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Clairton City Council Meets Over Pit Bull Problem

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Oct 9, 2009 1:50 pm US/Eastern

Clairton City Council Meets Over Pit Bull Problem

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― The Clairton City Council met this morning to discuss recent problems involving pit bulls and police officers.

An animal control specialist said at the meeting that the city of Clairton is not the only community dealing with a dangerous animal problem; however, the city is taking action to prevent animal attacks and animals from being shot by police.

Colleen Policastro's two pit bulls are licensed, kept inside the yard and even monitored by video surveillance. Yet, she says she worries about her dogs getting shot by police.

"My dogs get out the front door, going down the road - my neighbors know my dogs are not going to hurt anybody," said Policastro. "Does that mean that the police are allowed to come on up and draw a gun and shoot it for no apparent reason?"

Clairton police and city officials are growing more concerned about pit bulls posing a threat to the community.

There were several incidents recently where officers drew their weapons on pit bulls, one of them resulting in the death of a dog.

"We are here to protect life, yes; as well as our own lives as well as the citizens of the community," said Chief Rob Hoffman, of the Clairton Police Department.

Allegheny County statistics confirm that pit bulls are responsible for the majority of attacks by animals.

"Just last week, I filed three additional dangerous dog charges in the counties, or other areas, municipalities, and two out of the three were pit bulls," said Ken Ferree, an animal control specialist.

Meanwhile, the city of Clairton is beginning to crack down on pit bull and other dog owners.

"We have not really been pushing this ordinance, but it's time that we start getting strict with the ordnance," said Clairton Mayor Domenic Virgona. "Everyone having a dangerous dog such as a pit bull and Rottweiler and so on must register their dog with the city of Clairton. They must also be on a leash and if they're going to walk the dog on the street, it must be muzzled."

Also, the mayor says that anyone who disobeys that ordnance will face a $500 fine. The mayor also says that a ban on pit bulls in the future is not out of the question.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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