Editor’s note: As we’ve been reporting since the beginning (here, here, and here), Bluefield’s breed-specific ordinances have been an unmitigated disaster. It’s unclear if city officials have outright lied to their constituents, or if the city officials themselves can’t get their story or their ordinance straight. Looks like the voters might have something to say about that.
From WVNS-TV:
Controversy is surrounding Bluefield, West Virginia once again.
We’re also learning more about the city’s pit bull ban. And the results of Tuesday’s city’s preliminary election are in. Mayor Whalen served in office for two terms.
By August the official Mayor Elect will be selected from a group of people elected to the city council. Many are wondering, could this mean a change to the newly enacted Pit Bull ban in the city?
Since May 8th, Bluefield Police have issued 26 citations for violations such as failure to register, failure to keep on a leash and improper confinement.
Director of the Mercer County Animal Shelter, Lisa Williams, told us out of the 26 citations issued, only one of them have gone through the court systems, and landed a pit bull in her shelter.
…Early in May, Mayor Whalen told 59 News the ban was supposed to be temporary…It’s possible the results of the election could change when the votes are canvassed on June 10th. There are 3 candidates vying for the District 2 council seat. There are only 21 votes between the Leader and the other two hopefuls.