Amending various Sections of Chapter 5 Commonly know as Animals and Fowl

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6I ' I I Common Council Memo August 24, 1987 Page 5 important that proper evidence be introduced with regard to why such legislation is necessary. The national statistics prepared by the United States Humane Society show the following : - 21 of 29 dog bite deaths since 1983 were caused by pit bull terriers - 7 of 11 dog bite deaths in 1986 were caused by pit bull terriers - all 5 dog bite deaths this year (1987) were caused by American Pit Bull Terriers Additionally, such regulations must delicately balance the rights of those persons who wish to own such dogs and those who do not wish to do so. The Humane Society of the United States has again provided documented evidence with regard to the American Pit Bull Terrier and other potentially dangerous dogs. Some of their reports include the following information: - In the Humane Society of United States publication dated July 1979 entitled "Close-up Report", it stated that "The preferred dog of dogfight enthusiasts is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Like game cocks, the terriers have a natural aggressive nature. As with gamecocks, this natural behavior is exploited by owners and handlers" (emphasis added, page 3) and, in that same publication , it stated that "the pit bull terrier is the preferred dog of dog fighters. The dog's natural aggressive tendencies make them easy to train for fighting." (emphasis added, page 4) - In the "Pit Bull Report" issued January 21 , 1986 by the Humane Society of the United States , it is noted that the American Pit Bull Terrier is registered and described by the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association. It is specifically noted that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Bulldog are all breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. The report further stated that the pit dog or pit bull terrier came to the United States at the time of the Civil War. At that time, they were also known as the American Bull Terrier or Yankee Terrier. The report stated that "over a century of breeding for bull-baiting and fighting have had a profound affect on the genetics of many of these breeds." The primary quality is "gameness" which is the aggression against dogs and other animals. The report states that a "game animal is one which is ready and willing for combat and unyielding in battle with another creature." "The animals will fight with no