The city of Etowah, Tennessee is considering an ordinance that would regulate the ownership of pit bulls. The proposal would, among other things, require owners of pit bulls to purchase insurance and would confine dogs to their house or kennel at all times unless the dog requires medical attention. In cases where medical attention is needed, the dog must wear a muzzle in order to leave the property. To be clear, the only time a dog can leave the property of its owner is to go to the vet.

The proposed ordinance defines a “pit bull” as:

-American Pit Bull Terriers;
-American Staffordshire Terriers;
-Staffordshire Bull Terriers; and
-Any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of any one or more of the above breeds.

The city commissioners have already passed the first reading of the ordinance, and according to the city clerk, only two readings are required to become law. A second reading could be held at the next commissioner’s meeting on October 22, 2012. Meetings take place at City Hall, 723 Ohio Avenue, and begin at 6:30 EST.

The agenda for the meeting will be available on Friday, October 19. The city clerk advised that there is an open discussion at the end of every council meeting where anyone can speak, but if the vote is taken during the next meeting, it will be too late to make an impact on the commissioners’ decision. If you would like to address the council, please call the city clerk and add your name to the agenda.

Please send your polite, respectful and informative opposition to the proposed breed specific ordinance to the Etowah city officials. Please include suggestions and alternatives for their consideration, as well. The only e-mail contact available for the commissioners is via the city clerk. Simply send your correspondence with a polite request that Ms. Tavernese forward it on to each commissioner. You may also fax or snail mail correspondence to City Hall.

City of Etowah
723 Ohio Avenue
Etowah, TN 37331
(423) 263-2202
Fax: (423) 263-3184

City Clerk
tavernese@cityofetowahtn.com

City Manager
Matthew Gravley
etowahcm@cityofetowahtn.com

Thank You Jodi Preis, Bless the Bullys

The city of Etowah, Tennessee is considering an ordinance that would regulate the ownership of pit bulls. The proposal would, among other things, require owners of pit bulls to purchase insurance and would confine dogs to their house or kennel at all times unless the dog requires medical attention. In cases where medical attention is needed, the dog must wear a muzzle in order to leave the property. To be clear, the only time a dog can leave the property of its owner is to go to the vet.

The proposed ordinance defines a “pit bull” as:

-American Pit Bull Terriers;
-American Staffordshire Terriers;
-Staffordshire Bull Terriers; and
-Any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of any one or more of the above breeds.

The city commissioners have already passed the first reading of the ordinance, and according to the city clerk, only two readings are required to become law. A second reading could be held at the next commissioner’s meeting on October 22, 2012. Meetings take place at City Hall, 723 Ohio Avenue, and begin at 6:30 EST.

The agenda for the meeting will be available on Friday, October 19. The city clerk advised that there is an open discussion at the end of every council meeting where anyone can speak, but if the vote is taken during the next meeting, it will be too late to make an impact on the commissioners’ decision. If you would like to address the council, please call the city clerk and add your name to the agenda.

Please send your polite, respectful and informative opposition to the proposed breed specific ordinance to the Etowah city officials. Please include suggestions and alternatives for their consideration, as well. The only e-mail contact available for the commissioners is via the city clerk. Simply send your correspondence with a polite request that Ms. Tavernese forward it on to each commissioner. You may also fax or snail mail correspondence to City Hall.

City of Etowah
723 Ohio Avenue
Etowah, TN 37331
(423) 263-2202
Fax: (423) 263-3184

City Clerk
tavernese@cityofetowahtn.com

City Manager
Matthew Gravley
etowahcm@cityofetowahtn.com

Thank You Jodi Preis, Bless the Bullys