Arkansas Town Bans Pit Bulls in City Limits

The De Queen, Ark., City Council has approved a ban on pit bulls inside city limits.

De Queen Mayor Billy Ray Kelvy says no one’s been attacked, but that the city council has received complaints about the dogs. The city’s new ordinance, approved last week, bans four breeds of pit bull: American pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and American bulldogs.

Dogs that are a mixture of any of the four breeds are also banned.

Until the penalties go into effect – 90 days after the passage of the ordinance – owners of pit bulls must keep their dogs confined. If the animals aren’t confined, they must be muzzled and restrained by leash. Owners must also display a sign on their property warning of the presence of a pit bull.

Violators of the ordinance may be fined up to $500. Animals are subject to being seized, although they can be redeemed if the owner pays a $50 fee and signs an affidavit stating the dog will be moved outside the city limits.

Information from: Texarkana Gazette, www.texarkanagazette.com