The City Council of Excelsior Springs is considering the repeal of a 30-year-old ordinance that makes it illegal to own “pit bull breeds” within city limits. On Thursday evening a public listening post was held to allow city council members to learn more about the issue of breed-specific dog bans so that they can make a well-informed decision on the issue. A panel of experts and concerned citizens assembled at the Community Center and discussed the effectiveness of breed-specific dog bans. Those in attendance were, April Moore, Chief of Animal Services for KC Pet Project, Katie Barnett, a Kansas City-based lawyer who specializes in animal law, Pete Rucker, local veterinarian, Gregory Dull, Police Chief, Animal Control officers Kristina Baxter and Melissa Davis, and a concerned citizen Angela Argit who discussed their experiences and what they felt would be the best ideas to include in any new ordinances.
The current ordinances being reconsidered, and most likely to be replaced, are as follows:
The consensus of the group seemed to be that current ordinances are out of date and out of touch with reality. Animal control is aware of many “pitty breeds” being kept within city limits but the reality of trying to enforce the current breed specific ordinance is unfeaseable. Even if a complaint is made, and an investigation is started the burden of proof lies with the city. If an individual dog owner disputes the breed of dog they own, the city would then have to pay to perform DNA testing of the animal, which is costly and time consuming. Almost everyone in attendance was in agreement that a new more enforceable ordinance needs to be written to replace the pit bull breed ban and to strengthen or replace the existing dangerous dog ordiance.
Mayor Sharon Powell reported that during Friday morning’s City Council work session it was decided to withhold from a vote on repealing any ordinances while the council works on drafting a new stronger, more enforcable “dangerous dog” ordinance that does not single out any one specific breed.
to see all codes and ordinances for the City of Excelsior Springs, click here.
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