Gwinnett proposes restrictions on pit bulls

By Patrick Fox

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Pit bull owners in Gwinnett County will be required to register their dogs and to provide an enclosure to contain the animals under a new proposed ordinance.

The county Animal Advisory Council is expected to discuss the measure at its quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center, 884 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville.

The new ordinance requires owners to provide name, address and a registration fee to the county. Owners would also have to supply proof of insurance, a full description of the pit bull, including a photo, and proof of inoculation. They would also be required to provide a sturdy enclosure that does not share fencing with a perimeter fence.

Because many dogs are generically referred to as "pit bulls," the ordinance defines the animals as those substantially conforming to the standards established by the United Kennel Club for American Pit Bull Terriers or containing as an element of its breeding the breed American Pit Bull Terriers so as to be identifiable as partially of the breed.

Earlier this month, the Douglasville City Council rejected, by one vote, a measure to ban pit bulls. The ordinance would have outlawed any new ownership of pit bulls in the city. Current owners would have had to register their animals or face a $500 fine. The City Council is expected to take up the issue again later this month. It would be the first such ban in the state.

That action followed a July attack on a Douglasville woman by three pit bulls. Frankie Forsh, 56, suffered bite wounds to her arms, legs and face after the pit bulls jumped her on a morning walk in her neighborhood.

Gwinnett County Animal Advisory Council Chairperson Gail LaBerge would not comment on the proposed ordinance but said she does plan to speak on the matter when it is presented.

The Gwinnett County Commission can abide by or ignore the council's recommendation. Commission members were not available for comment Monday.