This is part of the series “By the way, NKY” by reporter Julia Fair. Here’s what’s going on in Northern Kentucky.
If you think something should be included, email reporter Julia Fair at [email protected]
Dayton lifts the ban on dogs
Growing up, I always had at least two dogs running around the house.
We had breeder dogs, shelter dogs, and even rescued a dog from a neglected home. My parents always taught my brother and I how to raise our dogs so we could have the best furry family members.
I was intrigued to learn that the people of Dayton, home to some 5,500 people along the Ohio River across from Cincinnati, are now allowed to own pit bulls.
At its July 6th session, Dayton Councilors voted 4-2 in favor of lifting the ban on American Pit Bull Terriers. Councilors Joe Neary and Jeff Volter oppose the lifting of the ban.
Council members vote to lift the ban: Scott Beseler, Christina Kelly, Jessica Lovins and Beth Nyman. Against the lifting of the ban: Joe Neary and Jeff Volter.
The city originally passed the ordinance in 2006. At the meeting, a local resident said she remembered being approached because police at the time told city officials that local drug dealers were keeping pit bulls in homes as their “weapon of choice”.
These dogs get a bad rap for being used in aerial combat; Stories of pit bull attacks often come up on Google searches for breed. Many people deny that the breed is inherently aggressive, saying that a dog’s behavior is a reflection of its upbringing.
At the meeting, a local resident said he was concerned that lifting the ban would allow “angry pit bulls” to attack people on the sidewalks.
A woman spoke to her service dog, Max, out of fear of council members, who is a pit bull and bulldog mix. She said some pit bulls were mean but added that it was often the owner’s fault and said she would never own a mean dog.
“I’ll be damned if I’m told to get rid of my dog for being mixed up with pit. He’s my service dog, he’s registered,” she said.
City officials spent more than a month discussing lifting the ban, forming a committee to compile a report to investigate the problem, and hearing statements from local residents, according to a city Facebook post.
The city still has a dangerous animal welfare ordinance that requires owners to withhold animals “that pose a physical threat to humans or other pets.”
“These pet owners must also exercise reasonable care and take all necessary steps and precautions to protect other people, property and animals from injury or damage that may result from the behavior of this animal,” the post reads.
The council has also increased the number of dogs a household can have from two to three.
Newport expands outdoor dining
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I rarely ate outside.
I just didn’t get the roll call. In 2020 I learned that sitting outside can be just as comfortable and enjoyable as eating in a restaurant.
Newport will be able to upgrade its outdoor dining program as it has received a $ 37,500 grant from the Devou Good Foundation, according to a press release.
It will provide free tables, chairs, planters and umbrellas to restaurant owners.
“We’re enhancing and enhancing the outdoor dining and drinking experience by using public spaces and sidewalks to provide cafe seating,” said Tom Guidugli, Jr., Newport Mayor, in the press release. “We’ve actually had al fresco dining in town since 2001, but Café Seating takes the program to the next level and offers an enjoyable dining experience.”
Seating will be available later this year, but the publication didn’t give an exact time.
Companies can apply for the program at the Newport City Building at 998 Monmouth St. or download forms from the city’s website.
That’s it for this edition of By the way, NKY. Let us know if you think we should add anything to the next one. In the meantime, here are some ways to keep up with your community:
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Julia is the Northern Kentucky government reporter for the Report For America program. The Enquirer needs local donors to fund its grant-funded position. If you would like to support Julia’s work, you can donate to her Report For America position on this website or email their editor, Carl Weiser, at [email protected] to find out how you can fund their work.
Do you know something that she should know? Send her a message at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @JFair_Reports.
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