Pit bull owners beware.
Leflore County supervisors are ready to issue an ordinance that would set strict measures on pit bull owners.
Board Attorney Willie Perkins was authorized on Monday to start drafting an ordinance for their review.
"We're not asking the owners of the dog to get rid of the dog," said District 4 Supervisor Wayne Self, who proposed the ordinance. "We just want them to own up and take responsibility for the dog."
Some of the requirements supervisors are considering include insurance policies and registration of the animal.
The board attorney might pull some of his material from ordinances in neighboring counties.
The ink is still fresh on Bolivar County's ordinance, which was approved less than 30 days ago.
It calls for pit bull owners to purchase at least $100,000 in liability insurance for "bodily injury or property damages arising from events or occurrences associated with owning, keeping or harboring pit bull dogs or the like."
Every pit bull should be registered at the Cleveland-Bolivar County Animal Shelter. Bolivar County residents cannot own more than three pit bulls.
The idea is not to restrict animal lovers, but to protect the public, said Bolivar County's District 4 Supervisor James McBride. "I would hate to see someone mauled and we could have done something about it."
Penalties increase with violations. It starts with a first offense fine between $100 and $299. Pit bull owners can say goodbye to their dogs after a third offense.
Law enforcement will keep an eye out for offenders. Violations fall under the jurisdiction of Bolivar County Justice Court.
Washington County has been keeping tabs on pit bull owners for more than three years.
Reports of attacks are down, according to Washington County's District 4 Supervisor Mark Seard.
Seard said the ordinance was prompted after pets were killed and people injured by pit bulls.
"This county has taken the steps to cause the dog owners to be very responsible," Seard said.
Pit bull owners in Washington County protested that their dogs were harmless. But Seard said it is the county's interest to take care of its people.
Perkins warned supervisors that a county ordinance reaches into every backyard, including Greenwood and Itta Bena. He left it in the hands of supervisors to avoid a "turf war."
Greenwood City Councilman Ronnie Stevenson of Ward 3 would consider a pit bull ordinance. But he would have to read the language of the ordinance before giving it full support. He was leery of a blanket ordinance for the whole county. "We can't let the county dictate what goes on in the city."
A few months ago, Dan Townsend as attacked by a pit bull in Stevenson's ward on Strong Avenue.
McBride said he met little resistance, considering Bolivar County contains an above average number of incorporated areas for the Delta.
The preventive measure was largely greeted with open arms, according to McBride.
It's only a matter of time before a serious attack happens in the county, he said. "People know these things can happen."
Meanwhile in Leflore County, at least one pit bull owner applauds the measure.
Barbara Smith, director of the Leflore County Humane Society, plans to be the first in line to register her dog if an ordinance passes in the county.
The dogs are tough, she said, but other breeds do the same amount of damage. She keeps her dog KiKi for protection. It's the dogs running the streets and trained for violence that give the breed a bad name, Smith said. "They are as sweet as any other dog."
