Maryland voters, I was happy to read the brief article published in the Cumberland Times-News regarding a bill that would overturn the ruling on pit bulls being labeled an “inherently dangerous” breed of dog (“Lawmakers take on pit bull ruling,” Feb. 20 Times-News, Page 1B).
I urge you to stand behind this ruling. This label is misleading and misguided to this type of breed of animal.
My husband and I are the proud owners of a pit bull and boxer mix breed, Maple. I can honestly tell you that this animal is the most loving and adoring animal to anyone and any animal she encounters.
To be labeled as “inherently dangerous” places a stigma attached to her breed. This dishonor places her with a marker of being an ever-present hazard that requires special handling, storage, transportation, and precautions at all times to avoid damage or injury.
With attention and love, as to any animal or human, they are capable of being a best friend and member of any loving family. Animals need a healthy chance at life just like any human also requires the same.
I am a nurse and an officer in the United States military. I have encountered many populations and types of people.
If pushed to the limits and not given the guidance that one requires, anyone and anything is capable of doing harm. Does that mean that we can all be called “inherently dangerous”? My answer to this is no. It falls on the responsibility of the owners of the animals and the parents of the individuals to train with love.
We have people with mental illness walking the streets everywhere. Does that mean they should be locked up and forgotten about? Should we extinct a species because they are “capable” of harm. No, nor should we label them!
Sarah L. Park
Lonaconing
Editorials
Don’t blame the animal; owners have the duty to train them
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Better ‘Click It’
If you notice more police on the highway this week, it’s for a couple of reasons.
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They do bite
This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. For anyone thinking that is not such a big deal, consider that 4.7 million Americans annually are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Stop buying licenses; let them find the money somewhere else
A few months ago, I received two cards from the National Rifle Association. These were dealing with a legislative alert.
They asked that I should contact Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Kevin Kelly concerning the anti-gun legislation. -
Strength of gun laws is not reflected in grisly statistics
According to the FBI’s uniform crime reports, California had the highest number of gun murders in 2011 with 1,220, which makes up 68 percent of all murders in the state that year and equates to 3.25 murders per 100,000 people.
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An old story
What for years has been an on-again, off-again battle over funding between the Allegany County Commissioners and the Allegany County Board of Education seems to be growing even uglier.
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‘Forgotten warrior’ not forgotten
The Korean War is often called “The Forgotten War.” My generation remembers the Battle for LZ X-Ray at Ia Drang, The Tet Offensive, and Khe Sahn of the Vietnam War.
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Organization needed to help utilize the Potomac River
I am a committee remember on the Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway which stretches from Palmetto to Venice, Fla.
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Reducing meat consumption can help ease climate change
A review of 12,000 papers on climate change, in the May 15 issue of “Environmental Research Letters,” found that 97 percent of scientists attribute climate change to human activities.
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Editorial Cartoon - 05/18/2013
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Maryland has stopped being “The Free State”
I am a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and, last but not least, the National Rifle Association. I am a yearly member of the American Legion.
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