Pit bull Attacks Raise Question of a Possible City Ordinance

Animal control is still handled by Fulton County, but after two pit bulls serious wounded two dogs and threatened Sandy Springs residents, on Monday, Councilman Chip Collins has asked for input on the possibility of an ordinance banning or restricting the animals.

“I’m not necessarily taking a position one way or the other,” Collins said.  “But, I think I owe it to this neighborhood [that] has now been involved with…multiple incidents on two different occasions, to at least look at the issue.”

that managed to get loose from the yard at Amberidge Trail and River Valley Road.

Zoey, a four-year-old German shepherd hound, was attacked as owner Dan Goerke returned home with her from a walk, in Amberidge subdivsion.

On Tuesday, Zoey returned home from the animal hospital with numerous stitches and drain tubes, but she is slowly getting better, Goerke said.

Diesel, a Labrador retriever owned by Lissy Cowdery, was attacked after the pit bulls chewed through a chain link fence and has been “touch and go,” Goerke added.

Last fall, a woman in the neigbhorhood was attacked by the dogs.

The pit bulls have been impounded by Fulton County Animal Services and a court date regarding their attacks is set for 1:30 p.m., March 15, at Fulton County Magistrate Court, which hears animal control and code citation cases in dowtown Atlanta.

“The owner of the dog was not home,” said Sandy Springs Police Lt. Steve Rose, of Monday’s attacks. “Their 10-year-old daughter was.”

The dogs are believed to be owned by notable R&B music producer Rodney Jerkins, who neighbors say rents the Amberidge home. Messages to Jerkins and the homeowner were not returned. 

Tony Phillips, assistant director for environment and community development for Fulton County said that no extraordinary measures were taken to impound the pit bulls.

“The dogs are in good condition and did not have to be tranquilized,” he said.

The judge, however, will determine their fate, next month.

All breeds of dogs are capable of attack, Councilman Collins noted.

"But nobody should have to go jogging or on a walk with their dog and fear that they are going to be attacked, or their dog is going to get attacked," he added.