Woman fighting dog breed specific language EVERETT - An impassioned resident came to the City Council last week urging it to change the city’s breed specific legislation for dangerous dogs.
Breed specific legislation often targets ownership of “bully breeds” such as pit bulls. Everett’s code names all pit bull terriers as a potentially dangerous dog breed and requires them to be microchipped, registered with the city and penned while in a yard. They must be muzzled while in public.
“This is racial profiling on dogs,” resident Ann Olson said.
Olson has been trying to get the laws changed for ten months now and also tried to get an appointment with Mayor Ray Stephanson two months ago to no avail, she said.
Olson, who volunteers with the Everett Animal Shelter, gave council members and the mayor’s office folders explaining her position..
The mayor’s office can look into the issue, chief administrative assistant Debra Bryant said last week speaking for Stephanson. (Stephanson was absent for the council meeting.)
Bryant wanted a sense from council it wants to look at the issue, but the mayor’s office has “not had a strong interest in moving forward with this,” Bryant said.
Councilwoman Brenda Stonecipher said public safety for children would be her overriding concern whether or not this came forward.
Councilman Jeff Moore recommended administration look into the issue and rely on an expert before bringing the issue back.
In 2008, Monroe’s City Council discussed creating breed specific language that would require 11 different breeds, including pit bulls, be muzzled in public. The language did not propose banning any breeds.
The Monroe proposal had dog owners howling mad nationally, caused a 300-person protest at City Hall and ended up being nixed.
