BSL Alert - Waco, TX

Proposal to ban pit bull terriers discussed at meeting
By David Crowder / El Paso Times

June 13, 2007

Complete article can be found in the archives at:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/

Excerpts:
Banning pit bull terriers in the city was among the proposals discussed today at a meeting between health district officials and members of City Council and county Commissioners Court.

The meeting at City Hall was to be a joint, decision-making session of City Council and county Commissioners Court but it fell short of that.

County Judge Anthony Cobos and Commissioners Dan Haggerty, Luis Sariñana and Miguel Téran failed to attend. Commissioner Veronica Escobar was present along with representatives of the county attorney and auditor's offices.

The idea of banning pit bull terriers came from Jesse Miller, who runs a nonprofit animal rescue service and shelter.

Bred to fight, pit bulls have been involved in deadly attacks on pets and people.

"We have a serious pit bull problem in this community," Miller said, "and it's going to take a couple more kids to get killed ... before you say, 'You know what? We've got to do something."

"Pit bulls ... are associated with drug dealers and gang members. People that have pit bulls in our community shouldn't have them."

She urged the health district to ask for and the council to approve more animal control officers than Galvan has put in his proposed budget to deal with all the problems.

Asked if the city could ban pit bulls, Galvan said it can and that he would support it.

"As a home rule city, you can pass any ordinance you want until it is challenged in court," Galvan said.

While the city could impose such a ban, county government does not have the authority to do so in unincorporated areas.

David Crowder may be reached at dcrowder@elpasotimes.com

*****

Article II, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution says a home rule city can not enact an ordinance that "contains any provision inconsistent with the Constitution of the State, or of the general laws enacted by the Legislature of this State." Section 822.047 of the Texas Health and Safety Code is an explicit prohibition against a breed specific regulation. Therefore a breed specific ordinance would be unconstitutional.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EL PASO CITY OFFICIALS
2 Civic Center Plaza 10th Floor
El Paso, TX 79901

Mayor John Cook
Fax: (915) 541-4501
mayor@elpasotexas.gov

City Manager Joyce A. Wilson
Fax: (915) 541-4866
citymanager@elpasotexas.gov

Councilwoman Ann Morgan Lilly
Fax: (915) 541-4380
District1@elpasotexas.gov

Councilwoman Susie Byrd
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District2@elpasotexas.gov

Councilman Alejandro Lozano
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District3@elpasotexas.gov

Councilwoman Melina Castro
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District4@elpasotexas.gov

Councilman Presi Ortega
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District5@elpasotexas.gov

Councilman Eddie Holquin, Jr.
Fax: (915) 541- 4262
District6@elpasotexas.gov

Councilman Steve Ortega
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District7@elpasotexas.gov

Councilman Beta O'Rourke
Fax: (915) 541-4300
District8@elpasotexas.gov

EL PASO COUNTY OFFICIALS
500 E. San Antonio Ste. 301
El Paso, TX 79901

County Judge Anthony Cobos
Fax: (915) 543-3888
E-Mail: countyjudge@epcounty.com

Commissioner Luis G. Sarinana
E-Mail: Commissioner1@epcounty.com
Fax: (915) 543-3885

Commissioner Veronica Escobar
E-Mail: Commissioner2@epcounty.com
Fax: (915) 543-3817

Commissioner Miguel A. Teran
E-Mail: Commissioner3@epcounty.com
Fax: (915) 543-3809

Commissioner Daniel R. Haggerty
E-Mail Commissioner4@epcounty.com
Fax: (915) 543-3854