DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — After a series of pit bull attacks in metro Atlanta this summer, one city is considering an outright ban of the breed.
The Douglasville City Council met Monday night to discuss stricter regulations for those who already own pit bulls as well as forbidding anyone from pit bull ownership in the future. They heard passionate pleas from both sides.
Douglasville City Manager Bill Osborne told Channel 2 Action News reporter Diana Davis that a July pit bull attack on a Douglasville resident is one reason the council is considering the ordinance.
Frankie Forsh needed hundreds of stitches on her face, arms and legs after three pit bulls attacked her as she walked in her neighborhood.
If the new ordinance passes, those who already own pure bred pit bulls or pit bull mixes could keep them.
Current owners would face a $500 fine if they did not register the dogs. They would also be required to confine the dogs in a pen or behind a 6-foot-tall fence.
The dogs would have to be muzzled when out in public.
Have a news tip? Email john.bachman@wsbtv.com
One pit bull owner told Davis that she's against the proposal. Melanie Dailey said her 1-year-old pit bull, Sky, is gentle. She thinks the problem isn't the breed itself, but the owners.
"I think it's unfortunate they would not allow people to purchase that type of breed. I think it's all in how you raise your animal, how responsible you are with your pet," said Dailey.
The owner of the pit bulls that attacked Forsh faces charges. The three dogs have been held at the Douglas County animal shelter since the attack. They were scheduled to be euthanized on Tuesday.
The council delayed a vote on the proposed ban until Oct. 4 so they can do more research.
WSBTV
