Reynoldsburg, OH considering repeal of pit bull ban

On Monday, October 21, 2013, the Reynoldsburg, Ohio city council chambers were filled with people there to encourage the council to repeal the city’s breed specific ordinance.  If repealed, Reynoldsburg residents would be able to own pit bulls in the city limits.

On February 21, 2012, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed HB 14 into law, thus removing “pit bulls”  from the definition of “vicious dog” in the state law that had been in effect since 1987.   While many cities in Ohio have followed the state’s lead and removed the breed specific provisions from their local ordinances, Reynoldsburg has not changed its law.

After hearing from many residents, the majority of which supported removing the breed specific provisions from the city’s ordinance, the members of the Reynoldsburg council did not take a vote on the issue at last night’s meeting and, instead, tabled the issue for two weeks.

Accordingly, the city council Safety Committee will take the issue up at their meeting on November 4, 2013 at7:30 p.m. at the city Municipal Building.

RESIDENTS OF REYNOLDSBURG:  Please reach out to your city officials and politely and respectfully encourage them to repeal the breed specific ordinance targeting “pit bulls.”  Provide them with alternatives for their consideration that will target dogs that pose a real danger to the community because of their actions, not their appearance.  We suggest using the NAIA’s Guide to Constructing Successful Pet Friendly Ordinances.  Let them know that an ordinance that focuses on irresponsible dog owners, regardless of the breed of dog they own, is the only way to ensure the safety and well-being of all members in the community – people and animals alike.

Mayor and City Council*
DougJoseph@juno.com, sbarrett068@yahoo.com,lkellywd2@yahoo.com,
mcgrady.cornelius@gmail.com, cotner57@aol.com,chrislong@insight.rr.com,
monica@debrockarchitecture.com, bmccloud@ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us

*Please note that one of the city council members (Mel Clemons) does not make his e-mail available. You can send correspondence to him, as well as all the city officials if you like, via the city clerk with a polite request to forward to each one.

Reynoldsburg City Clerk:
ClerkOfCouncil@ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us

Municipal Building
7232 E. Main Street.
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
Phone: (614) 322-6800
Fax: (614) 322-6866