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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Pit bull ban wrong for many reasons

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published September 12, 2007

Let's ban pit bull ownership Sept. 9, guest column

Please allow me to address some of the nonsense about pit bulls and breed bans evident in this column. First, a pit bull is not a breed, but a type of dog. So does the writer propose we ban American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, American bulldogs, Argentine dogos, cane corsos, or any number of mixed-breed dogs that have a big head? All of these are commonly called "pit bulls," so a breed ban would sweep them all in.

Second, these bans don't work because they allow a huge number of good dogs to be destroyed along with the few bad ones that make the press. Because dogs are considered property, it would be a violation of the U.S. Constitution for the government to deprive someone of their property without due process of law - and the pesky task of having the government prove breed status would certainly be a big headache for the courts.

Third, any dog can attack a human - doesn't anyone remember the Pomeranian who killed a 6-week-old baby, or the Dalmatian who tore the cheek off of a little girl? Perhaps we should ban both of those breeds, too (along with the German shepherd, Doberman and Akita, all of which have worn the "bad dog" label at one time).

And finally if those who unfairly single out these dogs for their hatred would take the time to get to know these wonderful dogs, they would find that most of them make terrific companion animals, search-and-rescue and police dogs, and fine pets.

Come to think of it, gun owners, teenagers who drive recklessly and drivers who run red lights kill more people every year than pit bulls. Perhaps we should ban these people from living among us if we really want to make our communities safe.

Sandra Furey, St. Petersburg

Let's ban pit bull ownership Sept. 9, guest column

Pit bulls unpredictable

My former neighbor had a pit bull, and it was fine for the first five years. Then one day it snapped and climbed a chain-link fence and attacked a person who was cutting his lawn.

The next day the dog went after my mom who lived across the street from the dog. Lucky for my mother, the dog got hit by a car while charging toward her. The dog owners never abused the dog. I believe it's in the breed to get more aggressive as they get older or if they are abused when younger.

Paul Campbell, Palm Harbor

Treats for troops a big hit

I'm writing to thank you for all of your help with our project to collect donations for America's troops serving in combat. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) just finished a monthlong campaign to gather treats and necessities for our service men and women overseas, and we wouldn't have been nearly as successful had it not been for the St. Petersburg Times. The Times regularly ran articles reminding bay area residents about our campaign, and thanks to you - along with the tremendous generosity and kindness of your readers - PSTA was able to fill a large bus with donations for our soldiers. Now, thanks to some help from volunteers from the city of St. Pete Beach, those donations will soon be making their way overseas.

I would also be remiss if I didn't thank the other organizations who joined us in this effort such as the city of St. Pete Beach, Ex-POWs, the American Legion and Catalent Pharma.

This was the quintessential community effort and a tremendous reflection on the population of the bay area.

Thanks to this community effort and the multitude of donations, hundreds of our soldiers soon will feel a little closer to home and be assured of how much we appreciate their service. Thank you all for a job well done!

Bob Lasher, manager of Community Relations, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg

Beach development

Let's modernize beaches

I grew up on St. Pete Beach and attended Gulf Beaches Elementary, Bay Point Middle and Lakewood High. I have watched the on-going development debate on the beaches with great interest, and now that I have moved out of state I can comment without impacting my job.

Though I can appreciate the "let's keep things the same" mentality of some, nostalgia cannot replace reality. The reality is that the current hotel/motel stock on the beaches is outdated and sorely lacking in modern amenities. My wife and I have a son, and we consider ourselves to be an average middle class, professional family. We can honestly say that there is very little to attract us to St. Pete Beach, Maderia Beach, Treasure Island or any of the local beaches.

The only thing going is the nostalgia factor for me personally, but that wears out pretty quickly when the only attractions are cheap hotels, cheap T-shirt shops and cheap seafood joints. There are few entrepreneurs who are trying to bring in a higher caliber of visitor/diner. I do appreciate their efforts, though.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale have chosen to modernize and cater to the current needs of vacationers. If Pinellas County wants to continue competing with Gulf Shores, Ala., go for it. If you want a better class of visitor, I recommend you start upgrading your facilities.

Daniel Shenise, Atlanta

City targets stores' lost shopping carts Sept. 2, story

Cart theft not new

Shopping carts being abandoned around the city is not a new problem. Retailers have been trying for years to keep customers from removing the carts from their parking lots. Poles, locks and deposits - nothing works.

There are some people who think they have a right to remove them. Removing a cart from the retailer's property is theft. It is the same as taking a car or bike that does not belong to you. The retailers should not be the ones being fined for the abandoned carts. The people removing the carts should be the ones fined and/or charged with theft.

Kimbery Hart, St. Petersburg

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[Last modified September 11, 2007, 23:05:43]