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sources and references used by the City in formulating its position and encouraged it to <br />consult experts and reference the state law. <br />Jessica England — 17883 Lake Rd. Lakewood <br />Ms. England spoke from her experience as a dog trainer, breeder, and exhibitor. She <br />discussed the mission and history of the American Kennel Club and highlighted a letter the <br />organization wrote to Mayor Summers. She criticized the City's reliance on information from <br />PETA. She expressed concern about the effect of mandatory sterilization on dogs and <br />explained why. She asked Council to reconsider this portion of the legislation and questioned <br />how it would be enforced. <br />Laurie Kershner — Best Friends Animal Society, Columbus Oh <br />Ms. Kershner spoke on behalf of Best Friends Animal Society. She helped write the revised <br />state legislation eliminating BSL. She expressed her concerns about problems with BSL and <br />discussed the types of legislative solutions she and her organization recommend. She <br />remarked on Lakewood's court case on this matter and compared it to court cases in other <br />cities. She encouraged adoption of breed neutral laws <br />Venchise Glenn — 4424 Franklin Blvd. Cleveland <br />Ms. Glenn is a pit bull owner who would like to live in Lakewood. She discussed her change <br />of heart toward pit bulls over the years and the research she did to reach that conclusion. She <br />remarked on her personal experiences with friendly pit bulls. She provided copies of her <br />research for Councilmembers and advocated for breed neutral language. <br />Nancy McDonnell — <br />Ms. McDonnell spoke of her experience as a victim of a pit bull attack. She described the <br />circumstances of the attack and her injuries. She advocated that all pit bull owners carry <br />insurance for their dogs as well as mandatory spaying/neutering and training. <br />Jeannine Zabrinskie —1516 Mars <br />Ms. Zabrinskie read a letter from her 17 year old son addressed to Council. The letter <br />described what happened in 2008 when the City incorrectly identified his family dog as a <br />pitbull and the fear and anxiety he experienced thinking his dog would be taken away. He <br />advocated for changes to the ordinance to be more like Cleveland's. <br />Mayor Summers <br />Mayor Summers delivered the following statement: <br />While I remain convinced that certain dogs and certain breeds pose a greater safety risk to our citizens, I <br />have listened and learned a great deal about dog safety. I acknowledge that strong and effective <br />ownership of dogs reduces this risk. <br />3 <br />