Girard official's proposal focuses on pit bulls in city

Officials are pressing the importance of passing two levies next Tuesday.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City council gave first reading Monday to a proposal that would allow residents to house pit-bull terriers and other dogs that are considered vicious.
The legislation was introduced by Councilman Jeremy Williams, D-4th, because he said the Animal Welfare League is threatening to seize two pit bulls being kept by two residents of his ward. The owners, he added, consider them "family pets."
Currently, no pit bulls are permitted in the city, and his proposal was met with opposition from some fellow lawmakers.
The proposal was sent to the health and safety committee.
In introducing the measure, Williams explained that he doesn't promote keeping pit bulls in the city. However, the two residents have been told by Animal Welfare to get rid of the dogs that he considers friendly or they will be seized.
Williams said the dog owners were unaware they weren't permitted to keep such dogs in the city. The owners, he said, shouldn't be penalized because they own dogs that haven't injured anyone.
Councilman Thomas Seidler, D-3rd, a health and safety committee member, said the city doesn't enforce the law prohibiting the dogs.
Mayor James J. Melfi disagreed, noting such dogs have been taken from their owners.
About the legislation
The legislation would allow pit bulls and other vicious dogs, which are not mentioned in the proposal by breed, could be kept in a locked pen and fenced yard.
The dog must be registered with the mayor's office and owner have proof of $100,000 in liability insurance. Those in violation could be fined $100 and pay the cost of removing the animal.
Councilman John Moliterno, D-at-large, said current pit-bull owners shouldn't be grandfathered into such legislation because they have already broken the law.
Councilman Larry Williams, D-2nd, argued that the police are against lifting the ban on pit bulls. Councilman Joseph Lambert, D-at-large, said he, too, was against the measure because of possible injury to a child by the breed.
In another matter, auditor Sam Zirafi said two safety forces levies that will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot are needed.
He expressed concerns about the general fund breaking even this year, noting that police and fire create 80 percent of general fund expenses.
There will be two 3-mill levies on the ballot. One is to maintain staffing in the police department and the other to maintain manpower in the fire department.
Each issue would generate $375,000 annually for five years.
yovich@vindy.com