Newark, OH: Council to hear from public about possible repeal of BSL

Update 8/2/12: The Public Safety Committee did discuss the issue, but the committee decided to wait and “collect more data” before making a recommendation. News article about the meeting: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120731/NEWS01/207310303

After two Newark residents asked city council to repeal BSL in response to state law changes, a few city council members appear willing to consider the issue. However, the mayor and several others disagree with repeal. (Newark also considered and decided not to repeal back in 2009.)

The Newark Public Safety Committee will discuss the issue on July 30. For Newark, we believe a strong public showing at the safety committee meeting will make it difficult for council to put aside, so if you are a local, please make every effort to attend this first meeting. Committee meetings begin at 5:30 PM at City Council Chambers, 40 W. Main St., 1st Floor.

Contact info for public officials—please remember to be respectful—and also be aware that resident input will have the MOST impact on this issue.
DEllingt@newarkohio.net; JRath@newarkohio.net; BCostjr@newarkohio.net; rhonda.loomis@newarkohio.net; MDGuthrie@newarkohio.net; DFrost@newarkohio.net; RBubb@newarkohio.net; Dmarmie@newarkohio.net; EHoudesh@newarkohio.net; CFloyd@newarkohio.net; SStare@newarkohio.net; DHufford@newarkohio.net

Behavior first: Newark might take pit bulls off vicious list

6:27 AM, Jul. 28, 2012
Written by Kent Mallett, Advocate Reporter

NEWARK — The city council’s Safety Committee will discuss on Monday whether to remove pit bulls from the city’s vicious dog list. […]

Service Director David Rhodes said in June the city planned to keep in place its existing ordinances, which labels pit bulls as vicious, in addition to the state law allowing other breeds to gain the designation through their behavior.

At least two residents requested the city change its ordinance to match the state law, which took effect May 22.

Safety Committee Chairman Marc Guthrie said he’s not sure whether he agrees with the residents, but council should provide them a forum for debate.

“I think we need to listen to the residents first,” Guthrie said. “We need to hear them out before we make a judgment.” […]

Full article retrieved 7/29/12 from http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120728/NEWS01/207280301/Behavior-first-Newark-might-take-pit-bulls-off-vicious-list

All alerts for Newark: https://stopbsl.org/?s=newark%2C+oh