LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) – It has been three months since Lumberton enacted its law regarding so-called vicious dog breeds. Now the city says it is taking steps to enforce that law.
Lumberton city attorney Holt Moore said even though the law against what the city calls vicious dog breeds is on the books, several steps remain before the city can enforce it.
“The city is still in the process of hiring a second animal control officer,” Moore explained. “They want to be careful and not hire just anyone for the position because they’re gonna be dealing directly with the public.”
Moore said it is important to him and the police department that whoever is hired for the position is educated on the policy and treats the community fairly and with respect.”
“They want to get that person in place before they really can have full implementation of the policy,” Moore said.
The ordinance–passed in response to several dog attacks–became law June 13, and means all dog owners must register their pups with the city each year. Council also defined pit bulls, bull terriers, American and other Staffordshire terriers–as well as dogs that resemble them–as too dangerous for people in Lumberton to keep.
An owner of these breeds must register the pet and keep it inside or inside an outdoor kennel that has a concrete or underground floor. The law also calls for registration fees to keep tags on dogs to prove they are owned and have their shots updated.
Moore said until the city gets that second animal control officer, their main job is to educate owners of potentially vicious breeds on how to comply with the law.
“I guess you’d say we’re in the education stage. The city manager has told the police chief if he sees anyone with a pit bull to inform them that this is on the way,” he said.
If you have questions on how to comply with the Lumberton dog ordinance, you are asked to call City Hall.
