Senate Bill No. 124 filed by Sen Lois

Section 1. Chapter 140 of the General Laws, is hereby amended by inserting after section 157 the following new section:

section 157A.(a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: "Pit Bull", the American Staffordshire terrier, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the American Pit Bull Terrier, recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog breeders Association, the Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire BullTerrier, the Bull Terrier, or any other like dog to be determined by rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner.

"Public Buildings", Any building where the public has access, works, and recreates, including but not limited to commercial buildings,hotels, motels, public meeting places, stores, malls, airports, and other public transportation facilities.
(b) Any owner or keeper of a Pit Bull Dog must muzzle and restrain with a substantial chain or leash said Pit Bull Dog when it is taken onto a public road, public way, public playground, or when it is taken onto the premided of or into a public building.
(c)Pursuant to section one hundred and fifty seven, the officer in charge of the animal commission or person charged with the responsibility of handling dog complaints shall enforce the muzzling of Pit Bull Dogs.

Section 2. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner of public health shall promulgate rules and regulations to the definition and identification of Pit Bull Dogs in the commenwealth. Said rules and regulations shall include provisions to ensure that all Pit Bull Dog owners and keepers in the commenwealth are notified of the requirements of section 157A of chapter 140 of the General Laws.

Please contact your Senator or Representative and ask him not to vote for this bill. The next breed could be yours.

The hearing was rescheduled for April 29...BE THERE OR SEND LETTERS!!!!