City imposes pit bull restrictions
A city has, in order to tighten restrictions for pit bull ownership, ordered all properties under which the dogs are kept to take out public liability insurance of not less than $100,000 (over £68,000).
This is in addition to limitations that are intended to ban the bad eggs amongst this specie of dogs from Allen Park, Michigan in the meantime.
The decision came after several months of deliberations in which City Council members and pit bulls advocates were able to arrive at a compromise.
The new rules allow pit bulls registered with the city by February 1, 2009 although no new ones are permitted.
Other restrictions include a dog not in an enclosed place being under the control of someone over the age of 18; it must be leashed and muzzled; dog pens must have a top and bottom or be secured at least one foot in the ground.
Also, puppies born in the city must be removed by the time they are six months old; licensed dogs must have a microchip or tattoo to identify their owners; any grandfathered dog considered to be vicious will lose its exemption; and the exemptions are for dogs that pass Canine Good Citizenship test.
Meanwhile, a council official said the rules would be reviewed at intervals, to be sure they are working as they should.
Updated on 12/24/2008