The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is meant to help disabled people get the assistance they need.

That includes trained dogs for the blind and hearing impaired.

In the past, federal courts have upheld efforts by cities like Douglasville to ban particular breeds citing their right to protect public safety.

But Bob Barr, a political commentator and former republican congressman, says a new rule from the U.S. Department of Justice says banning pit bulls violates the rights of the disabled.

"The Department of Justice has issued an opinion that makes very clear that municipalities that might already have a breed specific law on the books or may be considering it do so at their own peril," said Barr.

Douglasville officials wouldn’t comment on the federal rule.

The city council will hold a final vote on the pit bull ban Monday.

Tags: Douglasville, pit bulls, U.S. Department of Justice, pit bull ban, Americans with Disabillities Act, Bob Barr