St. John's city councillor wants staff to look at certain dog breeds

Councillor Art Puddister wants city staffers to look into certain dog breeds following an attack that left a family pet dead in their driveway.

• 'Don't believe the hype': Dog lovers defend pit bulls in wake of deadly attack
• Pet beagle, Bo, 'totally mangled' by pit bull in St. John's

"That was a terrible, terrible situation," Puddister told CBC News after Monday's city council meeting.

"I don't believe it's the first time that it's taken place here.We will be reaching out to the community, to dog owners, to experts to see what can we do to prevent this type of thing in the first place."

Puddister said there's been a lot of discussion on open line radio shows and social media about banning pit bulls, so he would like to see the city's animal advisory committee look into it.

"I'm not advocating that. I'm advocating that ourcommittee look at it. It could mean anything from say, specific training and courses for dog owners."

But Puddistersaidthere is not much the city can do, as a breed-specific ban would have to be implemented by the province.

"It's a contentious issue in the media the past few days and it's got a lot of public attention," Puddister said.

"I think people will be looking to people like the City of St. John's to say 'what is your view on this.' My answer is simple. We have an animal advisory committee, lets the put the issue over to them"

Dog ownerand Deputy MayorRon Ellsworthdoesn't believe an all-out ban on a specific breed of dog is effective.

"I've said before and I'll say again, this all goes back to responsible pet ownership and the reality of looking after your pet."

Both elected officials said they feel sorryfor the deceased beagle and its owners, but the only thing the city can do is enforce it's bylaw, which Ellsworth said states that a dog must be tethered at all times.

The issue will be brought up at the nextcouncil meeting before the city's animal advisory committee will be asked to look into it.