Given that statistics can tell us whatever we want them to, I can't believe how shortsighted the council is, yet again, in buying in to this. This assumes that all dog bites in the city are reported (they're not - I can verify 2 that were never reported and I'm one of the non-reporters); that all dogs in the city are registered (they're not); and that every dog that falls under the scope of breeds covered in the term "Pit Bull" is excessively prone to attack (proven false time and again).

Between yet another ridiculous ordinance that does nothing in terms of actual public safety from our illustrious city council and the increase in property crimes, any doubts I had about signing a lease on a new place in another community have been erased. If it's the goal of the city to continue to drive working families from it's steps, then I would congratulate the city leaders at doing a superb job of realizing that goal.

I don't even OWN a dog, but the ignorant, unnecessary and detrimental ordinances that continue to come out of this council are just absurd. Too absurd to stand by and not call out for what they are: canine fecal matter.

People, just remember the councilors who voted YES on this new ordinance, and vote them out in the next round of local elections! What a joke! They can't enforce the existing laws, never mind getting around to this new one!

THIS IS B.S. Just like they did in Worcester they did here. The council could give 2 sh*t about their people. At least in Worcester if they are on their own private property they don't have to be muzzled.
I wonder if they are going to ban sex offenders from living in Malden, parolees etc? Because they cause more harm than dogs and I would not be walking a muzzled dog anywhere because one of these criminals could try to attack me and then what ? My dog can't help me, cops don't get there in time even if you can call them and the justice system sure is a joke

Patch, is it possible to update this article with more detailed information about how each councilor voted on this ordinance? I'm sure Malden voters and Patch readers would be interested in finding out how their ward representative voted.

malden1 - The two dog bite incidents that I referenced that went unreported did not involve any of the breeds that fall under the Pit Bull title. One was a mutt and one was a very rare breed of hunting hound. Explain to me again how this ordinance protects the residents from dog bites? And you do have legal recourse in a dog bite, whether or not the animal is muzzled. In the case of the hound, the animal wasn't on his leash so that right there was a violation of the city leash law. Stop pandering to the paranoia surrounding one breed.

Malden1...in case your not aware of the statistics ...there have been 57 reported dog bites in Malden since 2009. Of those 57, none of the dogs were leashed. All of those victims could easily pursue legal action because the owners were negligent for not leashing their dogs. I know this first hand, after being attached by an unleashed Springer Spaniel. I had no problem whatsoever with the legal aspects of proving the owner was negligent. There are no cases in the city of residents being attached by leashed dogs. That doesn't happen ...but now with this ordinance, we have one more thing to distract the animal control officer from better enforcing the existing leash law...which would have prevented all the bites from occurring in the first place.

There is no one named Carol Ornquist at the MSPCA. I assume you meant Kara Holmquist.
If you don't know how to spell someone's name I suggest you A) ask them, or B) look it up on the web site of the organization they work for. I find it really rude when reporters misspell names when it is so easy to find the correct spelling.

The problem is pet owners who let their dog off the leash. I take my dog to parks for a walk on a leash as my dog loves all people but, not all dogs. The problem is I am scared when a person is breaking the law allowing their dog to be off the leash that it will be my fault if something happens

So, "malden1", what recourse do I have if another type of dog bites me? Are you saying that every other dog is not prone to biting? Yeesh.. Clearly youve never met an angry chow or german shepherd. I chose a poor time to get interested in the politics of my home. Plus, if you really want to address aggressive dogs - ~70% of aggressive dog reports (across ALL breeds) are unmetered male dogs, and most attacks are done by unleashed dogs. A better ordinance would address: neutering of dogs, enforcement of leash laws(as Lisa points out, all dog attacks in Malden were off leash dogs). Use some logic here, people! This ordinance doesn't fix anything, it's just fluffy pat ourselves on the back crap. If you think you're protecting kids with this, you're missing the bigger picture and leaving your kids at just as much risk.

Stupid is as stupid does. I want to know the names of the 7 who voted in favor of this, and I want their names broadly publicized.

I'd like someone, almost ANYONE to run against Kinnon. I'd campaign for them tirelessly.

The fact that Kinnon was completely disrespectful to the Animal experts that were invited to speak is nauseating.He must assume that everyone fears him. Now there's the intimidation Councilor Anderson should be worried about, not the dogs! When are elections? Bet your ass I will not be voting for counselor Nestor!!!

