The new rules now limit both the size and, in some cases, the breed of dogs allowed to be registered in city-run housing developments.
In part, the authority says, "Dog policy has been modified to address the concerns repeatedly raised by residents and resident leadership regarding pets."
Under new housing regulations, all registered dogs must be under 25 pounds. Three breeds, Rottweilers, dobermans and pit bulls will no longer be allowed.
"My G" is certainly one of the friendlier pit bulls. But others worry about the larger dogs, especially around children.
Jason Thoman's brother was once bitten by a larger dog, but he now wonders about the weight limit, which was lowered from 40 pounds.
"What's going to stop them from [banning] golden retrievers and the labradors?" he said. "I mean, what's to stop them from that...what kind of dogs are you going to have? You going to have the little Shih Zus running around?"
City Councilman Peter Vallone has long had concerns about pit bulls in urban environments.
"I would never take a dog from an individual that hasn't proven to be dangerous," he said. "I'm a dog owner and a dog lover. Can't do that. But we should not allow future pit bulls, espeically, into housing developments."
The housing authority's goal is to have all dogs registered, while limiting new ones in the future.
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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