Lynn City Council's office maybe following in Boston's footsteps as the Massachusetts city considers an ordinance requiring all pit bulls in Lynn be muzzled while they're out in the street on a leash. "Dog bite injuries can be very serious," notes Boston attorney Neil Burns of the Law Office of Neil Burns, "cities should take steps they feel are appropriate in order to protect people from dog bite injuries and attacks."
"They're powerful animals," Lynn City Council President Tim Phelan said. And because of a recent wave a pit bull attacks on Lynn residents, he is proposing the ordinance take effect. "You just don't see yellow labs in the news attacking people all the time," Phelan said. What does Lynn City Council President Tim Phelan say to charges he is discriminating against one breed? "Tough," he said.
But Dr. Amy Marder of the Animal Rescue League of Boston noted that there is no evidence that such an ordinance results in a decrease in the reported rate of dog bite attacks. In addition, Dr. Martha Smith, director of veterinary medicine of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, opined that while she "understand(s) completely why people are desperate to find a solution, a muzzle law is not going to solve the problem." As for a muzzle law, these veterinarians noted that Boston already has one.
On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, Lynn City Council President Tim Phelan is expected to propose the ordinance to the rest of the Council. There will be a public hearing on the matter.
