Amendment :Calhoun County/City of Bruce, MS petition banning the American bull terrier breed within the city limits.

This is a petition to present to the Calhoun County board of supervisors that presents our view that the American Pit Bull Terrier breed should be allowed within the city limits of Bruce, MS. Currently, there is a dated ordinance prohibiting the ownership of the american bull dog breed within the city limits of Bruce, MS. Within the past decade or longer the breed has been relentlessly persecuted, and grossly misrepresented through bad press and isolated incidents. Many beloved pets have been removed and executed from loving families due to an over zealous police presence and hatred stemming from fear and ignorance of the true loving nature of the breed. Our optimal goal is to raise awareness that, in fact, the breed is no more dangerous or agressive than the German Shepard, Doberman Pinscher, Rotweiler or Boxer. Indeed they have been used as security enforcement of homes and families. Isolated stories of dog fighting and breeding for such activities has given the american bull dog a bad name. These incidents are due to abusive owners with intentions of evil and profiteering of illegal activities. No more than 50 years ago the american bulldog was a celebrated breed and revered as a mascot of the United States. Representing the trials and tribulations of an American people that overcame the obsticles of the great depression and oppressions of poverty and war. We all should be reminded of the quirky side kick of the "little rascals", named "Petey". Petey was in fact an American Pit Bull Terrier. Please sign our petition to amend this ordinance and allow the American Pit Bull Terrier the freedom to bless the lives of their loving families with the love and loyalty that of any other family pet around the nation. Again, the animal is only prone to violence if trained to be. As a compromise we stand behind the initiative to allow the breed if it is contained (i.e. leashed, enclosure, or fenced in yard) this would allow the breed within the city limits with restictions to owners that their dog be contained at all times. Permitting residents that do fear the breed freedom of movement, and still allow those that revere the breed with pet ownership.