Council Bluffs, IA. (Sep. 25, 2004) - They are a dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom and are now banned there: Pit Bulls.

The Omaha News' Heather Alexander reports that a proposed ordinance to ban pit bulls may be coming just across the Missouri River.

The City of Council Bluffs has documented 21 human attacks by pit bulls in 2004. For safety reasons, the Board of Health now calls a pit bull ban necessary. Safety is the top concern, City Health Director Donn Dierks said.

As the ordinance is written, if somebody has a pit bull that is not licensed and the Board of Health finds out about it, the dog will be impounded.

The City of Council Bluffs has a policy prohibiting adoption of pit bulls.

Pit bulls are taken to the Council Bluffs animal shelter where they are held for three days. If an owner has not claimed the dog by the third day, then euthanasia will be given. However, if a licensed dog has current shots and is a first offender, a dog may be returned to the owner, Council Bluffs Chief Animal Control officer Galen Barrett said.

Under the proposed ban, an owner of a pit bull attacking someone would need to provide proof of insurance for at least $100,000 in liability. The proposed ordinance will be brought to the Council Bluffs City Council Oct. 11.