COLUMBUS, OHIO — A bill that would remove the “vicious” label from pit bulls is likely headed for the governor’s desk.

The Ohio Senate approved House Bill 14 by a 27-5 vote on Tuesday, with some changes.

Those modifications will have to be approved by the Ohio House of Representatives before the bill can be signed into law.

PitbBulls reportedly are the only specific breed labeled as “vicious” in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 955.11). That will change with the new law.

The law currently defines a “vicious dog” as an animal that “(i) Has killed or caused serious injury to any person; (ii) Has caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person, or has killed another dog. (iii) Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog.” The label does not apply to police dogs doing their jobs.

Nick Santino And Rocco In Happier Days.

A sad example of how breed discrimination affects humans as well as dogs. So sad.

– Kenn

A down-on-his-luck soap-opera actor took his own life this week after he was forced to put his beloved dog to sleep under pressure from his Upper West Side condo and became wracked by grief, pals said.

Nick Santino euthanized his dog, Rocco, Tuesday — on Santino’s 47th birthday. That night, his guilt over the gut-wrenching decision became too much to bear.

“Today I betrayed my best friend and put down my best friend,” a despondent Santino wrote in a suicide note, said close friend Stuart Sarnoff.

“Rocco trusted me and I failed him. He didn’t deserve this.”

The Brooklyn-born Santino — a struggling actor whose TV credits include “All My Children” and “Guiding Light” — adopted Rocco from a shelter several years ago.

The man, raised in an orphanage and foster homes, soon began to write about his pet on Facebook, writing, “I did not rescue Rocco, Rocco rescued me.”

But in 2010, his building at 1 Lincoln Plaza announced strict new dog regulations, including a ban on pit bulls. The ban didn’t apply to pit bulls already in the building, but friends and neighbors said Santino began to be harassed.

“People were complaining about his dog,” said neighbor Kevan Cleary, 63, an adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School. “It was open season on him.”

Rocco couldn’t ride in the main elevators and wasn’t allowed to be left in the apartment alone for more than nine hours.

Santino was then threatened with a $250 fine for having a barking dog, neighbors said.

“The dog was not a barker, but somebody complained that the dog would bark,” Cleary said.

“He felt like he was in this battle because he was the only guy in the building with a pit-bull mix,” Cleary added.

Another neighbor, Lia Pettigrew, who runs a pet-care company, said, “Everybody knows that he had been harassed by the building management.”

The building’s management refused to comment yesterday.

After months of increasing anguish, Santino had the healthy dog put to sleep Tuesday.

Neighbors said a tearful Santino brought dog treats to the building’s doorman and said: “Give these to the other dogs. Rocco is no more.”

Dog owner James Steven Grant said Santino left two rawhide bones on his doorstep and earlier was seen tearfully giving away Rocco’s fluffy bed.

“Rocco was the sweetest dog in the world. Rocco wouldn’t hurt a fly,” Grant said.

He spent Tuesday in agony over what he had done to Rocco.

“He was distraught and remorseful about putting down his best friend,” Cleary said.

The last phone call he made was to a former girlfriend at 2 a.m. Wednesday. Later that day, police found his body in his bedroom. He had overdosed on pills.

According to IMDB, Santino was part of the first team to lead search & rescue on World Trade Center 9-11-2001. He used his ConEdison Engineering ID & Asbestos Certification to gain access.

Rocco has been cremated, and friends said Santino’s remains will be, too, and they will be reunited.

“One way or another, their ashes will be together forever,” Sarnoff said.

Major League Baseball's Mark Buehrle and Slater the Pit Bull.

Mark Buehrle’s left arm may have been greeted warmly down in south Florida this offseason, but the same can’t be said for one of his family’s four dogs.

According to the Miami Herald, “Slater” Buehrle, an 18-month-old American Staffordshire terrier, falls under a pitbull ban that has been in place in Miami-Dade County since 1989. That means the Buehrle family didn’t have the option of moving anywhere close to the Miami Marlins’ new ballpark after Mark signed a four-year, $58 million deal with the team last month.

Mark Buehrle, a dog lover who made headlines when he said he hoped Michael Vick would get hurt, avoided the ban by moving his family to a dog-friendly development in south Broward County. And while he says he wouldn’t have signed with the Marlins if there had been no housing alternatives for Slater and the rest of his family, Buehrle still wants to speak up against the injustice of the ban.

