[BSL-UPDATES] Pit bull population debated, meeting TONIGHT (Clairton, PA)

Clairton Residents, Humane Officials Debate Pit Bull Population
Community Meeting Scheduled For 10 P.M. Friday
POSTED: 11:01 pm EDT October 8, 2009
UPDATED: 11:44 pm EDT October 8, 2009

CLAIRTON, Pa. -- Bob Bartolomeo said he called Animal Control about a pit bull roaming his Clairton neighborhood hoping the dog would be returned to its owner, but when Ferree Kennels found the dog's home, they said they also discovered a second pit bull tied up with no water or food.

Pit bull owner Colleen Policastro said she was stunned to see what happened next.

"Having guns drawn out on it, ready to shoot it for no apparent reason. You know those officers, whether they were barking and growling at these officers or what, it's territorial, protecting its property. It's what it's supposed to do," said Policastro.

Ken Ferree, owner of Ferree Kennels, said the leashed dog was aggressive and the chain could have snapped at any moment.

Ferree said their actions were "Absolutely appropriate, bottom line. This was about the time children get out of school."

Both dogs were taken away, but Bartolomeo said he was worried and called Animal Friends to ensure the dogs would not be put down.

"I said, 'Just make sure you don't destroy them. He said, 'We have to wait to hear from the owners. We have citations waiting for them,'' said Bartolomeo.

Earlier in the day, another pit bull became aggressive toward a mailman, trapping him inside his vehicle.

Animal Control had to call Clairton officers, who shot and killed the dog when they said it turned on them.

Ferree said "no officer wants to shoot an animal, nor myself. Public safety is number one."

Neighbors told Channel 4 Action News' Tara Edwards that they believe the problem isn't always the pit bulls, but how they are treated.

The issue is expected to be addressed Friday night during a meeting at the Clairton Municipal Building at 10 p.m.

http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/21245537/detail.html