Andrea Rosebrock 
Salinas, KS has a pitbull ban; since 2005, there has been a ban on owning unregistered pit bulls and mixed breeds that are predominantly pitbull. Angie Cartwright’s problems started when she was dog-sitting for her brother. His dog inadvertently got and someone called animal control. In the process of picking up her brother’s dog, they also grabbed her dog, Lucey, which they said “looked” like a pitbull.
The animal control officers said they had to take Lucey to a vet for a “breed check,” a professional opinion to see if Lucey was a pitbull. As they were taking Lucey away, Cartwright asked if she could get a second opinion from her own vet. She was thinking of the DNA tests and didn’t even know if it was available.
“I was actually pretty desperate and I watch a lot of medical shows,” Cartwright said. “I said, ‘Do you guys do DNA testing on dogs?’ It was actually just a grasp (at a solution). We didn’t want her to go, we didn’t want her to be put to sleep. I was angry and upset, and I was just trying to find a different solution.”
So for a cost of $168, Lucey’s DNA was tested and that test got her a “get out of jail free” card!!
The test showed that Lucey was, by DNA, no more than 12.5% each of bull terrier, boxer, and Staffordshire bull terrier with the largest percentage, 25%, being Bernese mountain dog. So Lucey was not “predominantly” pitbull.
So far DNA testing has not been challenged in court and luckily for the Cartwright family, Rose Base, director of the Salina Animal Shelter, accepted the test results and now Lucey is back home and safe with her family.
Most DNA testing companies urged that their tests not be used to enforce breed bans and some will not test for pitbull out of concern that ti could cause the death of an innocent animal.
Lucey had never bitten nor had she ever acted aggressively but was targeted only because of what she looked like, a banned breed. For her, in the end, the news was good and the DNA testing saved her life.
Sadly, some breed bans are based only on a dog’s characteristics rather than actual breed. The only real answer is to do away with BSL… period. Unfortunately, not only are we seeing things move in that direction, we are seeing more and more municipalities adopt this idiotic legislation!! When will it end… when all “dangerous” breeds are eradicated? Or when people open their eyes and see the reality, that it’s not the dogs, it’s the people behind that dogs and finally start repealing these laws? I can’t say I hold my breath for the second option….. 
Honestly, I think we’re seeing the trend changing. Sure, there are places that are still passing BSL, but more and more I’m seeing places that are repealing their bans (due to cost or ineffectiveness) and cities that initially consider a breed ban to take a different route. The combination of the DNA testing making people second guess everything they thought they knew about ‘pit bulls’, the stories of the rehabilitiation of the dogs from Bad Newz kennels, and the gaining support from the animal welfare groups as a whole (instead of it just being a ‘pit bull owners problem) are really turning the tide. We have a long way to go…but it seems that more and more places seem to be choosing real information vs fear tactics in making their dangerous dog laws. When that happens, everyone is a winner.
Brent, thanks for your input and point of view. I know you really keep up on pittie news and hope that you’re right. It makes me angrier than I can even tell you ever time I see new legislation being proposed regarding breed bans. I think until the media starts to become more responsible when it comes to pitties problems are going to really continue. They feed the myth and hype and make it harder and harder for pits to get a break.
One thing for sure, anyone who has a public face and loves dogs and pits can help alot by just spreading the truth and the good news. We’re converting people, one by one but the biggest thing that works is when people actually meet the ambassadors of the breed. When people see the pittie smiles and are attacked with pittie love, that is the biggest thing.
D.
I too await the day this is no longer happening in our society D. It makes me sick and saddens me to see these beautiful, sweet, loving, playful dogs, targeted. It just has to stop! They are such terrific dogs. As I have said before, this town has quite a few pitty’s and they always put a smile on my face when I see them happily with their owners here. They always have these huge smiles on those pretty little faces. And, yes, I too, try to educate people whenever I hear them speak in a negative way towards this outstanding, kind, amazingly sweet breed. I hope, someday, we will be able to bring all these “false” thoughts on the Pitbull to an end. Thanks for keeping them in the forefront D. They need all the help we can give them!
Oh D., you could not have said it better – “being attacked with pitti love” – like I have said before, they are a very loving, kissable breed, and you are also correct in saying one by one, we will change people’s ideals of the pit. They just do not know, or want to know. To them they are mean vicious dogs. HA HA. My transport life has shown me differently, but even then, there are some in transport that will not walk or feed a pit. Not me – I will give them all the love they want, hug and kiss them, and even get on the ground and play with them!
Yeah for Lucey, and how wonderful that her mom did this for her. Just because “it looks like a pit” does not mean it is a pit. Any of the terrier breeds have similar facial structure, and when mixed, good grief – who knows what the look could create.
Yes, this BSL has to stop. It is not fair to anyone – humans who know and love the breed, nor the pittis. Too bad there isn’t an actor who could talk about the breed, because they know the breed, which might help offset some of the bsl crap.
This kinda crap will only stop when peoples stupidity is drawn and quartered.
This case definitely underlines the “BS” of BSLs!