Ohio Bill Could Remove Pit Bull From 'Vicious Dog' Definition

POSTED: 4:49 pm EDT March 24, 2009
UPDATED: 5:10 pm EDT March 24, 2009

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AKRON, Ohio -- Many people consider pit bulls vicious dogs, and many cities around northeast Ohio have laws on the books to keep residents and pets safe from pit bulls.

Some cities require special insurance for pit bulls or require owners to register their dogs or face fines or jail time.

But a move is under way by state lawmakers to remove the pit bull breed from the definition of a vicious dog.

Some cities, such as Lakewood and Garfield Heights, have banned pit bulls and in Akron there are strict pit bull laws, but would a new state law loosen the leash?

There are strong opinions on both side of the issue. Akron city Prosecutor Doug Powley is convinced that pit bulls are more dangerous than other breeds.

"Pit bulls have caused very serious injuries because of their ability to bite and hold on," he said. "Too many children are injured by these dogs."

But Donny Rodgers, who owns two pit bulls, said the dogs are getting a bad rap.

"Growing up, it was the German shepherd, the rottweiler, the Doberman pinscher and now it's the pit. What's next?" Rodgers said.

Rodgers follows Akron's pit bull ordinance by registering the dogs every year, keeping them behind a tall fence and posting a sign that warns pit bulls are on the property.

He eagerly supports the proposed Ohio law that would remove pit bulls from the definition of a vicious dog.

"It's about time. It is, because it's really the owner. It's not the dog," he said.

State Rep. Barbara Sears, of Sylvania, is trying to get support for House Bill 79. She said it's inappropriate to label a specific breed.

But Powley disagrees, saying, "The way the dogs were bred for strength and tenacity, there's a feeling by a lot of people that pit bulls are just more dangerous."

Powley said it's not likely that a change in Ohio law would take some of the teeth out of Akron's law, but it is possible.

"The Supreme Court would probably end up making the decision whether the legislation supercedes our local ordinances," he said.

Sears said she's not trying to change pit bull laws in local communities.

There's still a long way to go before this could become Ohio law. The House could vote on it over the summer.