On December 23, 2025, a horrifying incident shook the streets of Manhattan, NY, when a pitbull viciously attacked a one-year-old baby in broad daylight. This devastating event underscored the ever-present danger that certain dog breeds, particularly pitbulls, pose to our communities. In Richland County, the threat remains palpable. No family should have to endure the trauma that results from such attacks, and no individual or pet should be exposed to this level of risk. 

     Despite the best intentions of owners—whether through rigorous training or careful supervision—the breed's unpredictable nature can and very often does lead to fatal outcomes. Statistics support this concern: pitbulls and pitbull mixes are responsible for a disproportionate number of serious injuries, deaths and attacks across the United States. According to the National Association of Dog Bite Statistics, pitbulls are involved in approximately 64% of dog bite fatalities, even though they make up only 6% of the dog population. The rate of the number of fatalities caused by pitbulls in the US have greatly increased from the span of 2018-2023, following the appeal of Mansfield Ohio's pitbull ban in 2017. The largest counter-argument remains: the tragedies and events are simply the result of poor ownership. However, the best way to prevent related tragedies are to take matters more seriously and take into consideration that this breed in particular was bred for blood-sports like baiting bears, bulls, and fighting other dogs. Regardless of how the animal is raised or taken care of, the pitbull has the capacity to be aggressive and deadly-and blatant evidence supports that the breed continues to do so, oftentimes also attacking their owners. Is it necessary for this breed to exist in our neighborhoods? Do we want to take any risks? And most importantly, should people's and pets' lives depend on how well an owner takes care of their pitbull? One slip-up would be one too many.  

     Given these alarming statistics and widespread and increasing amount of public reported incidents accessible online, it is imperative that proactive steps are taken to protect residents of Richland County. We propose a ban on both the breeding and ownership of pitbulls and pitbull mixes in our community. It must be pointed out that in Wooster Ohio, a pitbull is considered a "vicious" animal, regardless of its behavior, which includes the following breeds: "American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, or any mixed breed of dog which includes as an element of its breeding any of the aforementioned breeds..." (animallaw.info). In Parma Ohio, pitbulls are classified as "prohibited animals", similar to lions and tigers. Likewise to the prohibitions in Wooster, Warrensville Heights, Parma, and in Greenhills Ohio, we also propose a prohibition to ensure safety and reduce preventable tragedies in our community as we identify the threats that pitbulls also pose to Richland County.

     An example of a humane approach to the Breed Specific Legislation is in Melvindale Michigan, where the process of their pitbull ban (2006-currently) involved a grandfather clause, allowing current pitbulls to maintain in the city while on restrictions while prohibiting the breed from entering into the city or from breeding to uphold the ban.

     Currently, the website for the Humane Society of Richland County, Ohio lists photos and descriptions with a virtual majority of pitbull and pitbull mixes in their "Adoptables" section. Some reasons why there are so many adoptables of that particular breed, listed on the site in a hand full of the breed's descriptions, include reasons such as  "animal cruelty", "abandonment", "neglect", etc. Statistically, this type of breed is largely occupied in shelters because of irresponsible breeding, behavior issues, and lack of resources provided by owners. The cycle of irresponsible breeding, high volume of shelter occupancies, aggressive behaviors, incidents, and ultimately, fatalities will continue unless a breed-specific legislation is adequately enforced. 

     By signing this petition, you are advocating for a safer Richland County, where citizens can feel secure in their neighborhoods, pitbulls will no longer be irresponsibly bred or be subjected to going to and/or returning to shelters, and tragic incidents like the one in Manhattan can be avoided in the future. Join us in calling for this critical change today. Sign the petition in favor of a ban to the breeding and ownership of American Pit Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier mixes in Richland County, Ohio.