From the Miami Herald:

Mark Buehrle grew up with cats, rabbits and fish, but got his first dog with Jamie. They married in 2005 and are spokespeople for Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society, which accepted 22 of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick’s pit bulls.

The Buehrles have three other dogs — Viszlas named Diesel, Drake and Duke — and adopted Slater after Jamie fell in love with him during work with an animal rescue group. Judging from his festive getup in the picture above, he sure doesn’t look too menacing.

Though Slater and the Buehrles were forced to go live elsewhere, perhaps their story will help end a ban that causes a much bigger hardship for other families.

After all, not everyone who moves to Miami-Dade County for a job has the luxury of being able to choose where to live. The awareness the Buehrles are driving could prevent dog owners from having to make a decision they shouldn’t have to in the first place.

In an email to a Senate committee, Mr. Nelson, an ambassador for the Best Friends Animal Society, urged passage of House Bill 14. The bill would do away with the breed-specific language and make other changes to dog enforcement law.

“Ohio is the only state that discriminates against dogs who share a cluster of physical characteristics by classifying this group as ‘vicious’ without any regard to individual dog behavior,” the email reads. “These dogs are considered ‘vicious’ at birth, even though there are countless dogs of unknown heritage who are deemed ‘pit bulls’ who are wonderful family pets.

“In addition to being beloved pets, many ‘pit bulls’ are show dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs,” Mr. Nelson wrote.

“The current law infringes on responsible dog owners’ rights to own any dog they choose, no matter what the dog’s appearance. Dogs, like people, are individuals and should each be judged on his/her own merits.”

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Sears (R., Monclova Township), passed the House 69-29 last spring. The Senate Judiciary Committee began its consideration of the measure Wednesday. Opposition has come primarily from lawmakers from urban areas where “pit bulls” have become a dog of choice for dog-fighting and to guard drug houses.

Current law defines a “vicious dog” as one that, without provocation, has killed or seriously injured a person, has killed another dog, or is of the general breed known as “pit bull.” House Bill 14 would replace that language with revised definitions of “vicious” and “dangerous” dogs and create a new classification of “nuisance” dog. None would include any breed-specific language.

“Recently, Toledo, the largest city in [Lucas County], had an extremely restrictive dog ordinance that is focused on pit bulls,” Ms. Sears told the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Toledo also has the highest dog license fees in the state and spent a large amount each year euthanizing innocent dogs that resemble pit bulls.

“Despite Toledo’s extremely restrictive ordinance that focuses on pit bulls, the number of dog bites actually rose in 2008,” she said. “Toledo’s ordinance did not address the irresponsible owners. It killed dogs.”

Toledo has since eliminated its breed-specific law. House Bill 14 would not overwrite local ordinances enacted in home-rule communities.

The state issue has attracted attention from across the nation as well.

More than 11,000 people have signed an online petition at Change.org calling on Ohio senators to remove “pit bull” from the state’s definition of vicious dogs.

Jean Keating, president of the Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates, is leading the campaign, which has gained the support of actor Ian Somerhalder of television shows Lost and The Vampire Diaries.

In Ohio, this marks the second time that the House has passed a bill to eliminate Ohio’s distinction as the only state with a breed-specific law. Such a measure died in the Senate last session, but Ms. Sears said she’s confident that additions to the bill providing additional tools and fees to dog wardens will make the difference this time.

Under the bill, the most severe classification of a “vicious” dog would be one that, without provocation, has killed or seriously injured a person. A “dangerous” dog would be one that has killed another dog or been a three-time offender as a “nuisance” dog.

These two most serious classifications would trigger registration, liability insurance, signage, housing, microchip, and other requirements.

A “nuisance” dog would be one that while, off its owner’s property, menacingly chased, approached, or attempted to bite a person. The first offense would start a record with the dog warden. Critics have complained that the bill would essentially allow the dog a free first bite before restrictions are imposed on owners.

Clutching signs that read “Free Them All,” “We Will Fight For Their Life” and “Stop Wasting Taxpayers Money,” a group of Monroe, Michigan animal lovers spent the majority of Thursday drumming up support for three condemned Pit Bulls.

The rally was intended to persuade the community that those who love animals should be outraged at the circumstances involving the Pit Bulls that were seized by police from a house during an alleged dog-fighting operation in March.

