TRUSSVILLE, AL (WBRC) -
Trussville wants more time to consider a ban on pit bulls. The city was considering an amendment to its animal control ordinance to ban pit bulls from locating in the future to the city.
Current dog owners would be grandfathered in under the proposal. But there are some complaints. Pit Bulls are not a breed, but rather a mix of different breeds. If the dogs are treated correctly, there is no problem.
Trussville Mayor Gene Melton says there have been a few incidents of the dogs hurting people within the city limits.
"We are going to look at our overall ordinance and we are going to see what we can do to protect the citizens from animals that could be vicious," Melton said.
Jacqueline Meyer, executive director of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society disagrees with the proposed ban.
"People don't like to be stereotyped. I'm quite sure dogs don't like to be stereotyped. If you have a vicious dog, you have a vicious dog. It doesn't matter if it's a vicious shepherd or a Chihuahua," Meyer said.
Meyer says breed-specific legislation has failed in the past and she points out the Alabama Supreme Court has ruled there is no genetic evidence that one breed of dog is more dangerous than another.
"If your dog has a propensity for aggression, you are either going to put it up in an appropriate way or you are going to have to get rid of it," Meyer said.
Mayor Melton says he plans to appoint a committee to come with recommendations in about 30 days.
"You don't tolerate bad behavior. You don't tolerate it in children. Don't tolerate it in a dog." Meyer said.
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