08-19-87 Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Qtnnuntttn Export P PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE • ju n Common Qtounctl of tip Ulttg of South $rnd: The August 19 , 1987 meeting of the Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairman, Councilman Ann Puzzello, at 4: 30 p .m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included : Councilmen Taylor , Puzzello, Beck, Serge, Braboy , Zakrzewski ; Pat DeClercq , Marva Leonard, Dennis Donovan, Debra Catalado, Teresa Lacapo, Dr. Carol Ecker, Edmond Chester , members of the news. media, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand . Councilman Puzzello noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Bill No. 74-87 regarding animal and fowl . She noted that the Council members making up the Public Safety Committee were Councilmen Braboy , Serge , Voorde, Taylor , and herself as chairman. Councilman Beck, the sponsor of the bill , noted that she believes there is ample evidence , based on public safety concerns, for the proposed ordinance. She noted that in the last two (2) weeks, she has been approached by not less than four (4) pit bulls. She noted that she had received numerous telephone calls from residents - all supportive of the bill. She further indicated that she has numerous video tapes addressing the problems of potentially vicious dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier , which she would make available for anyone who is interested. She then asked the Council Attorney to review the proposed bill . Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand , Council Attorney , noted -that there is specific statutory authority , both in home rule and other areas of the Indiana law , which gives the City the authority to utilize their police powers to reasonably regulate animals. She additionally noted that there is ample case authority which has upheld the use of such police power . She noted that in 1985 this Common Council spent a consider- able amount of time in the preparation of the passage of the new animal and fowl regulations passed that year. She also indicated that approximately two (2) years ago, Councilman Ann Puzzello requested a study into whether pit bulls could be banned. Her research at that time indicated that such a prohibition would not withstand a legal challenge, and that is her same position today. However , with the increasing concern regarding unprovoked attacks, especially by American Pit Bull Terriers, the research in this area has intensified. She noted that she has reviewed over fifty (50) laws, both at the state and local levels, dealing •waa Pant PUa11SHIMG CO