Vallone Wants Law Banning Pit Bulls In New York City

Photo Vinny DuPre This pit bull was friendly and congenial when approached by a Gazette staff member who was a stranger to the dog.

The start of a new administration in Albany has encouraged City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. to pursue legislation to ban pit bulls in New York City.

Noting that a similar proposal had no chance in Albany previously, Vallone (D–Astoria) said he plans to file a bill asking the state legislature to authorize New York City to ban the breed in the five boroughs.

Present owners of pit bulls would be exempted from any ban.

Explaining his reasons for the proposed ban, Vallone said, “Pit bulls are responsible for many, many attacks. A parent on the street can’t protect their children or themselves from what is actually a weapon. Once [pit bulls] attack, they’re unstoppable. They become lethal weapons.”

Vallone classifies himself as an animal lover whose two young daughters own a Bichon Frise. However, he added, “I have always thought [pit bulls] should not be allowed on our streets. They have been bred to be violent.”

Dog experts disagree with Vallone, saying a ban is unnecessary. They say that the pit bulls’ erratic and wild behavior is caused by the way their owners treat and train them.

Mary Martin, executive director of Animal Care & Control, says pet owners must be forced to be more responsible for their pets. Martin says a dog’s behavior is not the dog’s fault.

After Vallone’s proposal appeared in newspapers, pit bull lovers responded that they don’t believe the breed is inherently dangerous and a ban is unnecessary, according to the Associated Press (AP).

In a dispatch last week, the wire service cited Pedro Rosario, owner of four pit bulls, who said a dog’s temperament is determined by how a dog is raised.

Rosario, who has worked at the Manhattan shelter and adoption center for more than a decade, said, “With a responsible owner, [a pit bull] could be a great pet in the house.”

According to the AP, Greta Godoy agreed with Rosario, saying, “It all has to do with how you teach them, how you nurture them. If you do abuse them, they will become very aggressive.”

—John Toscano