Pit bulls and pit bull mix dogs can now be adopted from the Frederick County Animal Shelter. A temporary halt was placed on these adoptions following a ruling last week from the Maryland Court of Appeals. The panel, in a 4-3 ruling, said these types of dogs were "categorically dangerous." That means that if someone sues after being attacked, the plaintiff does not have to prove the dog's history of violent behavior for the owner to be held liable for damages.

"Our Board of County Commissioners, with the concurrence of Michael Chomel, the Assistant County Attorney, agreed that Frederick County's Animal Shelter should continue the adoption of pit bull and pit bull mixes, assuring that their temperament is sound," says Harold Domer, Frederick County's Animal Control Director. The Commissioners made their decision on Thursday.

Pit bulls have had a bad reputation in recent years, with some claiming that these animals are vicious and aggressive. But Domer says in most cases, if dogs display bad behavior, it's usually due to the treatment they receive from their owners. If a dog or any other animal is socialized with people or other dogs, the animal is not normally aggressive. "And I think when people do that, no matter what the breed, it makes them {the dog} a loyal companion," he says.

In making their decision, the Commissioners say they are convinced that processes are in place at the Animal Shelter to assess an animal's behavior before it's put up for adoption. "We wholeheartedly support and are confident that our Animal Control Division has the proper policies in place to address aggressiveness in animals," says Commissioners' President Blaine Young, in a statement.

The ruling resulted from a case where a 10-year-old boy in Baltimore County was attacked by a neighbor's pit pull in 2007. The victim spent 17 days in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Frederick County also has a dangerous dogs ordinance on its books to address aggressive animals. "When we determine from an animal bite, and in this case we're going to focus on a dog bite, is whether that bite was provoked or unprovoked," he says. "And an unprovoked bite, depending on its severity, will determine if the dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous." If the dog is considered dangerous, Domer says the owner can keep the animal, but it will be subject to some restrictions. "It has be altered. It has to be mircochiped. It can't leave the property unless it's for an examination by a veterinarian. It has to be muzzled, and the leash can't be any longer than six-feet."