Changes to Girard ordinance banning pit bulls put on hold

GIRARD — Any changes that might be made to a city ordinance banning pit bulls are on hold until after an agreement is reached to merge the city and Trumbull County health departments.

“Someone has to be responsible for all of this,” said council member Stephen Brooks at a meeting Monday, explaining why the two issues are connected.

Animal-advocacy representatives have attended several recent meetings, including a brief caucus tonight, to call for an amendment to the 1987 law that would remove any mention of a specific dog breed.

They say the ordinance unfairly discriminates against pit bulls, and have said that they would support a compromise featuring “breed-neutral” language.

Asked about a time line, Brooks estimated it would be June 2016 before any changes are made.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com