Malden if you want to muzzle anything start with N.Kinnon on top of yelling out across the room to engage in arguments with the crowd the way he spoke to the MSPCA experts one being an Attorney and the other a Doctor of anmial behavior just shows that he has no business representing anything accept a bad attitude
I guess the other six Councilor's who backed Kinnon's vote heard something I didnt because it seems to me this ordinance does nothing for the safety of Malden residents and does nothing about viscous dogs it basically just says in the future I as an American Citizen don't have the right to own the breed of my choice. Even though I have Owned six Pitbull Terriers over 27 years and have never had a complaint or a problem .

Pt 2.... Sounds like a dictatorship to me..where's my right to Due Process, my right to be innocent till proven guilty.This whole Ordinance is a disaster it does nothing to control dangerous dogs oh wait yes it does it has the magic colored dog tag that suddenly makes the dog you are trying to say is dangerous not dangerous, and Councilar Anderson also had oppinions on the matter by saying that people use these Pitbulls to intimidate ! So because people use these dogs in a negative way the breed is deemed Viscous ?
Mr Anderson also stated that Malden has other resources to help enforce the new muzzle ordinance mainly being the police so now you want to take the police away from preventing real crimes to enforce this pointless witch hunt.....a few more well thought out ideas. One more thing if 18 of the dog bites even were commited by Pitbull's and 25 were commited by Mutts why arent the mutts being ordered to wear muzzles there were 7 more bites by them.

Pt 3
The bottom line is N.Kinnon does not hold public saftey as his number one priority his priority is eliminating pitbulls from the city of Malden . Congratulations to the six other Council members who backed his vote, you have passed an ordinance that does nothing except cost the city money waste more of the Animial controls time trying to identify these dogs wich is not that easy.... taken away 57000 residents 4th amendment right ( right to own property) and now you claim there are no more dangerous dogs in malden because of a colored dog tag. are you serious thats the most foolish thing ive heard in a while its like the blind leading the blind.

P.S
My girlfriend has agreed this is like living in Cuba with out the good weather so she has contacted Century 21 today and will be selling ! We will be moving to New Hampshire who's motto is Live Free or Die !
Nice poll 300 to 37........... what happened to for the people by the people !

Kinnon here's a stat it would take 30,000 pitbulls to bite to equal 1% of all pitbulls seeing that there are around 3 million in our country. so 99 % do nothing wrong

I am very happy that the city council passed this ordinance. Pitbulls are very dangerous dogs. I have personally witnessed 2 unprovoked dog attacks, both pitbulls, over the past 3 years. Both dogs came from "good owners" who were consistent and responsible owners. Both dogs grew up with children and showed no signs of aggression until the attacks.
It is not fair to me or my family that we cannot walk in the neighborhood without fear of a pitbull, as I have witnessed on 2 occasions. I along with the majority of the residents can feel better knowing that a step has been taken in the right direction to protect us from an aggressive breed of dog.
Thank you.

Jennifer, that number was 6.7%.

“That's 6.7 percent...(making) 32.5 percent of all the bites,” Kinnon said. “Based on those statistics we get 23 bites bites from every 100 pit bulls...for the remaining dogs, that would be about 3.5 per every 100.”

I am concerned also about abused pitbulls -- I have seen pitbulls hit on the head when they misbehave. I think we need to start by putting the microscope on the dog owners. Aren't there special requirements for owning a pitbull? Age? Training? I have seen some pitbulls dragging large male teenagers and men down the street on a chained or giant rope -- this does not make me feel safe. These animals are extremely powerful and just "what if" that dog gets loose. Can we get a pitbull dog park? Maybe on the south side of Malden so that pitbulls can run around with each other, like the one in Trafton park? I love dogs, I think we just need to think about additional things to protect pitbulls and humans at the same time in Malden.

I say raise the fine for a dog off the leash to five hundred dollars. That is the problem. Responsible owners keep their dog on a leash

Kinnon was up for re election last year and was voted in again... so you get what you et when you vote for a person who could care less what anyone thinks or wants or needs, its all about his agenda and the rest can eat dog poo poo! Wake up Malden!!! This kind of bee ess will continue as long as you keep voting them in! If Kinnon stops short theyll have to pry Nestors muzzle out of his b um! Chris can we get the vote tally breakdown?, Id like to know who on the Council can stand on their own two feet!!!!!

