Commissioner candidate calls for end to automatic killing of "pit bulls"

4/14/2010

Ben Krompak, a candidate for the Lucas County Board of Commissioners, on Wednesday called for a change in Lucas County dog warden policy to end the automatic killing of "pit bulls" based on the breed label.

"It is past time to change the practices of executing and refusing to adopt out dogs based not on their behavior but on their breed," Mr. Krompak said.

Mr. Krompak is one of six Democrats competing for his party's nomination in the May 4 primary. There are also three Republican candidates. The two top Democratic and Republican vote getters will face off in the November general election for the seat now held by Democrat Ben Konop, who is not seeking re-election.

Mr. Krompak also advocated creation of a $5 dog license for owners who can show financial hardship. He said the discount from the regular $25 fee would increase the rate of compliance with the county's dog licensing law.

Lucas County's newly installed dog warden, Julie Lyle, sought to temporarily halt the scheduled euthanasia of seven dogs slated to be killed, including several healthy "pit bulls."

She was ordered by Lucas County Administrator Peter Ujvagi to continue the county's policy regarding so-called pit bulls for at least 30 days.