Darwin Dogs Host Bandanas for Banned Breeds-Pittie Parade & Party May 9. 2nd Annual Parade Protests Breed Specific Legislation in Lakewood

Join us at The Bandanas For Banned Breeds Pittie Parade & Party May 9th!

Darwin Dogs LLC, a local dog training business run by Lakewood, Ohio residents Kerry Stack and Danika Migliore will host the 2nd Annual Bandanas for Banned Breeds- Pittie Parade on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 10 a.m in an effort to peacefully protest Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) that continues to be in effect in the city of Lakewood.

Participants and their dogs of all breeds will begin the Pittie Parade at 10 a.m. at The Cleveland Metropark’s Emerald Necklace Marina area, (across the street from the Lakewood Dog Park) and will walk along Detroit Avenue collecting signatures on petitions in opposition to BSL as they go. Well-behaved dogs and their responsible owners are encouraged to wear bandanas in support of the Pittie Parade. The peaceful parade will conclude with a “Pit Stop” at Quaker Steak & Lube’s Lakewood location, where the celebration of all breeds will continue with a “Pittie Party” until 1 p.m. Currently, the event has over 150 people planning to attend.

Participation is free, however Darwin Dogs is accepting donations to offset the cost of permits, insurance, advertising and supplies needed the day of the event. Donations can be made at: www.gofundme.com/pittieparade.

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is the blanket term for laws that either regulate or ban certain breeds of dogs from cities regardless of their individual temperament. BSL in Lakewood was placed in effect in 2008 through ordinance 506 and has become a much debated topic that has gained attention through the efforts of Lakewood residents at city council meetings and movies such as “Guilty ‘Till Proven Innocent,” which gained national recognition. Although the ban is currently still in effect, some city council members oppose the ordinance. Lakewood City Councilman, Sam O’Leary stated: “We need laws to protect citizens and their pets from vicious dogs. But we don't need to ban Pit Bulls from Lakewood. The Ohio Legislature has repealed its breed-specific legislation, as have countless cities across the state, and across the country. There are many reasons Lakewood needs to follow suit.”

“Lakewood's BSL unfairly punishes a breed for the actions of irresponsible owners. Lakewood should hold the responsible party accountable: the owners of a vicious dog. When we legislate based on fear instead of the facts, we end up with policies that are ineffective, unfair, and fail to protect our neighbors and pets. Lakewood's repeal of BSL is long overdue,” O’Leary said.

Darwin Dogs LLC.  remains committed to all dogs, regardless of breed. Although neither business partner currently owns a “bully breed” dog, both Stack & Milgiore have worked with bully breed dogs, both in homes and shelters, and remain confident that pit bulls are a lovable group of dogs They created the Bandanas for Banned Breeds-Pittie Parade last year with the purpose of peacefully bringing awareness to the public and to protest BSL in specific cities, starting with Lakewood.

Stack is passionate about Lakewood, however her reasons for promoting the Pittie Parade are equally important to her. “My city is a source of pride for me. Lakewood has a reputation as a city of inclusion. A city where one is judged by merit, not by what they look like. When we start legislating any group based upon ancestry alone, that starts a precedent for Lakewood, one we need to avoid. All creatures were meant to be viewed as individuals. I march for the individuals who are incorrectly judged based upon nothing more than hyper-sensationalism and narrow-mindedness. The literal underdog,” says Stack.

Milgiore explains why she promotes the Pittie Parade; “I wanted to be a part of this movement to be a voice for an animal that is so misjudged. Pitbulls have shown me an unimaginable amount of kindness, love and loyalty, the least I can do is be their voice. I owe them so much more than that, but it's a good place to start.”

The dynamic duo of Stack and Milgiore have taken the parade to a new level this year by securing community partners, volunteers, donated items and a central ending location to continue the celebration at Quaker Steak & Lube from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m which will include basket raffles, “Best of” awards for the dogs, and face painting for children. The event will also include participation from Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, Muttley Crue and other rescue organizations that will bring adoptable animals, including “Lakewood Approved” dogs and informational materials about the truths and myths of bully breeds. A portion of all Quaker Steak & Lube sales during the “Pittie Party” will be donated back to the event and shelters. The first 20 participants to arrive at the parade starting point will receive free tote bags from Urban Suburban Apparel.

“We encourage responsible dog owners from all cities to join us. Even if you don’t have a dog, but want to support the cause, this is a celebration of all breeds. We hope that everyone who wants to love and care for a bully breed will someday be able to legally do so in their city,” says Stack.

For more information on the Bandanas for Banned Breeds-Pittie Parade, visit: http://www.darwindogs.org/site/pittie-parade-bandanas-for-banned-breeeds/.

People may also join the Facebook event online at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1530282977259117/

Sarah Hricko

I grew up in Lakewood, OH and lived there until age 24. I am passionate about the city however, due to Breed Specific Legislation had to move out of the city. I am assisting in marketing efforts for Darwin Dogs LLC., a dog training group run by two Lakewood residents, as they prepare to host a BSL Awareness event, The 2nd Annual Bandanas for Banned Breeds, Pittie Parade & Party, May 9th. I would like to write a story about the event and the BSL that is in place in the city. We have strong support from City Councilman, Sam O'Leary who will be quoted in the story.

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 1:16 PM, 04.28.2015