Local citizens start to discuss pit bulls (McPherson, KS, USA)

Local citizens start to discuss pit bulls

By JIM MISUNAS, Sentinel Editor
Published: Monday, November 26, 2007 4:35 PM CST
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Pit bulls were on the minds of several McPherson citizens, who voiced concern today about an ordinance that could prohibit the ownership or keeping of pitbulls and pitbull mixes within the city limits.

A proposed ordinance designed to eventually ban the ownership of pit bulls and other dangerous breeds of dogs within the city limits failed in 2005.

The standards, in the proposed ordinance, for keeping certain dog breeds or other potentially dangerous or vicious dogs include leash requirements, confinement, signs and special collars, insurance, identification photographs, reporting requirements, violations and penalties.

During the public input session at the McPherson City Commission meeting, Else Morris said such an ordinance would be a good idea.

"The question is what is more important -- people or dogs?" she asked. "People are more important. I would like pit bulls to be banned from McPherson."

However, four citizens spoke against an ordinance targeted for a specific breed. They raised the issues of mistaken breeds and irresponsible owners.

"It's the people who should be the targets -- not the dogs," said Aaron Dennett, who owns two registered pit bull terriers. "Punish the deed, not the breed."

Susan Dennett, Aaron's sister-in-law, said pit bulls were not born or trained to fight and are perfectly safe.

Dale Leach also owns a pit bull. He said pit bulls can often be confused as other breeds and just identifying a dog as a certain type can be difficult.

"Bites often happen when animals are chained and they are not socialized," he said.

Carmela Leach, Dale's husband, said overcoming commonly-believed stereotypes of pit bulls is difficult for people who are not familiar with the breed. She said pit bulls have gotten bad reputations because of their "scary" appearance. Limiting the number of dogs and spay/neuter programs can help.

"There are other ways to handle this situation," she said. "We all can do more research."

The commissioners said they will continue to accept public input through phone calls (245-2535) or letters. Commissioners said they will schedule a future study session to review the subject.