It was not quite the result Cincinnati councilman Cecil Thomas expected when he proposed to amend a city ordinance that allows only veterinarians and humane or SPCA officers to decide if a dog is a pit bull. Based on a study and recommendation of the city's Law and Public Safety Committee, Thomas proposed to amend the existing ordinance to allow police officers to identify pit bulls as well. Apparently the Committee believes the problem with the pit bull ban is that it takes too long to have a veterinarian or humane or SPCA officer come to identify the dogs as pits.

Thomas proposed training for police officers to teach them to identify pit bulls. Fellow city councilman Chris Monzel proposed that Cincinnati police regularly sweep the city looking for pit bulls and vigorously enforce licensing laws.

At the meeting to discuss this, however, 11 pit bull owners showed up with photos of their beloved dogs. One pit bull, Buddy, was also in attendance. Council members were presented with  a quiz to find out if they can identify pit bulls or pit mixes. It's not as easy as you might think.  In fact, it is likely hundreds of dogs have died in places like Cincinnati where pit bulls are banned because someone thought they were pits or pit mixes.  The dog owners urged the council to reconsider the 4 year old ban on pit bulls.

Both sides agreed the pit bull ban isn't working.

In the end Thomas decided to convene a task force to study the best approach to improving community safety when it comes to dogs.  Thomas agreed it may not be the breed that is dangerous, but the behavior of particular dogs.  The task force will be comprised of representatives from animal welfare organizations, the dog warden and police, city prosecutor's office and the public.

A copy of Cincinnati's dangerous and vicious dog laws including the ban on pit bulls can be found in Animal Law Coalition's Laws.

Let the Cincinnati City Council members listed below know it is time to repeal the pit bull ban.  Contact Council member Cecil Thomas at 513.352.3499/Fax 513.352.3218 or cecil.thomas@cincinnati-oh.gov to volunteer for the task force!