The owner of the pit bull that attacked a 15-month-old girl in June, pleaded no contest Wednesday to charges of possessing and harboring a dangerous animal.

Each charge carries a $500 fine and up to six months in jail. Tina Agerson's pit bull ripped part of the scalp off of Charlotte Blevins. Her mother Wendy Blevins was also attacked.

Agerson will be sentenced on December 4th.

Wendy is among those speaking in favor of toughening the laws against dangerous dogs. The Omaha City Council held a public hearing on the issue Tuesday afternoon.

Under the ordinance, owners of breeds considered "potentially dangerous," would have to spay or neuter their dogs. They would also be required to carry insurance and all pit bulls would have to be leashed and muzzled anytime they are outside a fenced yard.

While Wendy would like a total pit bull ban, she'll settle for the current proposal with amendments. "Unless the animal is under the care of someone 19 years or older, I think that should be changed to 21 years old and restrained securely. I do not believe it should be a leash, I believe it should be a harness."

Charlotte is doing well after three surgeries. She's not scheduled to have another until after her second birthday.

Tuesday was the second reading for the ordinance and the last chance for people on both sides of the pit bull debate. Some called for nothing less than a full-scale ban.

"Every dog was bred for a specific purpose,” said Council Bluffs City Assistant Attorney Don Bauermeister. Council Bluffs already has a pit bull ban in place.

“That purpose for a pit bull is a felony in all 50 states, that was the purpose of the pit bull, that's what they do," said Bauermeister. "You cannot trust a pit bull not to fight."

"In researching a total ban, the most glaring problem is that comparable cities with bans are still having problems with pit bulls,” said Nebraska Humane Society president Judy Varner.

Others said the ordinance is prejudicial. "Singling out one specific breed of dog under this law will do nothing to protect the citizens of Omaha from any other dog and I question how the already stressed Humane Society will be able to handle this,” said Angel Petty.

“This ordinance will only punish responsible pet owners who have their dogs registered," said Petty. "Owners that don't have their dogs registered will continue to have their dogs underground, without insurance, without licensing and without vaccinations."

"I personally feel that the insurance portion of the legislation is a bit excessive,” said Carrie Brown, a dog trainer.

The City Council will take all that was said under advisement. Two members were absent, but will get a recording of the hearing.

The council can still revise the ordinance before a final vote which could happen as early as next week. There's a chance that vote could be delayed until September 30th.