I sent this e-mail to Mayor Fitzgerald and Councilman Powers just now:
"Dear Sirs,
I would like to express my opposition to the proposed ban on pit bulls in Lakewood. As a Ward 2 resident and proud owner of a wonderful, loving, pit bull/boxer mix. I understand the negative stereotype, and I would never support anything that endangered public safety, but to legislate against an specific breed defies reason. Because Staffordshire Bull Terriers happen to a trendy breed of choice amongst some of the monsters of our society, I don't believe, and have never seen any evidence, that they are inherently more violent, agressive, or prone to attack than any other breed that has been mistreated and trained do so.
My father, Dr. Robert V. Hutchison, has been a well-respected veterinarian in North Ridgeville for more than 30 years, and is internationally known as a canine reproduction specialist. I have heard him say countless times that Pit Bulls are among the nicest, gentlest dogs that he sees.
I would support whole-heartedly a ban on certain people ever owning any animal. But please, don't select this wonderful, family-friendly breed to be ostracized from what has always been a very dog friendly community.
Sincerely,
Brad Hutchison
From
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanstaffordshire.htm:
"The American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog. Gentle and loving towards people. Good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet. It is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, this dog wants nothing more then to please its master. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of life."
From the American Kennel Club's breed standard:
"From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog."
Hopefully, someone will read it...