Auburn Considers Rules For Pit Bull Owners

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By By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

The city council is considering a proposal that would brand pit bulls and some other dog breeds as potentially dangerous.

Story Published: Feb 20, 2006 at 6:08 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 2:13 AM PDT

Auburn Considers Rules For Pit Bull Owners
AUBURN - The Auburn City Council is considering a proposal that would brand pit bulls and some other dog breeds as potentially dangerous.

The proposal comes after several instances in which pit bulls have menaced people or killed other dogs. Auburn police say they have shot at attacking pit bulls five times since May.

Under the current rules adopted a few years ago, a dog isn't tagged as potentially dangerous until it has bitten once. City Councilman Gene Cerino said that isn't working.

"What you're giving them is the first bite for free," Cerino said. "If you allow a first bite, it's a fatal situation."

Alexis Scholz was walking her dog Chiya last month in Auburn when a pit bull fatally mauled her dog.

"It was just like a freight train," Scholz said "The dog just hit her in the neck, and first just knocked her to the ground and she was screaming, and then he just picked her up and started shaking her." Scholz thinks the city's plan is a good idea.

The proposed rules would require owners of certain dog breeds to register with the city. That would allow police to inform people that a neighbor has such a dog, and give officers a heads-up when they go to a house with these pets.

Cerino's committee looked through a list of different dog breeds to find dogs that have "fighter" qualities. They came up with a list of several dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Pit Bull Terrier as potentially dangerous dogs.

Opponents say any breed of dog can be dangerous if raised irresponsibly.

Glen Bui, with the American Canine Foundation said, "If they pass the law, they'll be sued in federal district court to protect responsible dog owners rights from breed specific laws." Bui claims the proposed ordinance infringes on state law, and simply isn't fair to responsible dog owners.

The council could vote on the proposal Tuesday, if two committees approve revisions.