Posted : 6/28/2007 1:40:12 PM
Despite concerns from the parish attorney, Metro Councilman Mike Walker is moving ahead with tough new regulations aimed exclusively at pit bulls. Parish Attorney Wade Shows repeatedly has warned against regulations that treat pit bull owners differently from other dog owners, claiming there#%92s a good chance the rules could be found unconstitutional. “Last time I checked, the parish attorney works for the council, and he has to be prepared to defend whatever we pass in court,” Walker said.
The proposed ordinance, drafted by Assistant Parish Attorney Nikki Essix, would require owners of pit bulls to get special licenses and abide by regulations that would not apply to other dog owners. Pit bulls would have to be registered within 180 days after the ordinance were passed, and owners would be required to have microchips installed in the dogs to identify them. Breeding of pit bulls would be prohibited in residential neighborhoods. If kept outside, pit bulls would have to be confined in a crate or in a pen or kennel within a locked, fenced yard. A home or business with a pit bull would have to post a sign saying “Pit Bull on Premises.” Pit bulls would be prohibited from entering schools, day-care centers or nursing homes.
“I don#%92t know what we#%92re realistically going to be able to pass, but I am going for what#%92s in writing (in the draft), and the council can make any changes that it deems necessary,” Walker said. Walker introduced the proposed regulations Wednesday, which are set to go before the council#%92s Executive and Finance Committee on July 18.