"Monday couldn't have gotten off to a more controversial start in the town of Washington Monday where enforcement began of a controversial ordinance involving Pit Bulls. One that requires Pit Bull owners living inside the city limits to comply with or risk losing their animals forever.
Police and those in animal control say they're only doing their job. But as you might expect that's not a satisfactory response for those who have dogs that are being seized, and under the ordinance and have just days to comply with the new regulations before their animals may be put down.
Washington Police Chief Ronelle Broussard says letters went out 30 days ago to Pit Bull owners who were still not in compliance with the town's new ordinance, warning them their time was running out.
"None of them have complied so we are picking them up" says Chief Broussard.
One of those Pit Bull owners is Charline Rubin who told Eyewitness news she's been doing all she can to meet the deadline.
"It's not like buying car insurance it takes time to get this done. In the meantime I have met all the other requirements. I have the right size kennel, the collar, the leash, the micro chip, the lock. They had to cut the lock to get my dog and they still took it."
Two other Pitt Bulls taken Monday morning belong to an alderwoman at large who voted against the original measure because she thought singling out just one breed of dog for such strict regulations wasn't fair.
Fair or not, as of Monday afternoon, officials with animal control in Opelousas have picked 15 Pitt Bulls.
Director Patrica Guillory told Eyewitness news her shelter puts down unclaimed animals after five days.
But Guillory says she is attempting to get the dogs transferred to rescue shelters. Guillory also told Eyewitness News Chief Broussard has instructed her to take no action as long as the dog's owner contacts her and makes a good faith effort to obtain insurance.
Some owners are even trying to pick up their dog by promising to turn it over to friends or relatives who live outside the Washington city limits.
But Guillory says the town officials have yet to decide if that's an acceptable option or not. So for now the Pit Bulls will not be released until their owners provide proof they have obtained the necessary insurance. "
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