Tougher pit bull law passed
Well, that’s the headline. If by tougher, they mean not based on anything useful:
Pit bulls and certain breeds of dogs are now more expensive to keep in Coulee Dam and may be on the way to being banned altogether.
The town council last week passed changes to the town’s pet ordinance that names “pit bulls” as dangerous dogs and imposes strict conditions on their owners.
The issue arose last month when Holly Street residents said a neighbor was planning to raise pit bulls, a breed famous for its ability – some say vicious propensity – to fight other dogs.
“I had to have my fence made solid because they were trying to get at me through the fence when I mowed my lawn,” Connie Babler said.
Pit bulls are defined in the ordinance as dogs older than six months with Staffordshire bull terrier, American bull terrier, American bulldog or American Staffordshire terrier breeding.
It’s official, Politically Incorrect Dog is now a pit bull, somewhere.
Owners may now keep only one such dog, must keep it indoors or in a secure, locked pen with a roof and buy a $250,000 surety bond in case it hurts someone.
Those restrictions were even more stringent than the changes proposed by Police Chief Pat Collins, who has been working with tribal police on a policy that both departments would find enforceable.
But proponents found support on the council for an even harsher proposal – an outright ban.
A ban simply won’t be effective. Additionally, basing the determination for viciousness on breed is not objective nor is it effective.
