By Gary Lloyd
CLAY — A trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 2 to determine whether or not the vicious dog ordinance in Clay is unconstitutional.
The trial will begin at 9 a.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse in downtown Birmingham, in Judge Joseph Boohaker’s courtroom.
The trial is expected to last at least four days, Clay City Manager Ronnie Dixon said.
A Facebook event titled “Trial to Overturn BSL in Clay, AL” says, “We are there as an act of solidarity with the plaintiffs. We are there to show the judge that we don’t want BSL and that this matters a great deal to a great many people. We are there to show them that we are normal, everyday people who are responsible dog owners & WE ARE THE MAJORITY.”
“BSL” refers to breed-specific legislation.
“A win will set legal precedent upon which all other ordinances can be litigated or ruled unlawful,” the Facebook event states.
The Clay City Council in June 2013 approved the “vicious dog” ordinance, which bans pit bulls and other “vicious dogs” in city limits. Mary and Stephen Schreiner are plaintiffs in the court case.
“Please join us in support of our beloved breed and the amazing couple who stood up in defense of their dogs and YOUR dogs, the Schreiners…,” the Facebook event states.
The Clay City Council in March voted unanimously in favor of a new leash ordinance to help curb the number of loose animals in the area.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.