Neighborhood concerned about pit bulls

Local resident Josh Rauscher approached the Fort Scott City Commission May 19 to bring to the commission's attention of the mauling of his grandmother's dog on Pine Street by a pit bull. He was representing his neighborhood to try to put a stop to the attacks.

The city currently has an ordinance in place which prohibits the ownership of pit bull within the city limits unless it was properly registered before the ordinance was adopted. According to the ordinance, a pit bull is defined as:

* The bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier breeds of dogs.

* Dogs of mixed breed or of other breeds than above listed which breed or mixed breed is known as pit bulls, pit bull dogs or pit bull terriers.

* Any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominately of the breeds of bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, or any other breed commonly known as pit bulls, pit bull dogs, or pit bull terriers; or a combination of any of these breeds.

Rauscher said the dog's owner has owned pit bulls in the past which have injured other dogs and bit a child's face. He said he reported the incident to the police and would like to have the dog put down.

According to the ordinance, "...the municipal judge decided that a dog is vicious and liable to bite and attack persons with in the corporate limits of this city or has bitten or attacked any person, the municipal judge shall order and direct that said dog be killed."

Rauscher added how the neighborhood wants to have the owner removed from the area, however Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer informed him that a resident cannot be moved "just because we don't like someone."

Following the discussion Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner said that the police will be looking into the situation.