Lynn muzzle law OK’d

LYNN – A proposal to muzzle pit bull terriers in Lynn caused fur to fly at a heated public hearing Tuesday before the City Council.The hearing allowed lengthy testimony from those on both sides of the issue. After nearly three hours of debate, councilors voted for an ordinance that requires pit bull owners to muzzle their animals when off their property.The councilors also agreed to ask Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy to increase the manpower of the city’s animal control department, which currently has only one full-time officer.”I believe the ordinance will not do much good if it’s not backed up by enforcement and education,” said Lynn resident Tom Sheehan of Essex Street. “Many people say don’t blame the dog for the sins of the owner, but these dogs have the potential to do damage and should not be left in the hands of just anybody.”Joanne Hall of Broadway Circle conceded there may be good owners and bad, but remained convinced that pit bulls ultimately will turn and bite. “Have them all machine-gunned,” she said.Calvin Anderson of Lynn said the city’s dense population cannot support residents with pit bulls. The dogs should be regulated for the sake of public safety, just as there are laws for the storage of gasoline, he said.Tony Persia of Lynn said his pit bull is docile and would never attack a human. He criticized the news media for distorting the pit bull character because the industry “needs a monster” to increase viewers and readers. “These dogs aren’t for everybody. Pit bulls are very misunderstood,” he said. “Persia invited people to come to his house to see his friendly dog. “She’s a sweetheart,” he said.