While lifting an existing ban on pit bulls, the Wellington City Council passed an amended vicious animal ordinance to strengthen penalties for owning vicious pets.
    The action came in the form of two ordinances at the Tuesday evening Council meeting July 1. 
    Council first considered an ordinance which repealed the City’s current pit bull ordinance.  According to reports, city staff did not recommend changes to the pit bull ordinance with  City prosecuting attorney Kerwin Spencer and Police Chief Tracy Heath in agreement the ordinance can be enforced when needed.
    Councilman Terry Craig was the only no vote on lifting the ban in a vote of five to one.
    Council members Larry Shimer, B.J. Tracy, Cindy Antonich, Richard Granger and Jim Valentine were in favor of the change and Evan Watson and Chris Buckman did not attend Tuesday’s meeting.
    Also speaking to the issue were two audience members, each taking different stances on the pit bull ordinance. 
    “To the people who have pit bulls, if they are rejoicing in our decision tonight, I hope they recognize they have a grave responsibility to keep their dogs under control,” said councilman Shimer.
    Following the repeal of the pit bull ban, the Council approved a new vicious dog ordinance which includes possible fines of no less than $300 and up to $1,000, as well as possible jail time.
    These fines can be applied for those whose animals attack, as well as those who provide inhumane treatment to their animals.
    The ordinance also includes a ban on exotic animals, which were previously not included in the City’s animal control ordinances.  Under the approved ordinance are animals considered non-domestic or wild in nature, with some exceptions depending on the containment of such animals. 
    Further information on the defined exotic pets can be obtained at Wellington City Hall or by calling 326-2811.