FROSTBURG — Numerous pit bull owners and their supporters attended the Frostburg mayor and council meeting Thursday, opposing any ordinance that would prohibit ownership of the breed in the Mountain City.

At the request of Public Safety Commissioner John Ralston, city officials began public discussion about potential regulation of dangerous or vicious breeds of dogs. No restrictions have yet been proposed.

The dialogue was sparked by a June 17 incident on the campus of Frostburg State University during which Meschach Frost Village resident John Ferree, 62, and his small dog, Butchie, a Jack Russell terrier, were bitten by one of two unleashed pit bulls.

Bradford Schwab was one of seven people who spoke at the meeting in opposition to any breed-specific regulations. Schwab said he was the person walking the pit bulls when the incident took place, though he is not their owner.

“I apologize to the city of Frostburg. I take full responsibility for the dogs being off leash,” Schwab said.

Schwab said coverage of the event by the Times-News was not an accurate portrayal of what took place. Instead of attacking, Schwab said, the pit bull that was involved was trying to play with Butchie. Schwab speculated that when Butchie was lifted by Ferree that it may have been Butchie, and not the pit bull, that got excited and bit Ferree’s hand. Schwab contended as well that Butchie was not injured. Ferree, however, told the paper following the incident that the small dog was treated by a veterinarian for a back wound.

Because it took several days for the pit bulls to be found and for their rabies vaccinations to be confirmed, Ferree had already received five shots to combat the disease, which is always fatal if not dealt with in time. His treatment ceased upon notice of proper vaccination of the dogs.

Danielle Lavin said her young daughter plays with and even attempts to ride the family pit bull. “If I was afraid for my daughter I wouldn’t have (a pit bull),” she said. Lavin said it would be unconstitutional for the city to outlaw a certain breed of dog, yet asked the council to pass an ordinance making it illegal for college students to own dogs. Lavin contended that many college students cannot take care of their dwellings and are not able to properly care for dogs. She asked as well for a dog park within the city so that pets could be exercised in a somewhat controlled environment.

Danielle Yutzy, a pit bull owner, used numerous statistics to inform the city officials that pit bulls are no more dangerous than other breeds, and not as dangerous as some.

Gene Harris was the lone speaker who favored a controlling ordinance, saying that he is afraid of pit bulls. Harris congratulated Ralston for having the courage to initiate the discussion. “I’m glad this is getting publicly aired,” Harris said.

Frostburg Police Sgt. Mike Sweitzer said enforcement of leash laws is the responsibility of his department, though he is not aware of even one complaint during his 25 years of service. City Administrator John Kirby said an Allegany County animal control officer is called in whenever a dog must be captured.

The mayor and council will discuss Thursday’s public comments when they meet in public work session Aug. 16 to determine if an ordinance will be prepared. Any draft ordinance would then be publicly aired at the Sept. 18 work session and additional public comment taken at the September and October public meetings.

Michael A. Sawyers can be reached at msawyers@times-news.com.