Many protestors criticized a video that shows the evaluation methods used by Dr. Katherine Houpt, who testified in court earlier this month that three of the dogs should be put down because they are dangerous and offer no use to the public. One part of the video shows a fake hand attached to a stick being used during the testing of the one of dogs named Dusty.

William Bellottie of Detroit, Michigan and a member of the Detroit Bully Crew, a Pit Bull rescue operation, acknowledged some Pit Bulls used in fighting can’t be saved, but the Monroe four weren’t used in fights.

“Can every dog be rehabilitated? Absolutely not,” Bellottie said. “But I believe these dogs should be given a second chance. And it’s not just these three dogs. It’s an epidemic. It’s not just Monroe.”

Trina Stillwagon, a Monroe County resident and a member of the Monroe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said she was pleased with the turnout and support given to the dogs.

She said she was dumbfounded that the county continues to fight over the issue and spend money in the process. So far it has cost more than $7,000 to house the four dogs at animal control and Ms. Stillwagon said they would take the dogs right now if it were allowed.

She says another rally is being planned before the August 9 Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting.

“I’m happy anytime we can bring attention to animal welfare,” Stillwagon said. “All they have to do is release them to us and it won’t cost the taxpayers a penny. I’ll drive over there right now.”?

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

Flat-faced canines can no longer fly Cathay Pacific.

As of Monday, the airline has banned the so-called brachycephalic breeds due to concerns that certain types of short-nosed animals have an increased risk of breathing problems and overheating due to the stress of flying.

According to the airline’s travel advisory, the ban comes out of concern for the “negative health impact to the animal” caused by air transportation.

Banned are popular breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers.

Cathay Pacific is the latest airline to ban snub-nosed dogs, following similar moves by Singapore Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines.

The move comes a year after the U.S. Department of Transportation released figures detailing the number of in-flight canine deaths between May 2005 and May 2010. Their results showed that short-faced dog breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs represented about half of the in-flight dog deaths.

Thomas Lau, Cathay Pacific’s assistant manager of public affairs, said that the move was necessary.

“The ban is to bring Cathay Pacific into line with industry practice because it has been found that there is quite a bit of danger,” Lau said.

While Cathay Pacific’s measures appear to have the animals’ best interests at heart, Hong Kong’s Society for the Protection of Animals (SPCA) believes that the ban is an over-reaction.

“We understand that they must have some statistics that certain breeds of dogs are more problematic in the cargo cabin, but there are cases when air travel is unavoidable, especially when owners need to emigrate,” said Rebecca Ngan, PR and communications manager of SPCA Hong Kong.

“If owners cannot send them in the cabin they may have to abandon them or put them to sleep.”

“A complete ban is quite difficult as it limits the routes where snub-nosed animals can travel,” said Stacy Tucker, director and owner of Ferndale Kennels & Cattery, a Hong Kong pet shipping company.

Tucker echoed the SPCA’s concern that the new travel ban would increase the number of dogs being euthanized or abandoned.

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

Score another victory for the Pit Bull!

Just a day after the “vicious dog” ordinance heated up the Toledo Ohio City Council, Ohio House Assistant Minority Rep. Matthew A. Szollosi and the Ohio House are attempting to alter similar state legislation. If passed, House Bill 14 will remove Pit Bulls from the definition of “vicious dog” from a 1987 law.

Citing the American Kennel Club, Rep. Szollosi stated that breed specific legislation isn’t a viable solution to dog attacks and irresponsible ownership. Instead, he wants the law to maintain strong guidelines for dangerous dogs and educate the public about pet ownership.

“I support the passage of House Bill 14 because it helps insure that animals are not being captured, impounded, and terminated simply because of their breed,” said Rep. Szollosi in a released statement. “It is unjust to punish owners by taking away their pets, even if they have raised a well behaved, family friendly dog.”

To clarify, dogs of all breeds will still be considered vicious if they kill or cause injury under House Bill 14. Other changes noted in the bill include definitions for “nuisance dogs” and “dangerous dogs,” as well as new rules for owners with an animal that has been deemed a “vicious dog.”

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

This news makes Hector the Pit Bull sad.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back. We must continue the good fight. We will prevail!

– Kenn Bell, Dog Files Creator

Saying it’s acting in the interest of public safety, College Park, Georgia officials will enact a  “dangerous dog” registry next month that some critics say is very close to canine profiling.

