LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) – Last week the city of Lumberton passed an ordinance regarding dog breeds that they call “potentially dangerous.” Monday night the Robeson County Board of Commissioners heard arguments for and against ordinances like Lumberton’s.
Lumberton’s ordinance requires owners of breeds like pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers to register with the city, keep their dogs in a concrete-padded outdoor kennel or inside at all times, as well as pay for up to $100,000 in liability insurance.
Those against the new regulations said making all owners pay for the sins of a few bad dogs is unfair. Those in favor say these breeds are more likely to hurt humans and other dogs, and want to keep people safe.
Jamie West’s son was killed by a pit bull in January. She says while she understands the arguments against her, there’s one thing on which she’s not willing to compromise.
“On the liability insurance,” West said. “As the owner of a pool, as an owner of a trampoline, I have to have insurance for other children as well as my own. You have a dog, and whether it’s a death or two stitches, you should be held liable.”
No vote was held following Monday night’s public comment. The Robeson County Health Department plans to take this issue up for consideration at its next meeting on Thursday.
