October 5, 2010

Mayor Bill Bunten

215 SE 7^th, Room 352

Topeka, KS 66603-3914

Dear Mayor Bunten:

As Legislative Coordinator for the Doberman Pinscher Club of America I wish to thank you and your City Council for the recent update to your animal regulations – specifically as related to Breed Specific Legislation and dangerous dogs.  Your recognition of the difference between a truly dangerous dog and a loyal companion protecting its owner or a dog reacting in self defense is laudable.  Too often good, companionable dogs are destroyed for reacting the only way they can to protect themselves or their owners.  Hopefully your ordinance will serve as a guide to other communities considering updates to their regulations.

It was especially heartening to read of this update precisely two years after the memorable DPCA National Centennial held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.  Your participation in the welcoming of the Marine War Dog Handlers was greatly appreciated.  The entire event was truly a once in a lifetime occurance for the participants as well as hotel staff.

Hopefully you will have the opportunity this week to once again visit these outstanding Dobermans and their owners and handlers as they enjoy the National Specialty in hospitable Topeka.  Please visit the ladies at the Registration Table in the Exhibition Hall and they will see that you are introduced to our current President, Janet Van Wormer.

Again, I thank you and your staff for the very sensible approach to responsible dog ownership.

Respectfully,

Dana M. Johnson,

Legislative Coordinator

Doberman Pinscher Club of America

dpcalegislativedirector@dpca.org ^[1]