By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
The Sherwood City Council updated its 20-year ban on pit bulls and other vicious animals Monday night.
The updated ordinance reflects “current standards for responsible pet owner... and provide a level of enforcement capabilities that will betterprotect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens and innocent animals from irresponsible owners.”
The new version gives marauding animals “that growl, charge, bite or attempt to bite or display extreme fear of people” just two days to be claimed by their owners or face “humane euthanasia.”
Stray pit bulls that exhibit acceptable temperaments and behaviors will be eligible for adoption “to a legitimate rescue group or to a qualified person.”
The ordinance also gives residents in newly annexed areas like Gravel Ridge 90 days to register or remove any pit bulls they may own.
Registration includes photographing, micro chipping and sterilizing the dog, as well as paying a prohibited-breed registration fee and purchasing a special permit, which must be renewed annually.
The ordinance specifically bans the pit bull terrier breed, the Staffordshire bull terrier, the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, the American bulldog or mixed breed that is predominantly pit bull.
