Pit Bull Dogs Banned in Lakewood

By a vote of 6 to 1 Lakewood City Council tonight enacted legislation to ban pit bull dogs from Lakewood. Pit bull dogs currently living in Lakewood would not be affected by this ban if their owners comply with requirements outlined in the new law. The single disenting vote came from Ward 4 Councilwoman Mary Louise Madigan.

This controversial legislation was proposed by council member Brian Powers (at large) in May. Extensive hearings by the Public Safety Committee chaired by Tom Bullock (ward two) went down to the wire with an amendment to the legislation at the committee meeting tonight before it went in front of the regular council meeting.

A companion piece of legislation establishes an Animal Safety and Welfare Advisory Board. This group will help educate the public about animal welfare and specifically the enhanced dangerous dog ordinance. Also, it will serve as a sounding board for any changes in the new approach to dangerous dogs.

A list of requirements, which include micro chipping, warning signs, spaying and neutering, and insurance provisions will be published by the city. The Lakewood Observer will help to educate Lakewood dog owners as to their responsibilities under the new ordinance.