A Cincinnati Council committee is delaying a vote on a measure to punish people who do not control their dangerous or vicious dogs.
The issues will likely be re-considered in two weeks.
The debate centers on whether the plan includes criminal penalties in addition to fines. The proposal would also target criminals, who in some cases, train dogs to be vicious to protect illegal operations.
“The child who last year was almost killed because a drug dealer trained his pitbulls to basically kill,” said Council Member Chris Seelbach. “In those types of situations, it does merit a criminal penalty for the person who did that.”
Some Council Members will be holding private discussions to try and reach a compromise on the competing proposals in advance of the next Law and Public Safety Committee meeting.
At least one council member said the city needs to work with state lawmakers on tougher punishments for people who use dogs while committing other crimes. City council can only passes ordinances for misdemeanor offenses. It cannot legislate tougher, felony offenses.
