DogsBite Blog ::

Fremont bans pit bulls

Fremont, Iowa Bans Pit Bulls
Fremont IA - Fremont is set to kick out all pit bulls by the end of the month. An amendment to Fremont City Ordinance 4-1-7 defines dangerous animals to include Staffordshire terriers, American pit bull terriers and any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds. Pit bull owners have 1-2 week to get their dogs out of the city.

The amendment was passed by the Fremont City Council on Feb. 4 and both the second and third readings were waived. Council Member Jeff Hopkins said a pit bull owner had not been keeping control of her dog.

“We figured it was best to keep our city safe and pass this ordinance,” Hopkins said. “We can’t have children walking home with that pit bull running loose acting like that.”

Hopkins said the pit bull had run loose almost daily. Loose dogs are a problem in Fremont, Hopkins said. Fremont Council Member Phil Brown was even bit by a dog running loose during a walk. Brown wasn’t at the council meeting when the ordinance was passed, but supports the amendment. Brown has been bitten by a loose dog.

Hopkins said the Fremont amendment is based on the Ottumwa ordinance enacted in 2003. Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark said the number of dog attacks has decreased since the city banned pit bulls. Ottumwa passed the ordinance because it suffered a high number of injuries and a death from pit bull attacks.

“In my opinion, it [the pit bull ban] has made the community quite a bit safer,” Clark said. “It’s worked out real well.”