Chris, I do realize that this conversation is about Kinnon getting his way to muzzle pitbulls, but I want to make sure that people are aware of what he did last night at the meeting when they were talking about bringing in more apartment complexes into Malden and charging the developers a $4,000 fee to cover the cost if the buildings are not maintained. Neil’s concern was that the buildings will end up with Section 8 people and children with learning disabilities who attend our schools and live in those apartments. He used the Granada Highlands as an example. He stated that when he was a kid, that if you knew a kid who lived at that complex, you knew the kid was rich. Now, he stated, when you hear a kid lives there, you know that they are either on Section 8, or have a learning disability. So he wants this charge to cover that cost!

This was discrimination at its best! People need to know what he said and hear it for themselves. When will that tape become available for people to view last night’ meeting? As someone said to me “He made it clear that he hates not only pit bull type dogs, but their owners. I was very disheartened and angered to see the BSL ordinance pass. It is clear from your statement above that he also did not hide his disdain for children with learning disabilities.”

This recording of this meeting should and must be made public.

I would like to suggest that everyone in this city watch the rerun of the April 3rd council meeting and judge for yourself. I did watch the live meeting and there was a group of neighbors in the room. What I found interesting is the reaction of the people in the room with me as they watched & listened. (It should be rebroadcast on MATV).
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When you watch this, please listen closely to the expert guest speakers; see how these seasoned professionals offered to work with the council; to help with their ordinance. think you will be very surprised at the attitudes that were displayed by certain city councilors. With all the information that was given to them, I was appalled at the outcome. I don’t own a Staffordshire terrier but I do vote and want elected officials who represent me to make intelligent, sound decisions. This clearly was not the case. What I witnessed last night, I was embarrassed for them.

What was this all about? If you apply this law at the human level it would be called racial profiling. What was the urgency to pass this law at this time?

I want to feel safe in Malden but I also want to feel safe with the criteria that is being used to make decisions to put ordinances into effect. Right now, it’s not the pit bulls that I’m afraid of.

Thank you Chris. I will call them.

Maggie, I have to say that I was so proud of my Ward 5 Councilor, Barbara Murphy. She did not want this law to pass. She spoke loud and clear on her beliefs that there were other alternatives, other than muzzling the dogs. She spoke with passion, because that is the kind of person that she is.

She was also the ONLY ONE who spoke up when Neil Kinnon made his derogatory and discriminating statement about Section 8 and children with learning disabilities. That saddened me that more did not chime in. I want to believe that it was only because they were in shocked and didn’t know what to say. What I don’t understand is why more people are not outraged by Kinnon, his comments, and his behavior last night.

I'm amazed at the Kinnon bashing on this forum, the reason this ordinance was passed because of drug dealers that use these breeds to intimidate people. A few years ago these people were hanging around Maplewood Square, back then people complained that something needs to be done. Now that's it's done you're not happy with that either. People need to make up their minds. Responsible people do leash their dogs, if I had a "pit bull" I would voluntarily muzzle him. The top story on AOL this morning was, "Nose bitten off by pit bull" This guy knew the dog since he was a puppy, he never thought that the dog would do anything like that. If you people were as passionate about public safety in this city, things would be very different. No one complains about the crime in this city, and when you have a Councilor that's pro-active about drug dealers coming into Malden, none of you are happy. I just don't get it! Carol, Kinnon is right about section 8, we have more than our share in this city, let some of the wealthier communities take on that burden.

Lydia, Kinnon causes his own problems. Did you even watch the meeting last night? The Council invited the Animal Rescue League of Boston to come and speak on behalf of this law. They are the ones who are the professionals, Kinnon is not. They told him about other alternatives, but Kinnon being Kinnon, and Kinnon always believing that he is God, refused to listen to them. The way that he spoke to them was shameful! Proper etiquette dictates that when you invite a guest, you show them respect. This man did not. He continuously talked down to them. It was embarrassing! But this is nothing new with this man. He behaves like a child when he does not get his way. His outbursts are so unprofessional.

