North Jefferson News, Gardendale, AL

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January 20, 2010

Gardendale passes ban on pit bulls

By Adam Smith The North Jefferson News

Gardendale — Two months after first appearing on an agenda, the Gardendale City Council passed an ordinance Monday night to ban pit bulls and other dangerous dogs from the city limits.

City clerk Keith Mosley said the ordinance was first considered in November. However, the council tabled the motion until taking action Monday night.

Mayor Othell Phillips said the council had examined similar ordinances passed in the towns of Fultondale, Mountain Brook and Irondale.

The council was urged to pass an ordinance last year when resident Shay Nichols addressed the council after her dog was killed by two pit bulls. The attack of a Coalburg child by vicious dogs last year also prompted the ordinance.

The ordinance prohibits anyone from keeping, owning or harboring pit bulls or any other dog deemed vicious or dangerous because of its aggressive nature or capability to inflict physical harm or death.

Residents who currently own pit bulls or dangerous dogs are required to register the dogs and pay a fee of $50.

Such dogs are also not allowed outside a kennel or pen unless securely leashed and muzzled. Otherwise the ordinance requires the dogs to be securely confined indoors or in a securely locked pen.

Other parts of the ordinance require homeowners to post “Beware of Dog” signs on their property, provide proof of at least $100,000 in liability insurance and provide at least two color photographs of the dog at the time of registration.

Lastly, the sale of ownership of the dogs to another resident within the city limits is now prohibited and no more than two registered animals can be kept  at the premises at one time. Offspring born to registered dogs must be removed from the city limits within six weeks of birth.

Failure to comply with the ordinance will result in the removal of the dogs and fines of up to $500.

“One of our main responsibilities is to protect the safety and welfare of the residents of Gardendale,” Phillips said. “Passing this ordinance brings us one step closer to doing that.”

A complete copy of the ordinance can be found on the city’s Web site at www.cityofgardendale.com or at city hall.

Editor’s note: See Saturday’s paper for more information on Monday’s city council meeting.

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