cincinnati Enquirer

Reynoldsburg council refuses to repeal pit-bull ban
   July 29, 2014; Columbus Dispatch

Recent pit bull attacks raise questions about breed, dog laws
   July 27, 2014; Journal-News

Pitbull attacks spark debate about change in state law

(Interviews with Tom Skeldon and Jean Keating)

   July 23, 2014; WNWO NBC

Pit bulls fate improves, kill rate drops sharply

More being reclaimed by owners, adopted out

   June 2, 2014; Toledo Blade

Proposed law would demand 'vicious' dogs be put to death
   June 2, 2014; Toledo Blade

Vicious-dog laws under scrutiny by legislators
   May 5, 2014; Toledo Blade

Are pit bulls why more shelter dogs fail adoption test?
   April 11, 2014; Columbus Dispatch

John Robinson Block to be recognized by Pittsburgh 'pit bull' advocacy group
   February 14, 2013; Toledo Blade

Pit bulls clog shelters

Some shelters send adoptable pit bulls directly to rescue groups

  August 19, 2013; Columbus Dispatch

'Pit-bull' types no longer can be labeled 'Vicious'
   May 23, 2012; Toledo Blade

Infant dies after dog attack
   May 18, 2012; Toledo Blade
Pit bull advocates mark change of law
   May 18, 2012; Toledo Blade
Best Friends Animal Society will join the Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates and the Lucas County Pit Crew in celebrating the upcoming change to Ohio's vicious dog law by presenting a . . . 

Cincinnati pit bull ban repealed
    May 16, 2012; CityBeat

Losing Fight
    April 12, 2012; CityBeat

Ohio ends BSL after 25 years
   March 15; 2012; Dog Star Daily

Gov. Kasich signs new dog law
   February 21, 2012; Toledo Blade

House axes 25-year-old 'pit bull' law
   February 9, 2012; Toledo Blade

OVDO (Ohio Valley Dog Owners) help write new law
   January 12, 2012; NAIA

Dangerous Dogs (Editorial)
  July 5, 2011; Columbus Dispatch

Let sleeping dogs lie (Editorial)
   February 21, 2011; Columbus Dispatch

Pit bulls at center of vicious dog debate
   October 31; 2010; Dayton Daily News

Columbus should ban pit-bull breed (Editorial)
   May 17, 2010; Columbus Dispatch

Lucas County Dog warden leaves legacy of passion, polarization
   November 22; 2009; Toledo Blade

City toughens pit bull rules
   March 30, 2009; Cincinnati Enquirer

Ohio's high court upholds law limiting pit bulls
   August 2, 2007; Columbus Dispatch

City Council again outlaws pit bulls
   August 7, 2003; Cincinnati Enquirer











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