**URGENT ALERT** Vinita Park, Missouri

[Rene Allegrini]

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Vinita Park moves to outlaw pit bulls
By Norm Parish
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
02/21/2007

Since the fall, there have been at least 2 attacks by the dogs in the city.

VINITA PARK — Pit bull owners here will have to get rid of their dogs within a couple of months under an ordinance the City Council is expected to approve Monday.

If passed, the ordinance would make Vinita Park among the communities that restrict pit bulls.

The council plans come after voters passed a pit bull ban last November by a vote of 404-224. The council had to decide whether pit bulls already in the city could remain.

The ordinance will require the owners to get rid of their dogs in 60 days.

"I have to support the vote of the people," said Mayor Virginia Bira. "We have had several people attacked by the dogs in the last two years."

Since the fall, at least two attacks have occurred in Vinita Park, said police Chief Michael Webb. One person was bitten by one, and a small dog was attacked as well, Webb said.

There are about 15 pet owners with about 30 pit bulls in the city, Webb said.

Ben Harlan, who has owned two pit bulls for a couple of years, said he thinks fellow owners of the dog are being treated unfairly.

"This is like being told to get rid of your kids in 60 days," said Harlan, a 31-year-old fast food manager who lives in the 8300 block of Flora Avenue. "I don't like this at all."

Chris Wicker, another pit bull owner, agreed.

Wicker, 28, however, acknowledged that one of his two dogs had been cited for attacking another dog last year. He said he was fined $250. He said no one could prove his dog actually attacked the animal.

Wicker, of the 8300 block of Monroe Street, showed several trophies his dogs have won in local dog shows.

"I just think pit bulls get a bad name," said Wicker, who plans to train to become a police officer.

Several communities have laws regarding the animal. For example, Ferguson residents cannot own the dogs, while University City has restrictions on the breed.

Pit bull owners there also must have liability insurance of $100,000 for injury or death caused by dogs, and they must muzzle the leashed dogs when off their properties.

STLtoday - News - St. Louis City / County

Contact Information:

City Clerk:
Vinita Park

8374 Midland Boulevard - Vinita Park, MO 63114


Phone 314-428-7373
Fax 314-428-7379
Office Hours 8:30-5:00
Council Meeting 3rd Monday - 7:00 p.m






Mayor
Virginia A. Bira
8237 Monroe Drive 63114
314-427-7080

Alderman 1 William J. Beekman 8250 Monroe Dr. 63114 314-427-8978
Alderman 1 James Richman 8217 Jackson 63114 314-426-6916
Alderman 2 Donald Bono 2308 Gilrose 63114 314-427-2055
Alderman 2 Ora Mae Stokes 1723 Gulf Dr. 63114 314-429-3028
Alderman 3 Celeste McGee 8220 Washington St. 63114 314-426-5529
Alderman 3 James McGee 8220 Washington St. 63114 314-426-5529
City Clerk (Vacant) 8374 Midland Blvd. 63114 314-428-7373
Police Chief Michael Webb 8374 Midland Blvd. 63114 314-428-7373
Public Works Director Rick Murray 8374 Midland Blvd. 63114 314-428-7373