Vicki
Administrator
Council discusses vicious dog ordinance
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Niki de Soto, Staff Writer
Salem City Council met on Sept. 3 to discuss a new city ordinance banning vicious dogs. The mayor presented the council members with examples of several vicious dog ordinances from surrounding areas, and also passed out a copy of a lawsuit that had been filed to challenge a vicious dog ordinance in Missouri. It was pointed out that the city of Maumelle’s ordinance has been challenged twice in court and prevailed.
Police Chief Al Roork spoke about the problem of dogs in the city, including a recent attack upon himself by a pit bull. “I estimate we have between 20 and 25 pit bull owners in the city, and I know of two Rottweiler’s within city limits,†said Roark. “Pit bulls are a desirable breed for certain individuals in our county. Ninety percent of attacks are pit bull related. These dogs have been bred to fight, they aren’t treated right, they’re kept chained or caged, and when they bite, they don’t let go.â€
The council agreed that pit bulls, mixed pit bull breeds and Rottweiler’s would be included in the new ordinance. City attorney, Duane Plumlee was attending the meeting, and expressed the point that existing dogs would need to be grandfathered into any ordinance the city enacts; however, he stated that certain restrictions could be put into place making it very difficult for current owners to be compliant, such as posting signs, neutering the animals, having their vaccinations up to date and more.
The council moved to have Plumlee create a draft ordinance for review at the regularly scheduled city council meeting on Sept. 24.
http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1569067.html
City of Salem, P.O. Box 619, Salem, AR 72576
Phone: (870) 895-3478
Fax: (870) 895-4540
Per the city, they do not have e-mail addresses. The fastest method of contact will be fax.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Niki de Soto, Staff Writer
Salem City Council met on Sept. 3 to discuss a new city ordinance banning vicious dogs. The mayor presented the council members with examples of several vicious dog ordinances from surrounding areas, and also passed out a copy of a lawsuit that had been filed to challenge a vicious dog ordinance in Missouri. It was pointed out that the city of Maumelle’s ordinance has been challenged twice in court and prevailed.
Police Chief Al Roork spoke about the problem of dogs in the city, including a recent attack upon himself by a pit bull. “I estimate we have between 20 and 25 pit bull owners in the city, and I know of two Rottweiler’s within city limits,†said Roark. “Pit bulls are a desirable breed for certain individuals in our county. Ninety percent of attacks are pit bull related. These dogs have been bred to fight, they aren’t treated right, they’re kept chained or caged, and when they bite, they don’t let go.â€
The council agreed that pit bulls, mixed pit bull breeds and Rottweiler’s would be included in the new ordinance. City attorney, Duane Plumlee was attending the meeting, and expressed the point that existing dogs would need to be grandfathered into any ordinance the city enacts; however, he stated that certain restrictions could be put into place making it very difficult for current owners to be compliant, such as posting signs, neutering the animals, having their vaccinations up to date and more.
The council moved to have Plumlee create a draft ordinance for review at the regularly scheduled city council meeting on Sept. 24.
http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1569067.html
City of Salem, P.O. Box 619, Salem, AR 72576
Phone: (870) 895-3478
Fax: (870) 895-4540
Per the city, they do not have e-mail addresses. The fastest method of contact will be fax.