[Purple]

Pit bull attack could lead to change in ordinance


By Michael Heil
Saturday, January 19, 2008

The Granite City Council is likely to amend a vicious animal control ordinance because of dog attacks that recently occurred on Hodges Avenue.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Mayor Ed Hagnauer addressed the attacks, saying the ordinance would be better enforced if it were changed.

"If a dog, no matter its breed, attacks another dog or person, it would be declared a vicious animal, and that's for a first-time offense. There will be no second and third chances," Hagnauer said.The ordinance will need to be reviewed by City Attorney Brian Konzen and discussed by the City Council's public works committee before it can be amended.

The council is considering amending the ordinance due to a Jan. 6 incident in which a bit bull attacked a terrier on a chain at a residence in the 2300 block of Hodges and then a miniature Doberman pinscher in the same area.

The pit bull was subdued by a bystander after the terrier's owner repeatedly hit the pit bull with a baseball bat as it attacked the Doberman pinscher.

The Animal Control Department was called to take control of the pit bull.

Apparently, it got loose from a residence on neighboring East 25th Street.

The terrier is recovering after surgery at a local animal hospital. The Doberman was not seriously injured.

According to Granite City authorities, the pit bull is owned by Deborah Newman, who resides outside Granite City.

Newman was cited for animal at large and fined.

At a recent municipal court hearing, the pit bull was declared a vicious animal.

Police Chief Richard Miller said the pit bull is no longer a threat because it is no longer in Granite City.

If the pit pull had remained in Granite City, Newman would have had to follow strict guidelines under the vicious animal control ordinance to keep the animal restrained from the public.

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