In response to complaints about aggressive dogs on a recreation trail on the north side of town, the El Dorado City Council has agreed to post signs to address the issue.
The conversation began with a proposal to ban pit bulls from the trail that encircles Lions Club Municipal Golf Course and the Union County Fairgrounds and ended with an agreement to post signage addressing aggressive dogs without specifying a particular breed.
During a regular city council meeting on Aug. 9, Council Member Billy Blann said he had received a call from “an older gentleman” who complained about a “very aggressive” pit bull that was being walked on a tow chain.
Council Member Willie McGhee inquired about the number of such incidents that have been reported on the trail, which has become a popular recreation spot since it was built a few years ago.
Blann cited his own experiences, saying he has encountered owners with aggressive dogs on the trail three times within the past three years.
“They’re aggressive. They lunge at you, and I’ve had to run off the trail to get around them,” Blann said. “There are a lot of mothers with strollers with babies. That trail is only eight feet wide and there are pit bulls with tow chains. I don’t feel safe.”
He then suggested that pit bulls be banned from the trail, drawing objections from his fellow council members.
“I own a pit bull and she’s like a puppy dog. It’s how you raise them. You can raise a Chihuahua to be mean,” Council Member Vance Williamson said.
Council Member Dianne Hammond co-signed, saying, “It’s about how the owner raises them.”
Added McGhee, “Any dog can be aggressive. It’s not fair to target a certain group of animal. We need to target the owner.”
City Attorney Henry Kinslow noted that the city already has an ordinance addressing vicious dogs.
Williamson suggested that signs be posted on the trail to prohibit vicious and aggressive dogs. He said the signs could include a telephone number to call and lodge reports and complaints.
“You have your phone. You can take a picture or video,” Hammond said.
After further discussion, Blann said he “would settle for starting with a couple of signs,” and he made a motion to that effect.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at [email protected].