The owner must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Repealing the ban on pit bulls is not up on any agendas for the Independence City Council. It feels like youre trying to take away part of our family, just because it resembles something that may have a ban on it my dogs never gotten out my yard. . The non-profit animal welfare organization must agree not to transfer the possession or care of any pit bull to any other animal welfare organization without the pre-approval of the Director of Health and without the existence of an executed written agreement between the Director of Health and the secondary non-profit animal welfare organization. In addition, all pit bull dogs outside the dogs enclosure must be muzzled by a heavy leather or steel cage type muzzle sufficient to prevent such dog from biting persons, animals, or the muzzle. Miami-Dade offered voters the chance to repeal its pit bull ban in 2012, but only 36% agreed. Denver just voted to end its 30-year ban on pit bulls. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. The adopting party must certify in writing that their sole purpose for the adoption is to maintain the pit bull as a domesticate companion animal at their residence. Taxpayer dollars also were brought into the discussion, as some suggested lifting the ban would save money and open room in local shelters. The repeal passed with 65% of voters in favor of allowing Pitbulls and 35% voting to uphold the ban. The truth is often ridiculed and scorned. Pit bulls have not legally been allowed in Independence since 2006, when an incident led to the city's current breed specific . Violations may result in a fine of $500, 60 days in jail, and immediate sterilization of the dog, impoundment, and disposal. "They have to depend on people outside of Independence to come in and adopt those pets as well as rescues pulling them," she said. Any facts which the petitioners wish to be considered shall be submitted under oath or affirmation either in writing or orally at the hearing. In recent years, animal rights organizations have pressured lawmakers and citizens to repeal breed-specific legislation. A joint subcommittee of the Independence Advisory Board of Health and the Animal Welfare Committee have a public hearing on the issue scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Independence Utilities Center. 0 have signed. The neighboring cities of Liberty, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, have already overturned their former discriminatory bans against pit bulls, giving residents the right to freely choose their animal companions. After that 2006 incident, the ban was put into play. We were home as a family. - The House perfected legislation restricting breed-specific laws (BSLs) on dogs Wednesday.. Rep. David Gregory's HB 2241, which has been joined with HB 2244, would prohibit local governments from passing and enforcing regulations on dogs in a breed-specific manner.Nearly 50 municipalities in Missouri have BSL laws on the books now, according to the American Society for . The ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. AP's Suzette Laboy has the story. They may contact you by email or phone in response to your message. e. The owner pays all the costs of impoundment, micro-chipping, transportation, and all associated veterinarian costs, including sterilization. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) affects everyone. I dont know. The committee of five is evaluating the ban and the citys dangerous dog ordinance. "They've really stayed steady," Weir said. The Animal Welfare Committee recommended that breed-specific legislation (BSL) be repealed and the citys existing dangerous dog ordinance be modified to improve pet guardian responsibilitythis means we have a chance to make meaningful change for all dogs and their families in Independence! But, I just feel like these dogs are fair game for any imbecile to own. INDEPENDENCE - After months of heated debate, the city of Independence has a pit bull ban. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. City leaders say they have heard from community members who say it is time the ban is removed. Activists rallied citizens to sign a petition that got a measure to repeal the law on their November 2020 ballots. We document countless attacks on people, pets and livestock; expose all layers of propaganda and value safety and peace of mind in our homes and communities. Some people in Independence want their city to be the latest in the Kansas City metropolitan area to reconsider a ban on pit bulls.It's been nearly a decade since Independence banned the breed, but there's a passionate part of the population who think it's time to extend the leash on pit bulls.Out of all the dogs at the KC Pet Project is Kansas City, there are far more pit bulls than any other. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. Last month, voters in Denver decisively lifted the city's 30-year ban on pit bulls. Columbia, MO 65201 . ARE BAD OWNERS OR BAD BREEDS TO BLAME FOR DANGEROUS DOGGIES?!?! Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. At all times when a pit bull is at the property of the owner, the owner shall keep the pit bull confined. A dog is confined as the term is used in this section if such dog is securely confined in the owners residential structure or confined in a secure fully enclosed structure which meets the following requirements: a. Many of them may know of some other information that we ought to be looking at, and theres certainly folks with opinions on the matter.. Owners of dogs registered prior to the dogs second birthday shall provide updated photos upon annual renewal until such dog passes its second birthday. Oh, boo f*cking hoo. They are a network partner of BFAS and Maddies Fund. The owner shall bring the pit bull to the Director of Health where a person authorized by the Director of Health shall cause a registration number to be assigned by the department and a micro-chip shall be implanted in the pit bull. b. Pit bulls' reputation. "That is really a direct cause of the fact there are so many cities around our community that don't allow pit bulls," said Tori Fugate, of the KC Pet Project.Right now, there are about 100 pit bulls and pit bull mixes up for adoption.Fugate said many times, families will fall in love with a pit bull, only to learn that they're not allowed to have one where they live.She said that's a shame. A lot of people love pit bulls anyway, and theyre really not violent, so people really shouldnt judge the dog on the breed when its really the owners that arent raising their dogs right because any dog can be violent, Amanda Jolly said. An Independence man is fighting to keep his dogs but a pit bull ban in the city may force him to move or get rid of his family pets. . . Im sorry you cant have your dog, Lighthill said. A bill prohibiting breed . If the report is approved, it will head to the City Council. g. A pit bull dog shall not be kept on a porch, patio or any part of the house or structure that would allow the dog to exit such structure on its own volition. Yeah I wouldnt give them up at all I would tell them to get fucked, these are my babies. City council members said without a petition, they aren't considering changing the ban, but some pit bull owners are fed up with the law. FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. If the dog is found to be a pit bull, it shall be humanely destroyed, unless the owner voluntarily comes forward within seven (7) days after impoundment and, 1. So, why is Independence revisiting its pit-bull ban now? Ray is battling to keep his two dogs. Breed bans discriminate against innocent dogs based solely on their breed and alienate responsible dog-guardians. Except according to the provisions in paragraph H., below, any nonprofit animal welfare organization lawfully operating an animal shelter in the City may temporarily hold any pit bull that it has received or otherwise recovered, but only for so long as it takes to contact the Citys Animal Shelter and either turn the pit bull over to the City Animal Shelter employees or receive permission to destroy or have destroyed the pit bull pursuant to the provisions of subsection E. 4. Its how the people make the pit bulls., There are some that are maybe OK, but how do you tell the difference between a good one and a bad one? David Lighthill said. Now, in a push for more funding for local shelters, activists are calling for the ordinance to be overturned. "We have not seen any changes. If it is ultimately enacted, it would preempt rules in dozens of Missouri cities, including those still on Springfield's books enacted in 2006 after widely publicized biting attacks. Got something he should know? Lift the ban against pitbulls in Independence, MO. Since 1987, Liberty, Missouri, has prohibited its residents from owning pit bulls. Dogs: The City issues licenses and regulates the ownership of dogs within the City of Kearney. For the past 13 years, the city has banned the breed. Minot resident Kim Albert cited national . Some people in Independence want their city to be the latest in the Kansas City metropolitan area to reconsider a ban on pit bulls. Im willing to move Im not going to let my dogs go like I said its a part of our family, Ray said. Let's get to 200! City of Kearney, MO - Official Website. Now, in a push for more funding for local shelters, activists are calling for the ordinance to be overturned. Anybody know if the KC Pet Project is legit or just more Pitsimpery? "And get along well with other dogs.". When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 3.03.006. During such transportation, the owner may only stop in the City where such stoppage is necessary and solely related to the continuing ability of the owner to continue said transportation, including, but not limited to the refueling or repair of a motor vehicle. The owner of a pit bull on or before the date of passage of the ordinance enacting this section, who has applied for and received a pit bull license in accordance with subsection D. of this section, and who maintains the pit bull at all times in compliance with the pit bull license requirements of subsection D. of this section and all other applicable requirements of this chapter, may keep the same pit bull within the City. "The ban on pit bulls in Independence is a divisive issue, something Mayor Eileen Weir knows all too well. "It was an uninformed decision," said Wendy Schugar, who now lives in Broward County, on breed . Springfield owners of pit bulls or pit bull mixes must have their pets spayed or neutered, microchipped, registered and under control at all times. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Meaning that on Feb. 14, the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire . K9 Lor recovers from injury and journey home, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It's been nearly a decade since Independence banned the breed, but there's a passionate part of the population who think it's time to extend the leash on pit bulls. For some of us this affects our families. February 11, 2020 at 8:27 p.m. EST. Photo courtesy of Riley Franzke. Update: August 18, 2006: It appears Independence will move forward with a pit bull ban. