The Tangipahoa Parish Council discussed requiring pit bull owners to have their dogs licensed, vetted and micro-chipped at their last meeting. Animal Control Director Chip Fitz said he’s leaning towards such regulation because “If we have an animal able to do damage, we want to be able to track it.”
According to Fitz, the ordinance has not been finalized and no timetable was set for it to be brought before the parish council for consideration.
Fitz admitted that overall bite counts had remained constant over the last two years: 55 in 2011 and 53 in 2012. His concerns with pit bulls, however, were irresponsible ownership and level of strength. “My concern is traditionally when a pit bull bites, it’s bad.” Pit bulls have also become a lot more popular in the last year.
It is inconceivable that regulation of pit bulls in Tangipahoa Parrish is even being considered without some kind of objective evidence it is needed. Bite data remains the same, despite the observation that pit bulls “have become a lot more popular.” No evidence has been produced as to the number of pit bulls, nor any evidence that pit bulls have been involved in bites more than any other breed. And, of course, there has been nothing shown that indicates pit bull bites have been more severe than any other type of dog.
Please send objective, polite, and respectful communication to the Council members below to let then know you are against this potential pit bull regulation.
Hon. Trent Forrest
19334 Hwy 38
Kentwood, LA 70444
(M) 985-514-1955
Hon. Ronnie Bankston
43229 Sweetpea Lane
Hammond, LA 70401
(O) 225-567-2350/985-320-6159
Hon. Greg Varnado
59467 Dummyline Rd.
Amite, LA 70422
(O) 985-748-9320
Hon. Lionel Wells – Chairman
1700 Mooney Avenue
Hammond, LA 70403
Hon. Louis Nick Joseph
279 Highway 40 West
Independence, LA 70443
Hon. David Vial
47162 Oak Creek Trace
Hammond, LA 70403
(M) 985-974-0570
Hon. Carlo S. Bruno
P.O. Box 1274
Independence, LA 70443
Hon. Harry Lavine
21145 Esterbrook Rd.
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
(M) 985-222-5325
Hon. Nicky Muscarello, Sr.
105 Abingdon Way
Hammond, LA 70401
Hon. Bobby Cortez
42102 Jefferson Drive
Hammond, LA 70403
(O) 985-542-1581
Kristen Pecararo
P. O. Box 215
Amite, LA 70422
(O) 985-748-3211/748-7041
Filed under: BSL, BSL Proposed, Louisiana
