City, county need a contract to enforce dog ordinance

YOUNGSTOWN — The city’s tougher pit bull terrier law is all bark and no bite — at least for now.

Mahoning County Administrator George Tablack said Wednesday that the city must enter into a written contract for the county dog warden to enforce the new law.

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams said he hoped that could be done in the next 30 to 45 days. City council approved the legislation Sept. 5 and it took effect Sept. 15. But it’s not being enforced by the dog warden.

Tablack didn’t commit to a time table, but said he didn’t think it would take long to come to an agreement. County commissioners want to enforce the law.

At Wednesday’s council safety committee meeting, Tablack said the county prosecutor’s office, based on an Ohio Attorney General’s opinion, states a formal contract is first needed before the county dog warden can enforce the Youngstown pit bull law. City Law Director Iris Torres Guglucello agrees that a contract is required.

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