Lake Cherokee board considering ban on pit bulls
By RANDY ROSS
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Lake Cherokee might become a pit bull-free community.
The private lake's board of trustees has discussed a possible ban on the breed, but the board has not taken any action on it, said Tommy Martin , manager of the Cherokee Water Company.
Martin, who serves the community in a position similar to a city manager, said private communities can enact breed-specific bans on animals, even though counties and cities cannot. The lake and the surrounding land is owned by the Cherokee Water Company, which leases the property to residents.
"We are a private entity," Martin said.
The death of 10-year-old Justin Clinton of Leverett's Chapel in June prompted the discussion, he said. A pair of pit bulls attacked the boy, who died of his injuries.
Authorities euthanized the dogs, and the Rusk County Commissioners Court enacted leash laws for two subdivisions in the county. The court rejected a county-wide leash law.
Martin said any ordinance would require at least two public hearings before going into effect. The process would take at least two months and allow for input from Lake Cherokee residents, he said.
About 875 families live in the community, according to the Cherokee Associates Real Estate Web site.
http://www.news-journal.com/news/content/news/stories/2009/08/13/08142009_cherokee_pit_bulls.html
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