WHITEHALL, Ohio -- The heated debate over whether to ban vicious dogs, such as pit bulls, took an unexpected turn in one Central Ohio community.
The city of Whitehall was deciding whether to ban the animals.
Whitehall City Council wasn't supposed to vote on the issue for another two weeks.
Council member Chris Rodriguez asked to suspend the rules and make an immediate decision.
Rodriguez said the citizens deserve better than the continued theatrics surrounding the issue, and he wanted to get the issue off the table.
Council member Jacquelyn Thompson, who proposed the ordinance, said she was surprised by the rule suspension and believes it was planned.
The proposed ordinance was voted down with a 5 to 2 vote.
The debate isn't over just yet, though.
Council member Leslie Lacorte said she is going to propose an ordinance to put the issue up for a vote by citizens on the November ballot.
Under state law, all dogs known as pit bulls are considered vicious, including American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier and American bulldog.
Currently, vicious dog owners are required to put up a six-foot fence, have liability insurance and to have their dogs micro-chipped.
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