City bans aggressive dog breeds

WAPATO, Wash., June 18 (UPI) -- City officials in Wapato, Wash., said they passed an ordinance making it illegal for people to own several types of dogs.

City Council members Monday approved a new law banning residents from owning pit bull terriers or pit bull mixes, including mastiffs, Rottweilers and American bulldogs, the Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic reported Wednesday.

Violators of the new law could be hit with a $250 penalty the first time they are arrested and a $500 penalty for further violations, the newspaper said.

City authorities said trained service dogs and dogs deemed as Canine Good Citizens by the American Kennel Association will not be included in the ordinance.

The ordinance will be put in place in coming days, but people won't be penalized until the city has informed residents of the change, officials say.