Shon
06-30-2004, 10:27 AM
Mayor Thomas M. Menino signed into law a city ordinance requiring pit bulls to be muzzled in public and putting other limits on the controversial breed.
The ordinance, which takes effect immediately, requires the owners of pit bulls to get a special license for the dog, have it spayed or neutered and post signs on their property warning neighbors that a pit bull is on the premises.
Last week, the City Council passed the ordinance, originally proposed by Councilor Rob Consalvo, after a rash of attacks by pit bulls on other pets and people.
Donna Fitzgerald of South Boston, whose dog, Rocky, was mauled by a police officer's pit bull a week ago, said she was "thrilled'' that there will be limits on pit bulls, but she believes the breed should be banned outright.
"It's a start. In this last week, I've heard horror stories from all over New England'' about pit bulls, Fitzgerald said. "It's still not enough. Some counties are banning them altogether.''
She said her dog is recovering.
The police officer's dog was beaten by neighbors trying to stop the attack and had to be euthanized.
Menino said, "Recent events have proven that the 1999 vicious dog ordinance was not enough. This ordinance directly addresses the specific public safety issues.''
The ordinance, which takes effect immediately, requires the owners of pit bulls to get a special license for the dog, have it spayed or neutered and post signs on their property warning neighbors that a pit bull is on the premises.
Last week, the City Council passed the ordinance, originally proposed by Councilor Rob Consalvo, after a rash of attacks by pit bulls on other pets and people.
Donna Fitzgerald of South Boston, whose dog, Rocky, was mauled by a police officer's pit bull a week ago, said she was "thrilled'' that there will be limits on pit bulls, but she believes the breed should be banned outright.
"It's a start. In this last week, I've heard horror stories from all over New England'' about pit bulls, Fitzgerald said. "It's still not enough. Some counties are banning them altogether.''
She said her dog is recovering.
The police officer's dog was beaten by neighbors trying to stop the attack and had to be euthanized.
Menino said, "Recent events have proven that the 1999 vicious dog ordinance was not enough. This ordinance directly addresses the specific public safety issues.''