Wooster Ohio is seeking to repeal breed ban

Thank you, Robin, for sharing.

Wooster Ohio is currently considering repealing their ban on “Pit Bull dogs.” A coalition of canine professionals in the area have been pushing for a repeal for sometime.  They now have firm support from some legislators.

The head of the Laws and Ordinances committee, Barbara Knapic, has begun drafting a breed neutral ordinance. She is also gathering letters via standard mail from citizens to present to the council to show support for a repeal.

From Robin:

“I have been attending the Wooster City Council meetings since March 2012. This next Monday (Feb. 25th) we will be having our first meeting with the Laws and Ordinances committee. Things should happen very quickly after that.”

The ordinance, as it stands now:

“505.14  DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS.

(a)         As used in this section:

(5)      “Vicious animal” means an animal that, without provocation, meets any of the following:

 C.     Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a Pit Bull dog.  The ownership, keeping or harboring of such a breed of dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping, or harboring of a vicious dog.  As used herein, “Pit Bull dog” shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following: American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, or any mixed breed of dog which includes as an element of its breeding any of the aforementioned breeds as to be identifiable as partially of any of the aforementioned breeds.

(e)     No person shall possess, harbor or keep a vicious animal within the City

(h)     Whoever violates subsection (e) hereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Additionally, the Court shall order the vicious animal to be removed from the City or to be humanely destroyed by a licensed veterinarian.

(Ord.  2000-23.  Passed 6-19-00.)”

Residents and Locals ONLY: Please take the time to write a brief, polite letter and send them to Mrs. Knapic so that she may present as large a stack of letters to the council as possible.

We have been warned that some members of the council may dig in if correspondence is abrasive or impolite.  Please be extra cautious in your wording. A brief statement of support for repeal would be sufficient

Send all letters to:
Mrs. Barbara Knapic
Wooster City Council
538 N. Market St.
Wooster, OH 44691
330-417-6393