Waterford Officials Amend Ordinance Regarding Pit Bulls
WATERFORD (WWJ) -- A community's ban on pit bulls has been eased after amendments were approved by the Waterford Township board on Monday night.
New language will allow veterinarians to determine the breed of a dog in question. Currently, police and animal control officials make the decision.
Dozens of residents spoke Monday night against the 26-year-old ordinance. Meantime, new legislation is being discussed in Lansing which addresses the issue of breed-specific ordinances.
The rule was challenged when photo of a Waterford resident and his newly-adopted rescue dog went viral on social media. The township said the dog, named Diggy, was a pit bull and owner Dan Tillery had to either get rid of him or move away.
Tillery decided to stay and was issued a citation — which carried a $500 fine — for his decision to keep Diggy at his home. He contends that Diggy is an American bulldog, not a pit bull.
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"The dog has been smiling and licking face since its existence here, so there's no real reason why someone would want it to not have a good home," Tillery said.
Tillery said based on visual inspection alone, the officers concluded Diggy was a pit bull.
The rescue and Tillery have supporting adoption papers from the City of Detroit Animal Control and Welfare and their veterinarian who all confirm the dog's breed as an American bulldog.