Youngstown to consider a pit bull ban

Youngstown to consider a pit bull ban

YOUNGSTOWN — City council will consider legislation Sept. 5 that would ban the future ownership of pit bull terriers and put restrictions in place for current owners of the dogs.

Council’s finance committee recommended legislation today for the full council to adopt.

Councilman Mark Memmer, D-7th, the legislative body’s finance committee chairman, said he’s sponsoring the bill because violence involving pit bulls in the city is out of control. Girard’s had a similar ban in place for more than a decade.

The city is having problems with dogfighting contests, attacks and threats by the animals toward people and other pets, and the use of them as intimidators by those committing illegal activities, he said.

If the proposal is approved by council in two weeks, it would mean that no new pit bulls could live in the city limits effective Sept. 15.

Those who already own pit bulls or purchase them before Sept. 15 could keep their dogs under specific circumstances.

If the proposal is signed in to law, those found guilty of violating the ordinance could serve jail sentences up to six months and face a fine of up to $1,000.

City officials would rely on neighbors of those who own pit bulls to report violations to the police, Memmer added.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.