After being stolen from his family Hershey was recovered by the police and handed over to Animal Control. Upon attempting to collect Hershey from Animal Control the family was told that Hershey fell under the classification of an illegal breed, and as a result would be scheduled for immediate euthanization.



Hershey has been unconditionaly loved and cared for by his family, they have taken him to obedience school, properly trained him, and have given him nothing but love. Hershey has no record of being a violent dog, and has no record of problems.



We desperately urge the Hon. Sylvan Richards, and directing members of the Bermuda Animal Control to recondiser this decision, and repeal the law regarding Pit Bull ownership in Bermuda.



Here's why the law should be changed:

-The pit bull has been on the banned list in Bermuda for 10 years and is still the most owned licensed dog on the island. This means that government has been supporting the illegal breeding of them for almost as long as they have been banned.



-The Majority of the breeds affected by this ban have almost reached a point of extinction in Bermuda but the numbers of attacks now are the same as they were before the ban was put in place.



- Many of the Breeds that were banned in Bermuda were not the Breeds that were attacking people. The Ban was put in place to prevent people from bringing in some large breed, potentially dangerous dog breeds. People then just turned to other large/potentially dangerous breeds that were not on the list like the Rhodesian ridge back, the black Russian terrier, the Portugese cattle dog, The Belgian Malinois and others.

The Solution:

On Friday, December 13th 2013, We will be officially submitting this petition alongside a formal request for a one time amnesty for all dogs that currently exist, and full under the classification of an illegal breed within the shores of Bermuda. The amnesty, if approved, would allow responsible dog owners of currently banned breeds a period of time in which they would be able to come forward, have their dog’s neutered, micro chipped, and properly licensed without fear of prosecution or seizure of their dog.

It is our position that this amnesty satisfies three key issues:

-The Amnesty protects and respects the rights of the dogs and their owners:



Through allowing responsible dog owners of currently banned breeds to come forth, and take the proper steps necessary to legally own their dog, without fear of prosecution in the process of doing so.

-The Amnesty protects and respects the rights of the general public:

Through the process of having the current population of illegal, undocumented dogs getting properly documented, spayed/neutered and monitored by Bermuda Animal Control. We believe this serves as a humane and fairly balanced solution to controlling the existing population.

-The Amnesty protects and respects the rights of Animal Control and the Bermuda Government:

Until the legislation is changed Animal Control is under direct authority of the Bermuda Government, who must follow current legislation. This amnesty serves as an opportunity and legitimately viable solution for the Bermuda Government to address and assist with the efforts of this movement without breaking any current standing legislation.

By signing this you show your solidarity and share your outcry at this undeserved killing of this beautiful innocent animal.



There are many others like Hershey, and I understand that. We ask you to sign this, show your support and help make the possibility of change become a reality!

TAKE THE TIME TO SIGN THIS AS WELL:

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/saving-bermuda-s-misunderstood-dog-breeds-stop-breed-specific-legislation-bermuda-signatures-only-please

More information regarding Pit Bull's:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/truth-about-pit-bulls

Take the time, sign this, pass it around to friends, family, and even strangers.



One voice is not always heard, but there's no ignoring the masses.



The Time to act is now.





