MI Human Society Responds To Pit Bull Ban In Grosse Pointe Shores

GROSSE POINTE SHORES, MI — Michigan Humane President Matt Pepper said he was "disappointed" after Grosse Pointe Shores decided to ban pit bulls months after a brutal dog attack.

"These types of bans are often considered in response to a single incident – as is the case here in Grosse Pointe Shores," Pepper said. "In the heat of the moment, it is easy to put simple answers, like a breed ban, to more complex issues. In reality, every action reported can be addressed with existing laws. They simply need to be enforced – fairly and uniformly. A breed ban does nothing to address the behavior or expectations of owners."

Pepper went on to blast the council members who voted in favor of the ban, saying, "they are attempting to address a hypothetical future incident as opposed to anything that has actually happened."

"Most people would prefer the law enforcement in their community to respond to more pressing items than what a dog looks like – something they are not trained to do," Pepper said. "Breed-specific bans do not address the right issues."

The organization's 35th annual "Mutt March" was expected to be held in Grosse Pointe Shores next year, but Pepper said that "celebration in Grosse Pointe Shores is no longer on the table."

"We will be immediately forced to identify a more inclusive community to host our event," Pepper said.

Grosse Pointe Shores Mayor Ted Kedzierski said he was disappointed to hear the organization pulled its event from the city, but would like to keep talks open for future possible events.

"We have just heard of the cancellation of the Michigan Humane Society annual Mutt March to be held at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House next spring," Kedzierski said. "We are disappointed in the decision and know that it must have been a difficult one for the board. If possible, our City would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this matter further."

City council members narrowly approved the measure specifically banning pit bulls in a 4-3 vote last Tuesday. The ban was expected to go into effect sometime next month, but it was unclear if the ban applies to any mixed-breed dogs.

The ban will not apply to residents who are already licensed pit bull owners in the city. But those owners must meet a list of requirements that includes maintaining a 6-foot fence, keeping pit bulls on a leash and a possessing a $100,000 liability insurance policy in case the dog causes any damage or injuries.

The controversial ordinance was prompted after a pit bull attacked a small dog back in June in Grosse Pointe Shores. The small dog had to have its leg amputated.