Banned from the city were the Staffordshire bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier, and any mixed breed of dog containing either of the two breeds. Outright ban disputed Several groups have complained that the ban hurt dog owners with tame pit bulls. Her group supported the changes to the city's dog laws. There are few communities that still ban a breed outright, said Peter Paris, spokesman for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The rules actually discourage people from registering their animals, he said.
Many cities rely on temperament-based legislation.
The move to change Cincinnati's laws was prompted by cases in which tame pit bull terriers were confiscated. The suggested changes require greater responsibility and control by dog owners, said Carol Walker, an administrative assistant to the city safety director. Parents or legal guardians of minors who own such dogs are responsible for them. Vicious dogs must be identified using a microchip inserted between its shoulder blades, and by a tattoo. Cincinnati police must be notified immediately if the dog is loose or has attacked someone.