Pit bull owners fighting ban

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BALTIMORE, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- A Baltimore housing cooperative has demanded residents get rid of their pit bulls, causing an uproar among community members.

Armistead Homes Corp., which manages a low-income housing cooperative in Northeast Baltimore, told residents last month they must get rid of their purebred and mixed pit bulls or face eviction, The Baltimore Sun reported Sunday.

Armistead Homes made the decision after the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled purebred pit bulls are "inherently dangerous" and that landlords could potentially be liable if a pit bull attacks a person on their property.

Local resident Joseph Weigel filed a complaint in federal court, claiming the appeals court decision was unconstitutional, as it violates property rights by making residents choose between their homes and pets.

Armistead has until Wednesday to respond to a request for a temporary stay on evicting residents and the state has until Sept. 27 to respond to the complaint.

Other residents say they wont get rid of their dogs.

"I don't care what they do. I'll sell my house before I get rid of my dog," said Shelly Kizina.

Kizina's sister, Amber Craig, who also lives in the neighborhood, agreed.

"I'm not getting rid of my dog. She's a member of the family," she said.