Minister wants pit bull bans extended

New South Wales, Australia -- PIT bull terrier bans could spread across Australia, to stop NSW's laws being undermined by breeders in other states.

Local Government Minister Tony Kelly revealed yesterday he'd call for other state governments to impose bans on the breeding and ownership of the species.

Mr Kelly's new calls came as a small group of pit bull protesters failed

to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of people who enjoyed an RSPCA dog walk around Centennial Park yesterday.

Despite hoping for several hundred protestors, organisers were only able to rustle up about 10 people outside the park's gates, with one pure-bred pit bull terrier.

Nevertheless, this small turnout still attracted the attention of a

police officer, eastern beaches Inspector Cath Cole, who asked organiser Anthony Melman to ensure his rally was peaceful.

Mr Melman said a warning by the Centennial Park trust that unauthorised demonstrations were illegal

had scared many people away from the protest.

He said other and better organised protests would be staged soon.

Nick Whiticker brought along his 16-month-old pure-bred female pit bull terrier, Madison, to the protest.

He said he resented the Government's new law, as it would force him to desex his dog.

"We'd like to have one litter," he said. "This dog sleeps inside, is

well socialised and is friendly with other dogs". The protest was outside the Million Paws Walk, organised by the RSPCA.

About 5000 people walked their dogs around a 3km or 5km circuit and enjoyed canine games and mischief.

RSPCA chief executive Bernie Murphy said he was happy that pit bull terrier owners had decided not to protest en masse at the event.

"Those who own American pit bull terriers tend to be less focused on their obligations as a pet owner,"

he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Kelly said he

was disturbed by reports that the price of pit bull terrier puppies had jumped, following the Government's ban announcement.

He said he'd prefer that people didn't try to buy the dogs, to beat the new law likely to be introduced into State Parliament's spring session. "Once the ban takes effect it will be a serious offence breeding, selling, acquiring or giving away these dangerous dogs," he said.

"The best advice is don't buy a pit bull and don't get caught up in the ban. The penalties will be severe."

Mr Kelly said he'd call on other states and territories to enact similar bans at a local government ministers' conference on August 4.

There is a fear that pit bull owners will continue to breed the species in states without any ban rules, and then import the dogs to NSW.

Under the State Government's proposed laws, councils will have the power to ban new registrations of

pit bull terriers, but there's no guarantee every NSW council will enforce this rule.

 

those damn ministers..lol