Residents owning dogs that have, without provocation, bitten someone during the last 12 years, will be required to register their pet with the city clerk’s office.  Pit Bull, Doberman, Rottweiler and German Shepherd owners, will also have to register their dogs whether they have ever attacked someone or not.

Registration will cost a $25 annual fee. Those who fail to register their dogs will face fines and confiscation of their pets.

Lawrenceville, LaGrange and Floyd County have all enacted their own versions of the ordinance but College Park appears to be the first municipality in Georgia to require registration for breeds beyond Pit Bulls.

There have been several recent Pit Bull attacks in areas near College Park. Last August an infant was mauled and seriously injured by a Pit Bull; two months later, a resident walking his dog was attacked by a neighbor’s Pit Bull. In addition, an animal control officer was bitten by a dog.

Critics are upset that no public hearings were held before the dog registry became law.

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

Hector the Pit Bull says he's very happy about the news!

In a positive move toward ending the prejudice of BSL (breed specific legislation), Cleveland, Ohio’s City Council Public Safety Committee unanimously amended the city’s vicious dog ordinance. Under the new amendment, Pit Bulls have been removed from the vicious dog classification. There were also changes made to designate two categories for threatening dogs. The designations will be made based on an animal’s behavior, not its breed.

A “dangerous” dog will be considered a Level I Threat Dog, which is defined as a dog that chases or approaches a person in a menacing manner without provocation. It may also be defined as a dog that bites a person when it is not on its owner’s property. Unfortunately, a dog will also fall into this category if animal control has impounded it on three separate occasions for being unconstrained and uncontrolled while off its owner’s property. That means that even breeds like Chihuahuas and Poodles left to roam could be classified Level I. The changes in the ordinance strive to hold the dog’s owner responsible for the animal.

A “Vicious” dog will be considered a Level II Threat Dog, which is defined as a dog that causes serious injury or death to any person or domestic animal without provocation. In such an instance, the dog owner could be sentenced to up to 880 days in jail. This definition excludes dogs that seriously injure or kill a person or dog that is committing or attempting to commit trespass or other criminal offense on its owner’s property.

The decisions were made after lengthy testimony from Cleveland’s chief animal control officer, John Baird, and a number of animal rescue and welfare organizations, including a representative from the Cleveland APL. The changes were introduced by Councilman Matt Zone.

Chief Baird explained that it has become increasingly more difficult to identify Pit Bulls because of mixed breeds. “It is not fair to the residents and to responsible dog owners that we use one breed as a vicious dog. We are seeing that any dog can cause a problem,” he said.

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

Diamond is this family’s very best friend.

Diamond’s owner, Darryl Steen, and his two daughters were asleep in their Hayward, California apartment on October 24 when the 15-month old Pit Bull started barking. The apartment was on fire.

“She means everything to me. If it hadn’t been for this dog, me and my girls wouldn’t be alive,” Steen said.

Steen grabbed his 9-year-old daughter Darahne and dropped her to safety out of a second story window. He said he couldn’t find his 16-year-old daughter, Sierra, who was hiding under a mattress in her father’s room. But Diamond had found her, said firefighters who spotted the gray-and-white Pit Bull on the mattress shielding Sierra.

Steen and Sierra were hospitalized for weeks with burns, and had to have skin grafts. Diamond spent six weeks at a pet hospital, being treated for burns and smoke inhalation.

The bill was over $5,500 but people were so generous and there were so many donations, some money had to be sent back, Steen said.

And on Wednesday, Diamond received the ultimate award when the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles presented her with their 29th annual National Hero Dog award.

For 29 years the spcaLA has been recognizing the heroic efforts of a dog that is not formally trained for rescue or law enforcement. With her title, Diamond gets a plaque, dog food for a year, airfare to and from Los Angeles and hotel accommodations for her and her family.

Steen and his daughters meanwhile, are now living with his sister in Hayward, California while Diamond is staying with their other relatives because they haven’t been able to find an affordable apartment that will take the dog.

Some people worry that she weighs nearly 50 pounds while others are concerned about her breed, he said. But Steen, who will be able to return to his job at a warehouse in June, won’t give Diamond up, so he keeps looking.

He hopes the award helps the apartment search: “Hopefully it will, and I’ll be able to get a decent place with my dog.”

But yet for all her heroics, Diamond isn’t without an Achilles’ heel.

“She likes the dog park and playing with me and the girls. But she doesn’t like cats. She is scared of cats,” Steen said.

Story By Elaine Furst For Dog Files