Pet peeves

Mid-Columbia, WA -- Barry Bush of Pasco will do just about anything to show off his two bull terriers, Falco and Belle.

"The people who are into this breed, they travel all over the world," said Bush, who recently entered his pedigrees into a dog competition in California.

So Bush said he was shocked to learn that the city may decide to label pit bulls -- and similar breeds including the bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier or Staffordshire bull terrier -- as potentially dangerous animals.

The proposed amendment to Pasco's animal control ordinance is being considered after residents expressed concern over the number of pit bulls in the city and their tendency to be vicious.

But Tri-City officials and police said there haven't been any reported pit bull attacks on people in the past few years. The most recent pit bull attacks have involved other dogs and small animals.

If the amendment is passed, owners would be required to buy a $250 annual permit, enclose their dog and post a sign at their home informing others of the dog's presence. Pit bulls also would need to be insured, and owners would have to show proof of insurance or a bond for $250,000.

Originally, the council was scheduled to vote on the issue at today's regular meeting. But Pasco City Manager Gary Crutchfield said the council plans to wait until Dec. 20 to make a decision so residents can have the opportunity to speak on the amendment.

But Bush said he's already called on the American Kennel Club to help him fight the proposal.

"They are not the most aggressive types (of dogs) out there," Bush said.

He said it's unfair that he and other owners will be singled out because of irresponsible pit bull owners who fail to license and register their pets. Most bull terrier owners will spend thousands of dollars a year on their dogs because the breed is rare, he said.

"They don't need to ban the breed, they need to ban the deed," Bush said.

Crutchfield said Pasco's proposed amendment is modeled after a 1987 Kennewick law, which also requires owners to tell their neighbors about a confinement plan for their dog.

Richland doesn't have an ordinance for pit bulls, but owners of the breed must purchase a $250 permit from the city or Tri-City Animal Control should their dog be found potentially dangerous.

AKC program administrator Kortni Campbell, who is working with Bush, said she's against breed-specific legislation.

In a letter to Pasco Mayor Mike Garrison, Campbell said communities must establish a well-defined procedure for dealing with dangerous dogs. Legislation should not single out specific breeds of dogs, she said.

However, Bruce Young, Tri-City Animal Control pound master, said at least two pit bulls or pit bull mixes are brought into the pound every week because they have been accused of attacking other dogs, cats or small animals. Young said he has seven pit bulls at the facility but isn't certain whether any of them have threatened a person.

"I don't know of the last pit bull who attacked someone," he said.

Young said owners whose pit bulls attack people or other animals are allowed to keep their pets but must register them as potentially dangerous.

Still, Crutchfield said people need to consider whether pit bulls are dangerous in the community and if they want Pasco to be a haven for the breed. "Pasco has older housing that is more renter-occupied, which creates more opportunity for folks who want this type of dog," he said.

Councilman Matt Watkins said he is hoping to hear from pit bull owners at the council's workshop meeting before he makes his decision.

"I agree there is a pit bull issue, but there may be some responsible owners out there," he said.