Trussville proposes ordinace to ban pit bulls

The city of Trussville is looking at a proposed amendment ordinance to ban pitt bulls from the city. Pit bulls have been associated with attacks and of being aggressive dogs. Trussville Mayor Gene Melton says a father became upset after his little girl was attacked last month, cutting through a neighbors yard which was closed in invisible fence.

"His little girl got bitten by a pit bull in and around the face, almost disfigured," Melton said.

The proposed ordinance says it would be unlawful to have a pit bull in Trussville. Current owners will be grandfathered in. Their dogs must be on a leash, secured or locked in a pen, and there should be a sign on their property saying "Beware of Dog."

"Maybe a dog breaks out of their fence or something. Now that kid is dead and somebody says why didn't anybody do something," Melton said.

Trussville resident William Hajjar has two dogs; they are not Pitt Bulls but he feels the ordinance goes too far.

"It's too heavy-handed. Frankly people don't understand Pit Bulls. They overreact when they see different incidences on the news," Hajjar said.

Those who violate the ordinance could be fined up to $500 fine or subject to up to 230 days in jail. Hajjar offers a simpler advise.

"Truth of the matter is if you treat them properly and give them love like any other dog they will react and be kind," Hajjar said.

The ordinance could be up for a vote in two weeks. Mayor Melton says it could be carried over to January.

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