After two pit bull attacks in three weeks that left one dog dead and two boys injured, Baltimore County officials said they plan to launch a task force to recommend increased security measures.
Councilman Vince Gardina, D-District 5, expressed concern over the incidents at a meeting Tuesday and called existing safeguards “inadequate.”
“We need to do something to address this problem,” Gardina said. “These pit bulls are getting out of control, and it?s getting worse and worse.”
Two boys were hospitalized during the weekend after a pit bull escaped its cage in Towson. Two other pit bulls attacked a small dog in a Woodlawn yard last month. In both cases, people had previously complained about the pit bulls, according to county animal-control board records.
The board can fine the dogs? owners and will hold hearings within the next month to determine if the impounded dogs should be released back to their owners. The board can also evict the dogs from the county or have them euthanized, according to health officials.
Other jurisdictions, including Prince George?s County, have launched bans on pit bulls after similar attacks. County health officer Dr. Pierre Vigilance said those bans are unfair, usually unsuccessful and unlikely in Baltimore County.
“It?s unfair to stigmatize one type of dog when there are lots of very good pit bulls,” Vigilance said. “Some of this is a function of how the dogs are raised and taken care of.”
Vigilance said the two incidences are the first he can recall in his 18 months with the county. Tuesday, Councilman Bryan McIntire, R-District 3, also defended the breed.
“They?re the nicest dogs I?ve ever known,” McIntire said. “There?s no dog that can?t be vicious.”
