Pit bull tails may soon be wagging in Enumclaw, courtesy of the City Council.

For nearly a quarter-century, the controversial canine has been banned from the city. But an ordinance now winding its way through City Hall would put an end to the breed-specific prohibition. The council approved the ordinance upon first reading Sept. 22 – with one councilman offering some words of caution – and is expected to issue a final vote during an Oct. 13 session.

The 1980s and 1990s brought a series of high-profile incidents of unprovoked attacks and gruesome maulings by pit bulls throughout the region. In response to community concerns, Enumclaw leaders placed an outright ban on several breeds ­- the Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Stafford Shire Bull Terrier and American Stafford Terrier Рthat collectively contribute to what is known as a pit bull.

When pit bulls are found to be living in Enumclaw, King County Animal Control springs into action and dictates that the dog be immediately moved.

Now, it seems attitudes have evolved.

“Over the past two decades the public focus has shifted away from a breed specific concern to a more general concern over vicious animals, regardless of breed,” City Administrator Chris Searcy wrote in a Sept. 17 memo to the council.

Searcy’s note added that the city “continues to receive requests to repeal the pit bull restriction.”

Most notably, perhaps, came complaints from the Olympic Kennel Club, which annually fills the Enumclaw Expo Center with a dog show that features thousands of canines and just as many owners and handlers. The OKC has considered hosting additional shows at the Expo Center but some would involve terrier breeds that are banned by the city.

During the council’s Sept. 22 session, Councilman Morgan Irwin was the only one to offer comment, calling upon his experience as an officer with the Seattle Police Department.

“In my short tenure…of seven months on the street, I’ve had six dog bites in my jurisdiction,” he said. “All six were pit bulls.”

Irwin said the notion of ending the prohibition on pit bulls was causing him “a lot of angst.” He noted he would be giving the ordinance plenty of thought prior to casting a vote and encouraged his fellow council members to do the same.