Pit Bulls (Only a Few) Allowed in Lakewood

Pit bulls are still illegal in Lakewood.

But on Monday night, passed a measure that will “temporarily” allow them to be housed by veterinarians, animal hospitals and animal rescues. 

Last month, council president Brian Powers that sought to clarify the that bans the breed from the city.

About 18 pit bulls were grandfathered in when the original ban went into effect.

“We wanted to make it absolutely clear that if one of these animals are in their possession for any period of time, it’s not a violation of the law,” Powers told Lakewood Patch.

The ordinance did nothing to address signed last month by Gov. John Kasich that declassified pit bulls as dangerous and vicious animals.

“There’s a home rule issue here,” Powers said. “We can have laws as a municipality.

“I don’t know of anyone on council who wants to change that law.”

Councilwoman Monique Smith was the only member of council who voted against the measure Monday night, citing concerns about people using the amended ordinance to keep pit bulls in their homes.

Law director Kevin Butler said where pit bulls could be housed is regulated by the city’s zoning code.