Wrightstown is making changes to its dog ordinance after several dog owners said that the current policies were discriminatory toward breeds stereotyped to be “vicious”.

But the Wrightstown village board says they’re just trying to keep everyone safe and accountable for their pets.

In December, Wrightstown sent pit bull owners letters stipulating some restrictions that would be enforced if they had a breed of dog that was deemed vicious.

Two pit bull owners that attended the meeting Wednesday said they did not want to comment on camera until they had the village’s revised ordinance in writing.

The village board is hoping these changes will keep the community safe.

“Prior to this last fall dogs weren’t allowed to be brought into any of the village parks,” says board trustee Keith Wendlandt. “We amended that. We want to be more dog-friendly.”

But some say their animal ordinance isn’t so friendly.

“It’s not fair, it’s ignorant, there’s no scientific evidence behind this one breed being a danger to others,” says one resident of Wrightstown.

There are currently 15 registered pit bulls in Wrightstown.

Prior to the ordinance’s revisions, pit bulls and other dogs determined to be vicious had to wear muzzles while on walks and said dogs had to be kept behind screen doors while on the owner’s property.

While they will no longer have to do either of those things, some of the ordinance’s provisions remain intact.

“They have to provide proof of insurance if you have a vicious dog by definition or determination,” says Wendlandt. “You have to post signage so as somebody’s walking down the street they’re aware that there is a dog that has been determined to be vicious at that residence.”

The town hasn’t had a violent dog incident since the early 90s when a pit bull killed another dog.

They’re trying to keep that from happening again while trying to appease pet owners.

“We understand people are very passionate about their pets and we want passionate pet owners,” says Wendlandt. “Because they’re the most responsible ones out there. These modifications are a middle ground there.”

Prior to these changes, many dog owners didn’t know about the specific vicious dog provision of the animal ordinance.

Now pit bull owners will have to sign a form while registering their pet that states they will comply with the town’s vicious dog requirements.