Lemon Grove's city manager said Saturday the city will wait for the outcome of a sheriff's investigation into the death of an 8-month- old boy killed in a pit-bull attack before deciding whether to amend its animal regulations.
City Manager Graham Mitchell said it was still premature to contemplate changes in city operations or policies in response to the boy's death.
Three pit bulls were impounded Thursday following the attack, which occurred in a small apartment on West Street.
The city's municipal code contains numerous provisions about the handling of vicious and potentially dangerous dogs, but does not specifically address pit bulls. San Diego County Animal Services Lt. Dan DeSousa said that is common practice so as not to discriminate among breeds.
"We don't regulate the breed based on the actions of a couple of dogs," DeSousa said.
As for the viability of residents keeping three canines in an apartment, DeSousa said it comes down to whether an owner is capable of caring for the pets in a limited space.
The three male pit bulls are in a shelter run by the city of Chula Vista, which provides animal control and shelter services on contract with Lemon Grove.
"They look like they were well-cared for—mellow, just hanging out in their cages," said Anne Steinberger, a Chula Vista spokeswoman.
The animals will remain in quarantine until the sheriff's investigation is complete, she said.
Steinberger said the city of Chula Vista has "a very proactive" animal control program. So far this year, 21 dogs have been impounded for bites, she said.
Spay and neutering programs were also very important, since many of the problems involving animals are the result of over-population, she said.
—City News Service
