Vicki
Administrator
Troy board bans pit bulls, owners have 60 days to register current dogs
Bob Simmons
In an unanimous vote Monday evening, the Troy Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance prohibiting the ownership of pit bulls within the City of Troy. This followed several complaints of these dogs running loose and a fatal attack on a pet dog by two pit bulls.
In the ordinance, the board of aldermen 'finds that pit bull dogs are dangerous and potentially hazardous to the community because the breed possesses characteristics of aggression, strength, gameness, viciousness, predaceousness, unpredictability and savageness not possessed by other breeds of dog.'
The ordinance further defines the "pit bull dog" the Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier breed and any mixed breed of do which contains an element of these breeds.
Current owners of these breeds residing in Troy may be kept but must registered with the city within 60 days and outline specific measures of how the dogs must be leashed, housed and muzzled when they are outside the animal's enclosure or pen. All structures erected to house pit bull dogs must comply with Section 205.060 of the city code. Within 60 days, owners must display in a prominent place on their premises a sign using the words "Beware of Dog-Pit Bull" and a similar sign on their pen of the animal. Proof of public liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 for bodily injury or death also must be presented to the city. Owners must also provide city with photos of the dog and must microchip the animal prior to registration. Any offspring of registered dogs must be removed from the city within eight weeks of the birth of such animal.
Penalties for violation would be not less than $200 and no more than $1,000 and/or 30-day jail sentence.
Troy Police Chief Jeff Taylor said the police department has over 100 copies of the ordinance, which are available at both city hall and at the police station for those residents owning pit bulls. Police officers will deliver copies to those owners of known pit bulls.
"Hopefully, this will assist those who may have questions or concerns," said Taylor.
Taylor also said all owners of all dogs should have their animal registered at city hall. A tag will be presented upon submission of current vaccinations and payment of $1.
Attorney Ed Grewach told the aldermen that the vicious dog ordinance will still penalized owners of other breeds of dogs which may present a danger to residents and other animals.
Elizabeth Niven, who resides in the rural Troy area and who has over 20 years of experience in animal protection and media relations, testified against the ordinance. She urged the board to more strictly enforce the current ordinance, placing more of the blame on lax pit bull owners.
In other business, the board approved a motion raising the rental fees on the park pavilions. The large pavilion in the Fairgrounds Park will now be $75, an increase from $50. The pavilions at Avery Family Park and Weinand Park will go from $35 to $50. Mallard Pavilion near the city pond will remain at no charge.
The board also approved the street asphalting bid submitted by Mid-River Asphalt.
They set the budget hearing and budget meeting for June 29 beginning at 6 p.m.
http://www.lincolncountyjournal.com/news/view_sections.asp?idcategory=47&idarticle=3211
Bob Simmons
In an unanimous vote Monday evening, the Troy Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance prohibiting the ownership of pit bulls within the City of Troy. This followed several complaints of these dogs running loose and a fatal attack on a pet dog by two pit bulls.
In the ordinance, the board of aldermen 'finds that pit bull dogs are dangerous and potentially hazardous to the community because the breed possesses characteristics of aggression, strength, gameness, viciousness, predaceousness, unpredictability and savageness not possessed by other breeds of dog.'
The ordinance further defines the "pit bull dog" the Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier breed and any mixed breed of do which contains an element of these breeds.
Current owners of these breeds residing in Troy may be kept but must registered with the city within 60 days and outline specific measures of how the dogs must be leashed, housed and muzzled when they are outside the animal's enclosure or pen. All structures erected to house pit bull dogs must comply with Section 205.060 of the city code. Within 60 days, owners must display in a prominent place on their premises a sign using the words "Beware of Dog-Pit Bull" and a similar sign on their pen of the animal. Proof of public liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 for bodily injury or death also must be presented to the city. Owners must also provide city with photos of the dog and must microchip the animal prior to registration. Any offspring of registered dogs must be removed from the city within eight weeks of the birth of such animal.
Penalties for violation would be not less than $200 and no more than $1,000 and/or 30-day jail sentence.
Troy Police Chief Jeff Taylor said the police department has over 100 copies of the ordinance, which are available at both city hall and at the police station for those residents owning pit bulls. Police officers will deliver copies to those owners of known pit bulls.
"Hopefully, this will assist those who may have questions or concerns," said Taylor.
Taylor also said all owners of all dogs should have their animal registered at city hall. A tag will be presented upon submission of current vaccinations and payment of $1.
Attorney Ed Grewach told the aldermen that the vicious dog ordinance will still penalized owners of other breeds of dogs which may present a danger to residents and other animals.
Elizabeth Niven, who resides in the rural Troy area and who has over 20 years of experience in animal protection and media relations, testified against the ordinance. She urged the board to more strictly enforce the current ordinance, placing more of the blame on lax pit bull owners.
In other business, the board approved a motion raising the rental fees on the park pavilions. The large pavilion in the Fairgrounds Park will now be $75, an increase from $50. The pavilions at Avery Family Park and Weinand Park will go from $35 to $50. Mallard Pavilion near the city pond will remain at no charge.
The board also approved the street asphalting bid submitted by Mid-River Asphalt.
They set the budget hearing and budget meeting for June 29 beginning at 6 p.m.
http://www.lincolncountyjournal.com/news/view_sections.asp?idcategory=47&idarticle=3211