News

July 2, 2009

Mayor working to ban dangerous dogs

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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Mayor Tom Leighton said the city will do whatever it can to prevent dangerous dog attacks.

“The unfortunate incident that occurred on Monday, June 29, involving the mauling of a pet dog by vicious, off-the-leash dogs has undoubtedly distressed residents in the City of Wilkes-Barre and visitors to the River Common,” Leighton said in a prepared release. “Wild, uncontrollable dogs create unsafe environments and threaten those around them, including passersby, members of law enforcement and other animals.”

Last Monday, a man was walking his small-breed pet through the Northampton Street portal when two dogs he described as pit bulls were running through River Street with two men chasing after them, he said. The dogs attacked his dog, resulting in injuries that caused the man to have his pet euthanized.

Leighton said his administration takes the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously and he will continue to push for tougher regulations.

“I have listened to the public’s concerns and would like to assure everyone that the City of Wilkes-Barre and the Wilkes-Barre Police Department are doing everything we can – within the confines of Pennsylvania State law - to prevent and respond to dangerous dog attacks,” Leighton said.

Under current Pennsylvania law, municipalities like Wilkes-Barre are limited in how they can regulate dangerous or vicious dogs. Leighton said his administration was unable to proceed with plans to ban pit bulls from the city in 2005 when a safety issue arose.

In 2005, Police Chief Gerry Dessoye agreed with Leighton in his quest to ban pit bulls. Dessoye said people were using them to keep police from doing their jobs. He said police often encountered pit bulls in drug houses and the chief said incidents of pit bulls attacking people throughout the city were much higher than any other breed. At the time, Dessoye said he could remember at least five incidents when officers had to shoot pit bulls.

State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, said vicious dogs are like “lethal weapons” and owners must assume responsibility.

“If someone chooses to own a dog like that then they must control them,” Pashinski said. “We are talking about possible legislative measures to address the issue.”

Leighton said he will be discussing all possible options regarding future ordinances over the next week.

 

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