Hi Group!

I'd like to introduce 'us' -- first of all, we do not have dobes (although my husband and I both had them growing up).

Our breeds of choice are those most commonly recognized as Pit Bulls...specifically the American Pit Bull Terrier and AmStaffies.

WV Pit Bull Haven is an organization of advocacy and rescue purposes, focusing on areas across WV, parts of OH, TN, VA, MD and PA. 

We travel to areas considering or proposing Breed Specific Legislation -- whether it be 'pit bulls' or a multitude of breeds.  Our reputation has grown as a result of [media] coverage of such meetings, and the result has been numerous out-strectched hands requesting assistance in stopping or changing laws in areas where owners are immediately effected.

YOU, have shown up on a number of our alerts!!  Anytime someone posts about BSL; Breed Specific Legislation; Bans; etc. -- your forum appears.

We would like to join and ask for your (as a group) approval to share legislative alerts that may affect dog owners rights in or around your area.  I only purpose is to raise awareness and ask for your assistance.  We don't ask for much, simply an email or letter sent to the Council members responsible for the decision of implementing BSL, or perhaps a phone call to the Mayor's Office to express opposition to the aforementioned issues.

Often times, these 'lists' will include your breed of choice -- the Dobes.  Most usually they will target only the 'pit bulls', but as we have experienced, the lists of breeds banned/regulated are in threat of expanding to include Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Akitas, Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Great Danes, St. Bernards, and even Chihuahuas. 

We would like to see more breed groups joining together in effort to thwart any unconstitutional actions by our 'officials' as possible.  We're asking only for your permission to post alerts/updates, your  participation in advocating doesn't have to be active, but it would be GREATLY appreciated!

We are currently working on two areas specifically in WV, one being Wheeling and the other is the small town of Handley.  Handley passed bans on 9 different breeds 3 years ago, the only reason Dobermans were not included is because one of the Council Members owns the breed.  They are now threatening to remove a 7 mo old pup, an owners pet as well a private property, because it 'looks' like a pit bull. 

CAN YOU IMAGINE?  I can't.  I can't imagine a Police Officer knocking on my door to inform me they are taking away a pet of mine for no reason other than its appearance. 

If this forum will permit us to post information such as this, along with officials contact information -- we would be so grateful. 

Thanking all in avance.

Jo Staats
 - www.wvpitbullhaven.com