Pit Bulls, Vicious or not? - Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather Sports

Pit Bulls, Vicious or not?

Are pit bull's vicious?

Ohio lawmakers don't believe that the breed should be singled out anymore, as it has been for the past 25 years.

But pit bulls have been back in the news. Last week, in Beaverdam, a pit bull attacked a three day old child, killing her.

The dog is now in quarantine and faces an uncertain future.

Despite those changes at the state level, the city ordinance concerning pit bulls remains the same and some people's perception of the breed remain unchanged.

This is what happened a year and a half ago to the daughter of Cridersville resident Kristen Hites.

While in Tennessee with her father little Heather was viciously attacked by a pit bull while at a friends home.

Heather has recovered from her injuries but her mom is now afraid of even being around a pit bull.

Deb Helser with Deb's Dogs, an animal rescue organization, says the breed is getting a bad rap and notes that any dog can become vicious.

Even the State of Ohio has recognized that the breed itself isn't considered vicious, with legislators changing the state's vicious dog law to reflect that change in sentiment.

But if you own a pit bull in Lima, it is still considered vicious and owners can be cited for any number of reasons, like not having a muzzle on your pit bull in public, or not having any proof of liability insurance on your person.

Major Chip Protsman with the Lima Police Department says if you have any questions about Lima's pit bull ordinance you can contact them at 419-221-5264.

Helser, meanwhile is concerned that the changes in the state law will actually encourage more people to buy pit bulls, when that breed might not be right for their family or their situation.