[Purple]

Phillipsburg won't target pit bulls

Dog ordinance will not be breed-specific, council members say.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007
By ANDREA EILENBERGER

The Express-Times
PHILLIPSBURG | Town council members aren't planning to target pit bulls in an ordinance they're crafting to curb violent dog problems.

Officials have been mulling ways to promote responsible dog ownership and crack down on residents who fail to prevent their dogs from attacking, but they said Tuesday their solution won't be breed-specific.

"I'm happy to hear the township has decided to take the direction of a breed-neutral ordinance," said Barbara Haywood, the director of My Dog Votes, a T-shirt company that tackles political issues.

Haywood, of Montclair, N.J., leads efforts to promote dog-friendly and dog-safe government. She also founded a national campaign for responsible dog ownership.

A group of town residents who attended Tuesday's council meeting, some wearing red My Dog Votes pins, said they're leading local efforts of that campaign.

Resident Debi Pruznick told council that along with educating the community about safe dog ownership and handling, enforcing regulations is key.

She suggested a part-time animal control officer isn't enough for the town.

Town attorney Joel Kobert suggested officials review a draft ordinance he crafted; it is modeled after the state's vicious and potentially threatening dog law.

Kobert said after reviewing state and case law on the matter, he suggests officials stay away from a breed-specific ordinance.

Officials plan to review Kobert's draft and other information from dog associations and other towns.

The subject is set for discussion at the July 10 work session, and Council President David DeGerolamo invited Haywood and Pruznick to attend the session.

Officials also noted it is the irresponsible behavior of some dog owners that creates the problems.

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