Local News
Councilman wants to study possible pit bull ban
CLINTON — A report last month that two pit bulls killed a Clinton resident’s dog has sparked Clinton officials to consider banning the breed in town.
At-Large Councilman Mark Vulich requested the measure for today’s Rules and Regulations Committee in response to the death of Hailey, Connie Crandall’s dog.
At this point, Vulich said the council is a long ways from banning pit bulls but he wanted to put the measure on the agenda to direct city staff to see what other municipalities across Iowa are doing to monitor the issue.
“I thought in fairness to her it was worth discussing what we can do and what other cities have done,” said Vulich, who added that he was not sure if the measure was even possible. “The first thing I want to do before I form an opinion is I want to see what has been done and what can be done.”
The issue would likely head back to the committee next month before being voted on by the full council, which is set to change in January.
The information obtained from the review would help the council decide what to do with current pit bulls owners.
Vulich said he was unsure if other towns forced owners to get rid of their pit bulls or if they’re grandfathered in and the ban would apply to all future dogs.
“We're going to gather information and the new members will have it to decide if they want to do anything with it,” he said.
Police Chief Brian Guy said he has noticed the number of pit bulls in Clinton increase in the past decade but added it is up to the council to decide if a ban is needed.
Crandall could not be reached for comment but in a letter to the editor published in the Clinton Herald she wrote that the terrible accident may have been prevented with laws that prevent the ownership of vicious breeds of dogs such as pit bulls.
Jean Regenwether, administrator at the Clinton Humane Society, said not all pit bulls are vicious animals but owners need to pay close attention to them.
“People own pit bulls, and they’re wonderful breeds to have around,” Regenwether said. “But people need to be aware of the activity in their neighborhood.”
In other action, the committee will review a plan to scale back the burning schedule for leaves and other items growing on residents’ property. The time frames proposed would be March 15 to May 1 and Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.
At its last meeting, the committee also discussed limiting recreational burning to between noon and midnight and that all recreational burns be contained in a 3-foot fire bowl or metal ring.
The committee will meet at City Hall on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
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