Gavin Newsom has, for once, conceded that he is not above the law:

This week, state Sen. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, introduced a bill that would change state law to allow local governments to enact animal-control laws directed at specific breeds. Speier’s bill doesn’t mention pit bulls explicitly, but given the recent attacks in the Bay Area involving the breed, most people see it as aimed at the squat, square-faced animals.

[snip]

The biggest support for Speier’s proposal comes from San Francisco, where Mayor Gavin Newsom asked the senator to craft legislation to make the streets safer from aggressive dogs, and Concord, where in March an 11-year-old boy was seriously injured by a pit bull. On Thursday, San Jose Councilwoman Linda LeZotte said she will ask the full council to support Speier’s legislation.

If these had been gay pit bulls, he would have likely went ahead and passed this legislation regardless of applicable state laws. He seems to be learning his lesson with respect to the law but this time his proposed actions are just stupid (note: I supported his gay marriage decision, despite it breaking the law. I can’t support reactionary stupidity). A child, who was left without parental supervision and who had barricaded in a basement, was killed by the family’s pit bull. The mother has been indicted on felony child abuse. This woman’s irresponsible actions seem to be getting a pass from everyone, while a breed of dog is unjustly taking the heat.

Posted in uncategorized on June 25th, 2005 by SayUncle | RSS 2.0 |