DOE CROOMS
On April 27, DOE Andrea Crooms had a community conversation with Councilmember Dernoga (D1 and voted against repeal in 2019) and made pro-repeal statements. Since we take our victories where we can, we are happy to hear these and will hold her accountable on her plans to make the shelters safer and more humane.
CONTACT PG COUNCIL
2022 is an election year. So while we need to keep continuous pressure on this council and the council members elect who will have the power to change these laws when they are seated.
It is time to make BSL something they make go away!
Please be polite, respectful and use our talking points when contacting the representatives.
Member at Large, Chair
Mr. Hawkins voted against the repeal of BSL in 2019.
He is the chair of the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee in addition to being on the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee AND the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee.
Vice-Chair, District 9
Mr. Harrison was one of the loudest voices in support of BSL repeal. He questioned its effectiveness and financial impacts.
As the vice chair, Mr. Harrison should be commended for his support of repeal in 2019 and encouraged to continue the efforts this cycle.
Member at Large
Mr. Franklin voted against repeal of BSL in 2019 based on his "sense that pitbulls are very dangerous dogs."
The PG county taxpayers would prefer Mr. Franklin spend our money in ways proven factually correct, not based on his feelings.
Mr. Franklin is a member of the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee. (as well as Education and Workforce Development and the General Assembly)
District 1
Mr. Dernoga voted AGAINST repeal of BSL in 2019.
He is a member of both the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy committee and the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy & Environment Committee.
Email Mr. Dernoga and encourage him to repeal BSL due to it being wasteful of our tax dollars, law enforcement efforts and animal control staff time.
District 2
District 5
Ms. Ivey voted AGAINST repeal of BSL in 2019. She indicated that the public should have more chances to weigh in on this matter and reports that she has "heard from people who want to lift the ban: I've heard from people who not only want to keep the ban, they want it more strongly enforced..."
Email Ms. Ivey and discuss how breed neutral dangerous dog laws are already on the books in PG. Note that enforcing those laws works in other communities across the nation to make the community safer, lower dog bites, dog-fighting and the crime that always accompanies it, and would fulfill the wishes of all her constituents!
JOHNATHAN M. MEDLOCK
District 6
Mr. Medlock was appointed to Council in 2022 when an opening was left by the departure of Mr. Davis.
Mr. Medlock has not communicated with PB Proud and we do not know his stance.
RODNEY STREETER
District 7
Mr. Streeter voted AGAINST repeal of BSL in 2019, stating "I just don't have the faith that behaviors will change" in terms of responsible ownership (fencing, spay/neuter, registration and chipping all dogs)
Mr. Streeter is the Chair of the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee and a member of the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee.
Email Mr. Streeter. Remind him PG has dangerous dog and spay/neuter laws that need to be enforced by our own Animal Control. Let's stop punishing innocent dogs for the failures of humans and work together to enforce those laws and offer our community the safety and resources to be responsible owners. PB Proud is here to collaborate with the council to implement real solutions to this problem now and in the future.
District 8
Mr. Burroughs is the newest District 8 representative following the departure of Monique Anderson-Walker (who voted against repeal) and won in a special election landslide.
Mr. Burroughs did not vote in the 2019 hearings. He is young, smart, driven and wants to see this county improve. Email Mr. Burroughs asking him to repeal this law which has been ineffective since it's creation in 1997.
County Executive
As the leader of this county, the honorable Ms. Alsobrooks has the ability to encourage the repeal of this ban.
Email her and discuss all the ways this ban is a waste of money, law enforcement powers, animal control officer time and that the entire community benefits from the repeal of BSL and the enforcement of dangerous dog laws already in existence.
D2 Council Elect
Ms. Fisher is the presumed council member elect for this position. She has not expressed a stance on breed specific legislation.
D3 Council elect
Mr. Olson is the presumed council member elect for district 3. He has not taken a stance on breed specific legislation.
D4 Council Elect
Ms. Harrison is the presumed council elect for district 4. She has not voiced an opinion on breed specific legislation.
D6 Council Elect
Ms. Blegay is the council elect for district 6. She has stated she is open to making the laws less discriminatory and promoting breed neutral laws instead
D7 Council elect
Ms. Oriadha is the presumed council elect for district 7. She has stated her support in gaining community support to alter laws to be more breed neutral and increase safety.