Youngstown council approves pit bull law

Youngstown council approves pit bull law

YOUNGSTOWN — A new law approved by city council means Terri Kechler and others who own pit bull terriers will have to muzzle their dogs and keep them on a leash no longer than four feet to take them outside.

“I’m going to have to do all that just to take them to the bathroom,” said Kechler, a North Side resident, who owns two pit bull mixed breeds.

Kechler objects to the legislation unanimously approved today by city council that puts restrictions on pit bull terriers and bans the future ownership of the dog or any mixed breed that has the appearance and characters of a pit bull, effective Sept. 15. That also includes the puppies of properly licensed pit bull terriers living in the city.

“There are good dogs and bad dogs,” she said. “It has nothing to do with the breed.”

But city council members disagree.

They say there is an escalating problem in the city involving pit bulls, including dogfighting contests and attacks toward people and other pets.

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