With regards to Section 8, you left out the part about his discriminating comments about grouping the two together. His comments clearly came across that only Section 8 people have children with learning disabilities. I am not Section 8, and I have a child with a learning disability. He meant what he said. He groups people together. His ignorant comments were foolish! I know very wealthy people with children with learning disabilities in Belmont, Wayland, Concord, and elsewhere. I also owe nothing to Kinnon after what he did to my son, family, and other children. He should hide his head in shame. One last thing, if Kinnon, and the council, would stop giving permits for these buildings, that are not needed, he wouldn’t need to be so concerned about Section 8.

I was at that meeting, I didn't get the impression that he said only section 8 people have children with learning disabilities. I think your hatered for Kinnon clouds your reasoning.

I will not get into a debate with you Lydia. By the way, what is your last name? Why won’t you put this on your profile if you feel so strongly about your love for Kinnon?

I never denied that I hate this man. And hate is a very strong word for me, but after what he did to my family, I’ve every reason to despise him. I know what I heard last night, as did others. I received phone calls today praising me for my outburst. Question, where were you sitting at the meeting? In the audience, or up front with him on the council table, as I suspect you were? Your admiration for this guy apparently has given you selective hearing.

I will no longer respond to you. When you post your last name, I will continue my debate with you, but until then, I honestly could care less about what you have to say.

I appreciate everyone's passion, but let's try to take a deep breath before posting anymore comments - not that it's there yet, but I don't want this to turn into a flamewar.

BSL just doesn't work. When the muzzle law fails, the next step will be outright eradication of the breed; then, people will get another breed or breeds en masse, and they'll have to ban those, too. Where does one draw the line? Of all the bites in Malden since 2009, all had one thing in common: all the dogs were off-leash and not under the direct control of a human. I can almost without a doubt say the majority, if not all, were unaltered, untrained and/or unsocialized.

I am from Malden, born and raised until 5 years ago; I am active in the animal rescue and advocacy community as well as eradicating BSL in my newly adopted home, Miami. I have the opportunity to present proven alternatives as well as the efficacy of this ordinance and similar ones that have been enacted nationwide. I hope to be able to offer alternatives that will bring the pet-loving community of Malden together and reduce bites and increase registration, training, and vaccination of all breeds. Why work AGAINST the community? Try working with them first and foremost and I can guarantee the response will be overwhelming.

kimx thay did have theAnimal Rescue League of Boston there and wanted to help them. Everything that you said in you comment was talk about to them Here a comment that couldn't be written better (The Council invited the Animal Rescue League of Boston to come and speak on behalf of this law. They are the ones who are the professionals, Kinnon is not. They told him about other alternatives, but Kinnon being Kinnon, and Kinnon always believing that he is God, refused to listen to them. The way that he spoke to them was shameful! Proper etiquette dictates that when you invite a guest, you show them respect. This man did not. He continuously talked down to them. It was embarrassing! ) And this is 100 % true I was there

Betty, I watched the entire exchange live over the internet. It was shameful how they were brushed off. However, I have a background with helping to repeal breed-specific legislation as well as drafting legislation that works. I reached out to the mayor's office and was well received and will be working in unison with them to show both sides of the token, and will hopefully be able to aid, or at least positively influence them, in their decision.

Kimx and thay listen you you ?? I know there a lot of people would like to hear what going on.
Can you keep us updated please My email is bgeist1@comcast.net

I was walking my dog in my neighborhood when a neighbors pitbull pulled away so fast from the owner that the leash was yanked out surprising the neighbor. This dog which did not have a history of aggression and was raised with children, came after us and sunk its teeth into my dog. It did not respond to the owners command and it took both of us to get the dog off. I had to bring my dog to the vet for treatment which thw owner paid for. As a dog owner myself, I knew the pitbull's owner and did not find fault with his training or care for his dog.
The police and Kevin Alkins of Animal control came as well and dealt with the situation.
Several years later I still walk my dog with fear, this is not fair!!!
I am very happy that this ordinance was passed. Sure it may have its faults, but it is a very positive step in protecting citizens. I am tired of being a victim. I cannot thank the city enough.

Two times in the past week, I've been walking on Clinton Street with my LEASHED American Pit Bull Terrier when she has had (the same) UNLEASHED Beagle run up to her and start jumping all over her.

The owner stood across the street, a few hundred feet away saying, "here, Scooby", while the dog ignored him and continued to jump all over my dog. Finally, Scooby went back to his owner and continued to walk, unleashed, down the street and around the corner.

