While an ordinance would not likely be breed specific, the focus is on pitbulls following two attacks this year. (photo by Heather Hopkins/flickr)

By Zach Dietmeier

BLOOMINGTON - A recent string of dog attacks has the City of Bloomington searching options of what exactly can be done.

Alderwoman Karen Schmidt knows while breed specific restrictions may not be available, more exploration is necessary.

"We did talk about it last week at the Bloomington Police Department focus group meeting and Chief McKinley gave some pretty riveting statistics about vicious dogs and dog attacks," said Schmidt. "I wonder if this wouldn't be an opportunity for us to get a small citizen group together to look at best practices in similar communities."

City Manager David Hales said the council could form a sub-committee to investigate potential solutions.

"We do have an updated report that has the benefit not only of the police and their officers but we have also reached out to the Department of Health and our animal program managers to see what's available nationwide," said Hales.

Bloomington Police and the city's legal department have been looking at ordinances and rules for dog owners after two serious attacks by pit bulls this year.

A giant schnauzer was injured in an attack by a pit bull in May and the owners complained to city council members. In October, a Bloomington couple was seriously injured when two pit bulls attacked them while they were delivering phone books at an apartment building.

Schmidt doesn't have a definite fix but said the city must investigate new options.

"I don't think we will ever come up with the perfect solution, but I continue to get e-mails with suggestions" said Schmidt. "A lot of people are interested in trying to figure out what the best thing is that treats this in a positive and progressive way."

Zach Dietmeier can be reached at zach.dietmeier@cumulus.com.