The Chicago Dog Expert Says Don't Bob the Barkers
Ami Moore, the Chicago Dog Whisperer, is working with many local dog organizations to oppose a mandatory spay and neuter bill in Chicago.
Chicago, IL, October 14, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Two years ago, the City of Chicago passed a law banning restaurants from serving foie gras – a delicacy made from the engorged livers of ducks or geese.
In the eyes of many, including Ami Moore, a professional Chicago dog trainer, the law only served to make Chicago a nationwide laughing stock. This year, Chicago aldermen repealed the controversial law in a 37-6 vote.
Now, city leaders are faced with another decision regarding the humane treatment of animals – and, again, both supporters and opponents of the proposed law, which would require all pets over six months of age to be spayed or neutered, are speaking their minds and barking out their objections.
“I don't think that most Chicagoans are really aware that this law is as foolish as the anti foie gras law that was recently rescinded,” says Chicago professional dog behaviorist Ami Moore. “Residents need to be aware that we have the specific rights, including the right to have the dog we want of the breed we want and the right to keep it intact as long as we are responsible.”
Ami Moore, the Chicago Dog Whisperer, is not opposed to spaying and neutering. In fact, many of her own pets have undergone the procedures. “I have always voluntarily altered my dogs and cats for a variety of reasons,” Moore says. “In the good old days, the choice of when to neuter my animals was always left up to my family and myself – not the government.”
Supporters of the ordinance says mandatory spaying and neutering of pets will reduce the number of unwanted animals in the area and reduce the number of dog fights held by Chicago-area gang members. At the hearing these supporters could not provide any supporting scientific evidence that this ordinance could effectively reach these goals. As a matter of fact the ordinance does not have any language to represent "gang-bangers, dog fighters or dog fights".
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) has said, however, “The reality is that it will have no effect on these problems. Instead, it will create some serious public health concerns, cause many animals to be denied necessary health care, and will trample on the personal property rights of conscientious pet owners.”
The proposed ordinance implies that the number of dog bites will be reduced as a result of enforcement of the law. However, Ami Moore, who has had extensive experience with aggressive dogs and the ISVMA say the assumption that only non-spayed or non-neutered animals bite is irrational. Studies have shown that dogs bite humans for a number of reasons, including protection of their own food and anxiety – none of which are directly connected to whether they have been spayed or neutered.
“If a dog becomes a danger, then confiscate it and fine the owner,” Ami Moore says. “Punishing the innocent, law-abiding dog owner is unfair.” Ami Moore, backed by the ISVMA, also believes a mandatory spay and neuter law would discourage some pet owners from seeking rabies immunizations. If a pet owner needs to immunize his or her pet, but doesn't want to spay or neuter the pet, he or she may avoid the veterinarian’s office for fear of being reported.
The proposed ordinance further implies that sterilization can create a healthier pet. “There are both positive and negative affects accrued from sterilization,” the ISVMA says. “It appears that benefits outweigh risks, however, there are many breed and individual dog variants, suggesting that professional judgment is required to determine whether and when to neuter/spay pets.”
“I am working with several national dog organizations, such as the International Kennel Club, and I am supporting the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association in opposing this proposed law,” Moore says. “I am also working closely with several hobby breeders to rally the public to our cause. The bottom line is that testicles don't bite people-untrained dogs owned by idiots bite people. Educate the dog and the owner and dog bites don't happen!”
Chicago aldermen are expected to vote on the proposed mandatory spay and neuter law in September.
Ami Moore, The Chicago Dog Expert is a Chicago based professional dog behaviorist, dog coach, educator, speaker and author. Ami Moore, The Chicago Dog Whisperer can be reached by calling 847-284-7760.
###
In the eyes of many, including Ami Moore, a professional Chicago dog trainer, the law only served to make Chicago a nationwide laughing stock. This year, Chicago aldermen repealed the controversial law in a 37-6 vote.
Now, city leaders are faced with another decision regarding the humane treatment of animals – and, again, both supporters and opponents of the proposed law, which would require all pets over six months of age to be spayed or neutered, are speaking their minds and barking out their objections.
“I don't think that most Chicagoans are really aware that this law is as foolish as the anti foie gras law that was recently rescinded,” says Chicago professional dog behaviorist Ami Moore. “Residents need to be aware that we have the specific rights, including the right to have the dog we want of the breed we want and the right to keep it intact as long as we are responsible.”
Ami Moore, the Chicago Dog Whisperer, is not opposed to spaying and neutering. In fact, many of her own pets have undergone the procedures. “I have always voluntarily altered my dogs and cats for a variety of reasons,” Moore says. “In the good old days, the choice of when to neuter my animals was always left up to my family and myself – not the government.”
Supporters of the ordinance says mandatory spaying and neutering of pets will reduce the number of unwanted animals in the area and reduce the number of dog fights held by Chicago-area gang members. At the hearing these supporters could not provide any supporting scientific evidence that this ordinance could effectively reach these goals. As a matter of fact the ordinance does not have any language to represent "gang-bangers, dog fighters or dog fights".
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) has said, however, “The reality is that it will have no effect on these problems. Instead, it will create some serious public health concerns, cause many animals to be denied necessary health care, and will trample on the personal property rights of conscientious pet owners.”
The proposed ordinance implies that the number of dog bites will be reduced as a result of enforcement of the law. However, Ami Moore, who has had extensive experience with aggressive dogs and the ISVMA say the assumption that only non-spayed or non-neutered animals bite is irrational. Studies have shown that dogs bite humans for a number of reasons, including protection of their own food and anxiety – none of which are directly connected to whether they have been spayed or neutered.
“If a dog becomes a danger, then confiscate it and fine the owner,” Ami Moore says. “Punishing the innocent, law-abiding dog owner is unfair.” Ami Moore, backed by the ISVMA, also believes a mandatory spay and neuter law would discourage some pet owners from seeking rabies immunizations. If a pet owner needs to immunize his or her pet, but doesn't want to spay or neuter the pet, he or she may avoid the veterinarian’s office for fear of being reported.
The proposed ordinance further implies that sterilization can create a healthier pet. “There are both positive and negative affects accrued from sterilization,” the ISVMA says. “It appears that benefits outweigh risks, however, there are many breed and individual dog variants, suggesting that professional judgment is required to determine whether and when to neuter/spay pets.”
“I am working with several national dog organizations, such as the International Kennel Club, and I am supporting the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association in opposing this proposed law,” Moore says. “I am also working closely with several hobby breeders to rally the public to our cause. The bottom line is that testicles don't bite people-untrained dogs owned by idiots bite people. Educate the dog and the owner and dog bites don't happen!”
Chicago aldermen are expected to vote on the proposed mandatory spay and neuter law in September.
Ami Moore, The Chicago Dog Expert is a Chicago based professional dog behaviorist, dog coach, educator, speaker and author. Ami Moore, The Chicago Dog Whisperer can be reached by calling 847-284-7760.
###
Contact
The Chicago Dog Whisperer
Ami Moore
847-284-7760
www.dogdoright.com
Ami Moore
847-284-7760
www.dogdoright.com
Contact
Categories