LAWTON, Okla.–An upcoming presentation on dangerous dogs at Lawton’s city council meeting on Tuesday has some residents worried their Pit Bulls will be banned from the city.
Councilors inside Lawton City Hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday will hear a presentation “from the Lawton City Prosecutor on the current Dangerous Dog issue that continues to plague the city and if necessary direct staff to take appropriate action,” according to the meeting agenda, Business Items, section 29.
As defined by state law Title 4 sections 4-46, a dangerous dog refers to dogs that have caused serious injury to a human without provocation on public or private party. It does not refer to dogs based only on their breed.
“Potentially dangerous or dangerous dogs may be regulated through local, municipal and county authorities, provided the regulations are not breed specific.”
State law gives cities the ability to add regulations and penalties for individual dogs that have attacked or shown a history of being dangerous, but the law prohibits cities from placing bans on breeds. Yet, the Legal Services Division for the City of Lawton Prosecutor’s Office still plans to ask Lawton City Council to ban pit bulls.
Pit Bull ban not legal
In its report, the Legal Services Division for the City of Lawton Prosecutor’s Office lists a series of incidents involving Pit Bulls, or American Staffordshire Terriers, as justification for the city to potentially move forward with a ban on the breed.
Among three current investigations taking place in the city include a puppy mill operation for breeding fighting dogs, an Animal Welfare worker requiring surgery on her hand and after trying to capture a pit bull, and a delay in Dangerous Dog proceedings due to the increase in dangerous dog activity.
The report lists Pit Bulls as the most dangerous breed of dogs and lists several “solutions” for city council to consider, including ” a lawful ban of Pit Bulls within the city limits if legal approval can be obtained.”
The Black Wall Street Times reached out to Lawton City Manager John Ratliff to ask if he was aware that state law prohibits the banning of dog breeds. “Yes, I’m aware that state law preempts the banning of specific dog breeds,” he responded.
When asked if he planned to advise city council to follow the law, he said “I do.”
Some of the other solutions listed in the presentation include hiring more Animal Control Officers, increased public awareness and briefings to Lawton Public Schools as some attacks have reportedly occurred against children walking home from school.
Ultimately, while dangerous dogs to present a problem for residents of Lawton, banning an entire breed isn’t a solution, according to state law.
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