In January of this year the Excelsior Springs City Council presented a reconsideration to the Dangerous Dogs ordinance that included a Pit Bull “breed ban” established in 1987. After holding a Listening Post in March, the ordinance’s language was revised to strike the language that bans Pit Bull breeds, but leaves the dangerous dog sections of the ordinance intact. This is so the community can still be protected from an aggressive dog of any breed. Both the Excelsior Springs Police Department and Excelsior Springs Animal Control officers expressed that they were comfortable with the amendment in consideration. The council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.
Response from the ordinance change was overwhelmingly positive on the Excelsior Springs Animal Control’s Facebook Page. Local Veterinarian Clinton Watkins of Vintage Plaza Veterinary Hospital said on a post, “Way over due. The city is full of great pitbull dogs. They will only improve the situation for owners and the poor animal control officers required to enforce the nonsensical ban.”
There were citizens that spoke against the repeal on the thread, too. Resident Dan Fasching stated, “How long til someone’s kid or Grandmother gets mauled? With all the other wonderful breeds, why is it that some people just MUST own a pit bull? For sure the most irresponsibly bred dog there is. Too many people breed for fighting or disregard the desired traits and temperament just to make $300-400 a pup. Any breed can bite or be aggressive, not many are as capable of killing a person as a pit bull. Just my opinion…based on facts.” This comment resulted in backlash with other citizens disagreeing.
Citizen Deborah Boman shared, “I lived in NKC for 35 years and walked 1,000 miles a year. I was bit once by a pit bull. I moved here two years ago and have had two encounters with pit mixes. One was very gory. I do not agree with the decision. I am just thankful that I was attacked instead of a child.”
During the council meeting City Councilwoman Sonya Morgan mentioned that the public should also be aware that cats were also added to the ordinance, too.
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