Dog advocacy group asks city to reconsider pit bull ban

Dodge City, KS -- The Dodge City Canine Corporation made its case Tuesday that the Dodge City Commission should reconsider the city's ban on pit bulls, but the commission did not act on the group's request.

The Canine Corporation, a group of advocates for pit bulls and other dogs, sought to persuade the commission to repeal the ban before it takes effect Feb. 1. The group presented its arguments during the visitors' section of the commission's regular meeting, but the commission does not normally act immediately on requests made during the visitors' section unless there is an emergency.

The Canine Corporation opposes the ban on pit bulls on the grounds that the city should crack down on vicious dogs of all types instead of singling out a specific breed.

"I've got a packet here I'm going to present tonight of scientific data and case law that would ask Dodge City to reconsider the breed-specific legislation and, in place, pass effective legislation that directs at the behavior of the individual dog and the irresponsible owner," said pit bull owner Russell Wooten.

Starting Feb. 1, pit bull owners to either register their dogs with the city within 30 days or get rid of them. The permit will cost $50, with a $5 annual renewal fee.

The city's animal control division will implant a microchip in the skin of registered pit bulls so they can be easily identified if they are picked up for running loose.

Unregistered pit bulls could be seized and impounded, and their owner could face a fine of up to $2,500, up to a year in jail or both.

Mayor Mark Pingsterhaus told a Globe reporter after the meeting that he did not think the commission was interested in reconsidering the ban.

"Just based on the number of incidents that have happened in our community recently," he said. "We've set the course, and we'll see how it comes out."

He said, however, that the commission will consider adopting an anti-tethering ordinance and review fines for violating the city's animal regulations.

An anti-tethering ordinance would dictate how long dog owners can leave their dogs tethered in their yard, and it would apply to all dogs -Ênot just pit bull owners.

Canine Corporation vice president Brenda Rose told the Globe on Monday that her group would like to see the city adopt an anti-tethering measure.