Pit bull ban goes into effect Oct. 24 (Garfield Heights, OH)

Pit Bull Ban To Take Effect in Garfield Hts.

Last Edited: Monday, 22 Oct 2007, 9:47 PM EDT
Created: Monday, 22 Oct 2007, 4:20 PM EDT

GARFIELD HEIGHTS -- City Council in Garfield Heights has decided against a proposed moratorium on a law that will ban pit bulls from the city.

At Monday evening's city council meeting a proposed 60 day moratorium on the measure, that was voted into law in September, was voted down.

The ban on pit bulls will now go into effect on Tuesday Oct. 24th.

The law states that pit bull owners could get 60 days in jail time and a 500 dollar fine if the dogs are not removed from homes immediately.

Shana Klein is with a group called Canine Advocates of Ohio and she says it is unfair to target specific breeds of dogs.

"They are not effective laws. They target the dog when the real problem is irresponsible ownership." said Klein, "It targets responsible people who are law abiding citizens."

Klein fears that once restrictions are placed on pit bulls, laws will restrict other breeds as well.

" We want to be able to own our dogs. Our dogs wouldn't hurt anybody and none of the rescue dogs we have adopted out have hurt anybody."

Animal advocate groups are gearing up for a fight with the City of Lorain, which is now considering a similar pit bull ban.


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