Lawmakers Mull Pit Bull Ban
Boston -- Is your safety at risk or are lawmakers barking up the wrong tree? A debate is set to begin on Beacon Hill Thursday over a series of new crackdowns on dogs and their owners.
Supporters of a statewide ban on pit bull ownership have said a law is necessary to cut down on violent dog attacks.If the state were to pass such a ban, lawmakers would be following the lead of many Massachusetts cities and towns that have already passed bans limiting pit bull ownership. This week, Canton became the latest local community to push through tough new restrictions.Opponents of the ban argue that it is a handful of irresponsible owners who are the real problem. They said pit bulls actually make great pets. NewsCenter 5's Steve Lacy reported that proposals under consideration pit people who want new restrictions on certain types of dogs, such as pit bulls, against those who think irresponsible owners are the ones who need to be leashed. < read the full story w/ video here >
Residents mixed over proposed pit bull ban
Waltham - As state legislators ponder a pit bull breeding ban across Massachusetts, some locals are discussing the possible effects if a ban were instituted in Waltham.
City officials last summer were considering a proposal by resident Mary Pratt that would keep pit bulls and pit bull mixes permanently muzzled, leashed or in kennels. In a phone interview Friday, City Councilor Sarafina "Sally" Collura said she supports proper dog restraint, but is against muzzling canines.
"I will tell you that this is a very touchy issue with animal lovers and dog lovers and I love dogs. I love animals ... I do not feel at this point that I am qualified to say there should be no pit bulls in Waltham," she said. "Do I feel comfortable around pit bulls? No, I don't. Do I feel comfortable around a Doberman pincher? No. Would I feel more comfortable around a little fox terrier? Yes."
Recently, state legislators have been discussing a potential statewide ban on the dogs, due in part to recent attacks making headlines across Massachusetts. < read the full story here >
