We as Responsible owners of American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Staffordshire Terrier, all collectivley termed by the media as 'pitbulls' reject the bill Sponsored by: Assemblyman JOHN J. BURZICHELLI District 3 (Salem, Cumberland and Gloucester) Assemblyman MIMS HACKETT, JR. District 27 (Essex) and Co-Sponsored by: Assemblyman Green. This was introduced on OCTOBER 10, 2002 into the STATE OF NEW JERSEY 210th LEGISLATURE.

This petition is to speak out, and let it be known, that we are responsible animal owners, and animal lovers, and that we will NOT stand for legislation that will put an undeserved 'scarlet letter' onto an animal that we love.

A pitbull is no more dangerous, or different than any other domestic animal. Any dog, treated harshly or trained to attack, may bite a person. Any dog can be turned into a dangerous dog. The owner most often is responsible, NOT THE BREED, and NOT THE DOG.

SOLUTION:
The dog bite problem should be reconceptualized as a largely preventable epidemic. Breed-specific approaches to the control of dog bites do not address the issue that many breeds are involved in the problem and that most of the factors contributing to dog bites are related to the level of responsibility exercised by dog owners. To prevent dog bite-related deaths and injuries, we recommend public education about responsible dog ownership and dog bite prevention, stronger animal control laws, better resources for enforcement of these laws, and better reporting of bites

Below is a link to the bill that was introduced on October 10th. Please fight this bill, fight for your animals that you love, and fight for your rights.
[url]http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2002/Bills/A3000/2906_I1.HTM[/url]