Does the city need another ordinance that it doesn't care to enforce?

I strongly believe that everyone should review this meeting when it becomes live. I also feel that it is time for the Council, and our Mayor, to sit Mr. Kinnon down and talk to him about his behavior during these meetings when he talks down to guests who are invited to speak. He is an embarrassment to our city.

This is very interest on neal Kinnon go in a read
Dec 10, 2011 · ... fact that the school administration and board (specifically Kinnon and his clan) have made many enemies and have operated by their own standards for many years.
The UnOfficial MVRCS Blog: Food for Thought on the MVRCS Fiasco!
More on this page
Honestly, while I have my own opinions and thoughts regarding the Hogan/MVRCS fiasco, they are irrelevant as the story is just a symptom of a much bigger issue (in my opinion).
After reading through all the comments, just some thoughts:
1. Was this story leaked to the media out of concern for the students of MVRCS and their contact with the ...
Cached pageunofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/2011/12/food-for-thought-on-mvrcs...
2 posts · By The UnOfficial MVRCS Blog · Published Dec 10, 2011

I agree muzzle em. I was chased 3 times in the ward one area. The owners just laughed thought it was a joke. They are unpredictable. These dogs attack they go for your throat with tremendous pressure. Ther breed has changed its not the same pit bull that grandad had. Ive seen the viscious bites they can do. I would have thrown in pitbull insurance in the ruling. You have a pit and it has to be insured. The Drug dealers dog of choice. Too bad this breed turned out this way but 99% of the time it's the owners who are the jerks.

David Like you said the owner just laugh, Drug dealers dog of choice.Do you think drug dealer going to get out of the town of Malden. NO They don't care about the dogs
It the money.Clean up the drug dealers.Responsible people do leash their dogs
It all about unleash dogs Malden need to get the drugs out of there town

I attended the City Council meeting last week primarily to see for myself how the Council would handle this real and difficult issue regarding dog muzzles (I don't own a dog). I had to leave the meeting before it concluded with the vote, but not before hearing Malden's animal control officer present statistcal info for the past three years. I thought the most telling statistic was that 58 of the 58 dog bites over the past few years involved unleashed dogs. Yet, while I was in attendance, I don't recall any Councilor highlighting this very meaningful piece of information and exploring it further. I was incredulous to find out a day or two later that the Council's "solution" was to pass an ordinance requiring dogs entering the city on or after 5/1/12 to be muzzled. Obviously, this does nothing to address the issue in front of us today. I believe most people would agree that in most instances where there is a dog problem of some kind, the real issue is with the owner. Furthermore, without meaningful enforcement, it doesn't much matter what ordinances are passed. I think that each Councilor voting "yes" for this ordinance owes the public a detailed explanation of exactly how it is that the Malden public is now safer in terms of potential dog bites/attacks. From a big-picture perspective, you have to wonder about the decision-making skills of some councilors, as larger important issues regarding Malden's future loom ahead.

Please read Pit Bull Bans: The State of Breed-Specific Legislation by Dana Cambell at Americanbar.org July/August 2009. Very good read offering common sense solutions.
Also, dogs and other "animals" are not afforded 14th Amendment protection, nor should they be.

This issue has been brought up before and it is infuriating. Any dog can bite. Breed specific legislation is an ill-conceived and ineffective way of addressing the dog bite issue. A would be hitler(kinnon) brings this issue to light using resources like books titled criminals choose pitbulls, and making claims that these people use these animals as yet another weapon. I am one of "these people" and highly offended by his sweeping generalizations and overall character assassination of not only the breed but the owners. This idiot also tried to persuade a developer not to rent section 8 in a new development at a council mtg. And we as a city are ok with "this" type of person making decisions for the city in which we live and pay taxes? Meanwhile our city is going to hell, our roads are falling apart but this is what is considered a priority?!?!? If anyone needs a muzzle it is kinnon and mayor Christenson can start cleaning up the city by getting rid of him.

Oooooooookay... Stephanie, I'm on your side, but I think we should be able to get through this without any Holocaust references. Whenever you find yourself tempted to compare someone you disagree with to Hitler, take a deep breath and ask yourself "Really?" The answer will invariably be "Well, no."