Retired Officer, Army Vet loses service dog

**Jks9199** · 12-25-11, 02:34 PM

Cherokee Chronicle Times: Local News: Man denied 'service dog' seeks legal action (12/23/11)

In brief, James Saks, a retired Chicago PD officer and Vietnam Vet, moved to the town of Aurelia, Iowa to be near his ill mother. Saks had suffered a stroke a few years ago, and had used a registered service dog named Snickers, who happens to be a pit bull. Aurelia has an ordinance prohibiting pit bulls, and some neighbors complained, so the city decided to enforce the ban.

Snickers is currently being boarded nearby while a lawsuit proceeds. US code exempts service animals from these sorts of laws... but Aurelia knows better.

Utter donkey crap, from so-called "neighbors" who haven't got a lick of sense. At least, that's my opinion.

**Ducky** · 12-25-11, 02:36 PM

This is horse shit. I hope the DoJ rips the council a new one.

**lewisipso** · 12-25-11, 03:12 PM

Not even close to a Pitt fan but if

US code exempts service animals from these sorts of laws...

they may be a bit out of luck.

**Jks9199** · 12-25-11, 04:06 PM

It ain't the breed. It's how the dog is trained, treated, and handled.

**lewisipso** · 12-25-11, 04:40 PM

I've heard that. Just not a fan. Don't like em. It's a personal experience thing that's happened numerous times in a rather lengthy career. I don't harbor ill feelings for persons who like them or in this case need them.

**pgg** · 12-25-11, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Jks9199

It ain't the breed. It's how the dog is trained, treated, and handled.

This. A dirtbag will make a problem dog out of a lab or golden also.

**Wolven** · 12-25-11, 08:49 PM

Oh Lew I hope someday to change your mind.

And BSL (breed specific legislation) is a horrible idea. Studies have showed it does nothing for reducing dog bites etc. In the 70s the bad breed was dobies, then GSDs now pits. Evil dog of the decade. Did you know the pitbull scored higher then over a hundred breeds in temperament testing? The rumors about the dogs are not always true. A few dogs with shitty owners cause the problems. I hate that. There are more good in this breed then bad.

I hope this guy shoves it legally up that town's behind. Stupid and ignorant as well as illegal.

**Wolven** · 12-25-11, 08:50 PM

<<<<proud mom of a 9 month old pittie

. Defender of the breed.

**lewisipso** · 12-26-11, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Wolven

Oh Lew I hope someday to change your mind.

And BSL (breed specific legislation) is a horrible idea. Studies have showed it does nothing for reducing dog bites etc. In the 70s the bad breed was dobies, then GSDs now pits. Evil dog of the decade. Did you know the pitbull scored higher then over a hundred breeds in temperament testing? The rumors about the dogs are not always true. A few dogs with shitty owners cause the problems. I hate that. There are more good in this breed then bad.

I hope this guy shoves it legally up that town's behind. Stupid and ignorant as well as illegal.

I agree. I didn't mean to start a debate. I apologize if my comments have offended. In the span of my career I have responded to several instances of family owned and raised Pitts just attacking family members and other animals reported unprovoked. I, unfortunately, had to shoot one in front of my own home when it tried to attack me. I was upset at having to shoot any animal regardless of breed. My perception is based solely on my numerous personal experiences and nothing more.
As most of you know I own a Doberman. I get far more negative feedback in my area for owning her than any Pitt. I know the Doberman history and understand people's apprehension surrounding my choice in breed. I give people plenty of consideration even when walking her. There is a negative view of Doberman's. I understand that. However, I personally have not had a negative Doberman interaction.
If the Pitt in the article is indeed a service dog, which at this point there seems to be no reason to doubt, then I sincerely hope that there is a positive outcome for the dog and owner.

**CTR man** · 12-26-11, 04:19 PM

I smell a lawsuit, with the city council losing. The city council needs to be ousted for not having a backbone to stand up against the complainant, or for just plain ignorance. Service Dogs are protected from this kind of BS!

**Wolven** · 12-26-11, 08:08 PM

Not offended Lew. Everyone is entitled to their opinion based on their experiences. And I can tell you that dogs do NOT attack unprovoked or without warning. The clues will and can be subtle and most may miss them but there is a reason and a warning with bites. I will get off my soapbox now and on topic.

Videos of the dog and family are all over Facebook-interviews are heart wrenching.

PS I love dobies Lew. Never met one I didn't like. Big mutes