Lakewood puts muzzle on pit bulls (Ohio)

[MeSheLL]

Lakewood puts muzzle on pit bulls (Ohio)
Posted by: "Jodi Preis" [e-mail] jodi_preis
Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:07 pm (PDT)
Lakewood puts muzzle on pit bulls

Current pit bulls can stay, but residents can't bring in new ones.

By Darren Toms, Newsradio WTAM 1100
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

(Lakewood) - Lakewood City Council has passed an ordinance banning new pit bull or canary dogs. Under the ordinance passed Monday night, pit bulls already owned by Lakewood residents can stay, but only if those dogs are registered with the city and are kept secure, in compliance with existing vicious dog laws.

Councilman Brian Powers sponsored the ordinance because three pit bulls have bitten people in Lakewood in as many years.

Powers also says the number of complaints regarding pit bulls has risen over the years. In 2007, there were 44 pit bull complaints registered with the city of Lakewood and 31 pit bull dogs were impounded.

This year, a man was attacked by a pit bull and bitten in the face.

Anyone who violates this ordinance will be guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree for a first offense and a misdemeanor of the first degree for each subsequent offense.

“As we know, Lakewood is a densely populated city, with homes, churches, schools and businesses in close proximity, and with a diverse mix of generations, including young children and senior citizens,” stated Councilman Powers. “Dangerous animals such as pit bull dogs pose a significant risk to the health and safety of our most vulnerable citizens. These risks outweigh any competing considerations.”

“I fully support an amendment to ban pit bulls in the city of Lakewood,” mayor Ed FitzGerald had said. “We must put the health and safety of our residents first.”

http://www.wtam.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=1...

Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys
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