Vicki
Administrator
Elkhart considers banning pit bulls
Posted: Aug 17, 2009 7:51 PM EDT
Should the city of Elkhart ban pit bulls?
That's a question the City Council started to answer on Monday night.
The council took a look at the first draft of a new ordinance that would make it illegal to own pit bulls within city limits.
As written, the law would grandfather in current pit bull owners provided they meet certain guidelines like muzzling their dogs and carrying $300,000 worth of insurance coverage. Current owners would have to meet those requirements within 180 days after the ordinance takes effect. After those 180 days, it would be illegal for anyone else to own a pit bull.
City Council president Rod Roberson said the time has come to do something about the breed.
"It does happen in certain neighborhoods where these dogs actually hold the whole neighborhood hostage," said Roberson. "I think it's important to be aware that a dog shouldn't determine when you walk down a street or when you visit a park or when you mow your lawn."
The proposed ordinance comes in the wake of the July attack on four-year-old Damonica Paul, who was seriously injured when a neighbor's pit bull bit her in the face.
The council did not hear public comment on the issue on Monday, but will in future meetings. No word on when the council will vote.
Elkhart considers banning pit bulls - Fox 28: South Bend, Elkhart IN News, Weather, Sports
Posted: Aug 17, 2009 7:51 PM EDT
Should the city of Elkhart ban pit bulls?
That's a question the City Council started to answer on Monday night.
The council took a look at the first draft of a new ordinance that would make it illegal to own pit bulls within city limits.
As written, the law would grandfather in current pit bull owners provided they meet certain guidelines like muzzling their dogs and carrying $300,000 worth of insurance coverage. Current owners would have to meet those requirements within 180 days after the ordinance takes effect. After those 180 days, it would be illegal for anyone else to own a pit bull.
City Council president Rod Roberson said the time has come to do something about the breed.
"It does happen in certain neighborhoods where these dogs actually hold the whole neighborhood hostage," said Roberson. "I think it's important to be aware that a dog shouldn't determine when you walk down a street or when you visit a park or when you mow your lawn."
The proposed ordinance comes in the wake of the July attack on four-year-old Damonica Paul, who was seriously injured when a neighbor's pit bull bit her in the face.
The council did not hear public comment on the issue on Monday, but will in future meetings. No word on when the council will vote.
Elkhart considers banning pit bulls - Fox 28: South Bend, Elkhart IN News, Weather, Sports