State Leg. Goes To Dogs

There is a pressing issue occupying "minds" on Beacon Hill: Jobs, taxes, budget cuts, infrastructure, healthcare, crime, global warming, killing zoo animals Dogs. Our elected officials want to create a dangerous dog database, or registry, that lists pooches with bad intentions and records of mischief. The MSPCA opposes the bill, sponsored by Stephen J. Buoniconti (D-West Springfield), which would post pictures of dogs and explain their reckless acts. The MSPCA wants to increase spaying and neutering of shelter dogs, training for animal control officers and define "dangerous dog" properly. The legislature is also considering a bill to allow cities and towns to ban specific breeds of canines. Certainly, caution should be exercised when dealing with any animal, even those that appear safe. However, the summer of 2009 presents us with a full plate of issues that push laws of this nature down on the list of priorities.