WEST VIRGINIA -- Concern is growing for police with the city of Wheeling after a second person is bitten by a pit bull in the span of a week.
While an ordinance including the breed has been in place for over seven years, the number of incidents is rising.
On Saturday, a pit bull was left in a South Wheeling back yard by it's owner—soon after biting a neighbor on the wrist. That owner was cited for not being in compliance with the city's vicious dog ordinance.
Last week, a child was attacked by a pit bull and left with serious injuries.
An excerpt from the city’s dangerous and vicious dog ordinance reads: "...to promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the city of Wheeling. It is intended to be applicable to dangerous and/or vicious dogs..."
"Some people don't like it, however look at the statistics and that type of dog is involved in a great deal of attacks on human beings," said Deputy Chief Martin Kimball of the Wheeling Police Department.
In 2012, Wheeling police issued 14 citations for the dangerous and vicious dog ordinance.
So far in 2013 there have been 15 -- with seven of them in June.
Kimball told NEWS9 that owners of dangerous or vicious dogs must display proper signage, have a means of containing the dog, complete mandatory spaying or neutering of the dog and register it with the city.
"If you come into full compliance, sometimes they will actually dismiss the original charge if the owner claims that they were not aware of it," Kimball said.
Breeds specifically mentioned in the ordinance include the American bulldog, the canary dog or the pit bull terrier.
Monday, Wheeling police were not yet able to release an update on the condition of the child harmed in last week's attack.
Police said that Saturday's incident was minor and the victim did not suffer serious injuries.
They also said, if you are concerned about a particular dog in your neighborhood, let them know and they'll look into it.
(WTOV - June 17, 2013)
