MIDDLESBORO - The city of Middlesboro is preparing to take drastic measures on the issue of the pit bull problems as they will consider an ordinance tonight that would ban that breed of dog from the city completely.

Members of the Middlesboro City Council have been discussing a solution to the pit bull complaints they have received over the past several weeks.

At the April 4 meeting, several members of the council talked about ways to solve the problem, including the possibility of banning the dogs from the parks - especially since some parents have complained that they won't let their kids go to the parks because of the dogs.

In a brief letter dated April 11, city attorney Robert Bowling sent the proposed ordinance for the review of the council and Mayor Ben Hickman regarding the “prohibition of pit bulls within the city.”

The ordinance defines the pit bull’ as any American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog (Old Century Bulldog), or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of anyone one or more of the above breeds.

If passed, the ordinance would prohibit any person to “have, own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell within the city, any Pit Bull or restricted breed of dog.”

Owners of the dogs would have 30 days from the date the ordinance passed to remove the animal from the city. Anyone found to be breaking the new ordinance and convicted could face a $400 fine, and face up to 90 days in jail.

Other cities around the country have banned the breed of dog within town limits, including the northern Kentucky town of Dayton.

The city council will have the first reading of the ordinance tonight at the city council meeting. Two readings are required before it would take effect.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Natasha Douglas is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at ndouglas@middlesborodailynews.com