Kansas City Pit Bull Ordinance

Sorry. No snappy blog title today. Talking about killing animals pretty much takes all the humor right out of me. The Neighborhood Development and Housing Committee took testimony yesterday from citizens on both sides of the dangerous dog debate. In the end they recommended the following be voted on by the full council: Mandate that pit bulls be spayed or neutered, unless owners obtain a breeder’s permit. The breeder’s fee would be $100, and animal-control personnel would inspect the breeder’s premises. The first offense would be a $500 fine. I sympathize with responsible Pit Bull owners. It must be frustrating to be singled out because of the behavior of some idiots who think it's cool to have a dog that can kill. I agree that it is the owners and not the breed that is the problem. These dogs need our help, not our hate. BUT... We have an enormous pet overpopulation problem. Do you know that over 600 pit bulls have been euthanized by KC Animal Control this year? That's just pit bulls! That's not counting the other breeds. It's very easy for people to be cavalier about demanding their rights and not wanting to spay or neuter. They've probably never been to a animal control facility and had to euthanize countless animals day after day. Animals who want nothing more than a loving home so that they can love in return. While mandatory spay and neuter policy is a good start, I don't think it goes far enough. I think it should apply to all breeds. Cats too. I don't think the breeder's fee is high enough. The license fee should be high enough to discourage "puppy mill" breeders who are only in it to make a quick buck. Good grief. Didn't I just document that it costs $250 to put a chair on the sidewalk in front of your business? But it's only $100 to breed animals? Isn't something a little off kilter here? I'm willing to work with pet owners on this issue. But I'll be more inclined to listen to people who volunteer for animal rescue organizations than anyone else. Wayside Waifs as well as individual breed rescue groups are on the front lines of animal welfare. I think including the opinions and experiences of the people with the most knowledge and experience makes sense. Don't you?