UPDATE: Arkansas Town Considers Banning Pit Bulls

The West Fork City Council held a meeting Tuesday night that did not wrap up until 11p.m.

Several folks showed up and not a single person was in favor of the breed-specific ban.

According to Mayor Frances Hime, based on the discussions during the meeting, the council will most likely remove the pit bull ban from the ordinance and give greater penalties to vicious animals and irresponsible owners.

Hime also said she truly appreciates the community feedback and suggestions.

Original Story:
The Arkansas town of West Fork is considering the possibility of taking some very controversial steps to cut down on the number of loose animals.

The city council is looking at a ban on pit bulls and pit bull type dogs, and will hold a public hearing on the issue Tuesday night at city hall.

Representatives with the Humane Society of the Ozarks plan to attend and read a statement in opposition to the idea.

West Fork Mayor Frances Hime said there have been four incidents involving pit bulls chasing or attacking someone over the past year, and she felt the city needed to take action.

"They are running loose and we've had incidents in this city that alarmed us enough to look at this issue."

According to Mayor Hime, irresponsible pit bull owners are to blame.

"I don't want to punish the animal, but we have to get at the people somehow, and this is the way that we send the message," she said.

If the ban is approved, pit bulls already living in the city would be grandfathered in.

Ronald Sidebottom doesn't own a pit bull, but he does have three dogs.

He feels boycotting a particular breed is a waste of time.

"I don't know if we really need a ban, it really relates back to how the dogs are raised and trained," he said. 
"As far as pulling everybody together and trying to ban them, we've got more important things to do."

Bob Sims thinks the problem could be solved without a ban.

"I'm not so sure that it's constitutional, I think it's more a matter of raising and enforcing laws that are probably preexisting."

Mayor Hime said she can see both sides of the coin.

"I understand the feelings completely, I've had a pit bull in the past, I had it for many years, they're sweet and loving, but there are people who aren't responsible."

There are some folks who feel that prohibiting pit bulls is a good way to put a leash on irresponsible pet owners.

"I've seen pit bulls running around in the neighborhood and we've had an instance where our little bitty house dog was attacked by a pit bull in our yard, and if people aren't going to be responsible enough to take care of them, I think we probably need some sort of regulation," said Chad Mills.

Folks on both sides of the issue are welcome to bring their opinions to Tuesday night's public hearing.