BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. — Pit bulls are considered dangerous animals in the city of Bonner Springs. Now, the decision of a new task force could change that.
The task force met Thursday evening to look at the city’s whole animal ordinance.
The biggest issue is whether a breed-specific restriction against pit bulls should remain. It was the task forces first ever meeting. It’s still unclear if the ordinance will be changed at all.
However, it’s something the task force will explore because so many residents are finding issue with the breed-specific restriction.
Bonner Springs resident Nancy Metzler says she was at the meeting because pit bulls have unfairly gotten a bad reputation over the years
“I was interested in seeing that maybe we don’t discriminate against a dog, that it can be a wonderful loving trusting pet, with a loving trusting owner,” said Metzler.
The task force is made up of city council members, law enforcement, animal control, an insurance agent, even a judge.
“Make the determination on whether we want to change it. Whether we want to get rid of it, and replace it with something else, or do we need to enhance it,” said Ward 2 councilman Tom Stephens
He says several residents have approached the council about the breed specific rule.
This is just the first of many meetings, where the task force will try to make sure the city’s animal ordinance is what’s best for man — and man’s best friend.
The task force also discussed the issue of chaining dogs up outside, which some felt potentially makes any breed of dog more aggressive.