BSL in Toledo
A Toledo man found guilty last month of violating Toledo’s vicious-dog ordinance has appealed his case, as expected, and a national organization fighting against breed-specific legislation is picking up most of the tab.
“It’s a stepping-stone to where this needs to be,” Paul Tellings, Sr., said of his case.Mr. Tellings appealed a Toledo Municipal Court decision in which Judge Francis X. Gorman ruled that Mr. Tellings had violated the city’s vicious-dog ordinance because he owned more than one pit bull and had no insurance for his dogs.
Pit bulls are the only breed presumed vicious under state law and Toledo Municipal Code. Owners in Toledo are subject to certain restrictions and must carry extra liability insurance.
Mr. Tellings argued that the law is unfair.
Judge Gorman upheld the law, but he said individual owners could ask the court to determine if their pit bull is not vicious, thereby relieving them of the extra responsibilities of owning a vicious dog.
He could have paid the fine but chose to fight the law. He has filed an appeal. The American Canine Foundation is picking up the bill and they have fought other BSL laws.
