It's about the PEOPLE, people.

Holding people accountable for their actions is just common sense. Here are some cases that remind us to keep blame where it belongs.

An OR man was sentenced to one year for abusing his pit bull ... A San Jose man is facing felony charges for letting his off-leash pit bull hurt another dog ... A St. Louis couple was charged with evidence tampering when they tried to blame a tiger mauling on a pit bull....Oy vey. And - finally! - Marjorie Knoller was sentenced to 15 years for the mauling death of Diane Whipple. That took far too long. Thumbs up to the prosecutors for getting that conviction.

But before we lose faith in our fellow two-leggeds, here's one of the best anti-BSL editorials we've read in awhile. Seattle Humane Society executive officer Brenda Barnette rejects BSL and points out that a recent dog attack in SeaTac came after animal control failed to respond to several complaints about loose running dogs. (Seattle AC has a reputation for being less-than-efficient with enforcing local laws.) Words from the wise:

"Until we start focusing on the underlying causes of bites — instead of focusing on specific breeds of dogs — we'll never decrease the number of dog attacks. Enacting a breed ban will make it more difficult for shelters to place loving pit bulls with responsible owners, increasing the number of dogs killed in shelters, without making anyone safer." Brenda Barnette Seattle Humane

The Good Guys
We presented at an American Bar Association event in Chicago this past Friday. One of these days, I might actually be able to stand up and address an audience about the Vick dogs without choking back tears - but not yet. Wimpy-Me. It was fascinating to hear little known case details from the attorneys that worked on these and other similar cases. ASPCA forensics expert Dr. Melinda Merck was recognized about a dozen times as being one of the main reasons Vick and his boys folded - It's nearly impossible to fight charges with so much physical evidence. Thanks again, doc.

A highlight of the event was an award presented by Special Master Guardian Rebecca Huss. It was the first annual 2008 Rose Memorial Award for Compassion in Action and it went to BR's own Nicole Rattay for putting her life on hold in order to bring comfort & compassion to the Vick dogs that waited six additional long weeks in confinement. Kennel stress was taking a heavy toll on the dogs, but Nicole's work gave the dogs a head start on their healing. Congratulations Nicole, and thank you again.

"Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
-- Chinese Proverb

Hurting from People Problems
Too many wonderful puppies and dogs are flowing into Oakland Animal Services this season (and, everywhere, we imagine). It pains us to see pit bulls especially falling out of hard-luck homes and into overcrowded shelters. If you've considered adopting anytime soon, now's a good time...There's no shortage of exceptional dogs that are in danger. This is Harley. He's a puppyish dog-social dork, and - Tim's description - a Wiggle Master. Wanna fall in love? Let us help.