Detroit won't ban pit bulls

DETROIT -- Pit bull owners and those who can't stand the animals, dog lovers and animal activists packed City Council chambers and the hallway outside on Tuesday to weigh in on a proposed ban of the potentially dangerous dogs in Detroit. But their concerns already had been heard.
Following the receipt of hundreds of e-mails and calls, and weeks of research and analysis, the Detroit City Council abandoned plans to prohibit possession of pit bulls in Detroit, opting instead to pursue better enforcement of laws pertaining to stray and improperly contained dogs of any breed.
"The breed ban is off the table," said Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel.
"We opened a hornet's nest," said Councilwoman Alberta Tinsley-Talabi. "We had good intentions, perhaps misguided."
The council members pointed out problems with the ban. It wouldn't have applied to other dangerous types and would have been difficult to enforce in the cash-strapped city.
Tinsley-Talabi said she's a dog lover who has had some scary experiences, including taking a trip to Eastern Michigan University years ago when two Doberman pinschers came running after her and having a cocker spaniel killed by a neighborhood dog.
But despite her history and the stories of so many others who spoke to council at an hours-long hearing Tuesday, Tinsley-Talabi said it is enforcement of existing laws the city needs.
"It boils down to being a responsible dog owner," she said.
Ken Welch, a Grosse Pointe resident, had a different idea. The owner of two pit bulls says they are loyal, strong, intelligent dogs who live to please their master, "which is why the bad guys love them."
For its qualities, the pit bull should be made a symbol of Detroit, he said.
"That way, if you abuse a pit bull, you are abusing Detroit," he said to loud applause.
The council will now look at ways to increase the staffing of the city's animal control department, which had its budget cut 43 percent this year, and at proposals by dog advocacy groups to provide volunteer help to the department.
You can reach Lisa M. Collins at (313) 222-2072 or lcollins@detnews.com.