Berding and Vicious Dogs

Here's Jeff Berding's press release about the ongoing debate over pit bulls and whether Cincinnati's existing laws are adequate and whether police have what they need to enforce the laws.

When the issue came up at law committee Tuesday, one woman brought a pit bull dog into CityHall for the hearing. She said the dog helped her with a handicap, but she wouldn't say what her handicap was.

Berding asked for the administration's report by Nov. 1.

Berding Calls for Re-Write of Vicious Dog Laws
Proposal Would Create Task Force

Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Berding introduced a motion at today’s Law and Public Safety Committee directing the City Administration to lead the formation of a vicious dog legislative task force. The task force will work on a comprehensive re-write of City dog laws, including new non-breed specific laws based on other jurisdictions’ best practices.

The City will seek to include the Hamilton County Auditor, Dog Warden and SPCA, as well as dog owners in the task force.

Berding said, “Our current laws are ineffectual and create a false sense of public safety. We need laws that penalize irresponsible and cruel owners, not their dogs. With the help of partners at the County and in the community, I am sure we can come up with a new strategy to protect both our citizens and their pets.”

Berding asked for passage of the motion, but was denied by the Committee’s Chair, Councilmember Cecil Thomas. The motion creating the task force was referred by Mr. Thomas to the Administration for a report.