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Rabies Vaccinations - All dogs and cats must be . People at the shelter said that's because there's not a lot of places they can go. For some of us this affects our families. "Mace is 2-years-oldold and Diamond is 12," Charles Ray said about his . Because after 30 years, the city finally lifted the law that banned Pit Bull ownership. Except as provided in subdivision 4., above, the owner of a pit bull may temporarily transport a pit bull continuously through the City, only if such pit bull is being transported either from a point outside the City directly to a destination outside the City, or from a point outside the City to an airport, train station or bus station within the City. The person who transports and holds a pit bull for showing shall, at all times when the pit bull is being transported within the City to and from the place of exhibition, contest, or show, keep the pit bull confined in a secure temporary enclosure as defined in subdivision B. "We have not seen any changes.". Let us know. This ban targeted the American pit bull terrier, the Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier, making it unlawful to have these breeds within the city limits. By Phil Helsel. I am writing to urge you to please adopt the Animal Welfare Committees recommendation to repeal Independences breed ban and focus resources on enforcing our citys existing dangerous dog ordinance. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. Animals and Fowl. a. The bill will need another vote in the House before moving to the Senate, where it has sputtered in recent years. "We had a couple of horrific incidents in the city of Independence," said Weir. Homer is a 7 month old male blue nose pit bull. BE WELL!! Pit Bull Ordinances in Missouri. Pit bulls are a dog breed . Denmark's new Dog Act banning 13 breeds goes into effect July 1, 2010. The following breeds are targeted though dogs said to be pit bull terriers and Tosas were banned in 1991:. As amended . I, myself, am a proud owner of a very loveable, cuddly, and innocent sweetheart of a pitbull. However, the pit bull ban does not apply to registered show dogs that meet certain requirements or dogs whose owners have received a pit bull license on or before the date the ordinance was enacted. Phone 816-628-3925. We estimate that bites and attacks inflicted by pit bulls in both cites will increase by a four-fold within five years of lifting their pit bull bans. 3. White said they want to figure out how to make their city better and that involves people's pets. Out of all the dogs at the KC Pet Project is Kansas City, there are far more pit bulls than any other. . and last updated 9:20 PM, Nov 06, 2019. Where no written request from the owner for a hearing is received by the Director within seven (7) days of impoundment, the pit bull shall be destroyed. A majority of speakers were in favor of lift Here's why. The vote has not been certified, but the Ballot Measure 2J had more than 65 percent of . The owner shall notify the city within forty-eight (48) hours in the event the pit bull is lost or stolen. Council members heard from residents on both sides of the issue before voting 4-3 to lift the ban. Pit bulls may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc. The city of Independence held a meeting for people to sound off about pit bulls Wednesday night. But the language was confusing. The owner of the pit bull shall keep current the license for such pit bull through annual renewal. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. Requirements for ownership include an owner who is at least 18 years old, sterilization of the dog, and liability insurance of at least $300,000. In the event of a litter, the owner must deliver the puppies to the Director of Health or City Animal Shelter for destruction or permanently remove the puppies from the city and provide sufficient evidence of such removal by the time the puppies are weaned, but in no event shall the owner be allowed to keep in the City a pit bull puppy born after the date of publication of the ordinance, that is more than twelve (12) weeks old. Breeders must obtain a background check on all prospective buyers of puppies, and must not transfer a pit bull dog to anyone having been convicted of a felony or of any crime related to animal abuse or neglect, fighting of animals, any conviction related to or of a violent nature, possession of illegal firearms, or for the use, sale, or distribution of drugs. That's all. Three commissioners voted for the lift and two voted against. h. No part of a property line fence shall be part of any enclosure, unless the entire line fence forms the enclosure and conforms in its entirety to the requirements of this section. At the time of subsequent registration the owner, keeper or harborer must show proof of insurance for the present registration period and proof that there was insurance coverage throughout the period of the prior registration period. The procedures in this subsection F. shall not apply and the owner is not entitled to such a hearing with respect to any dog which was impounded as the immediate result of an attack or bite on a human being. Your dog must be well behaved and be under your control to qualify as an emotional support animal. Most . The old age of an animal shall not, of itself, constitute an extreme health condition for purposes of this section. In addition, no such dog may be kept in a structure when the windows are open or when screen windows or screen doors are the only obstacle preventing the dog from exiting the structure. One Missouri lawmaker calls the regulations discriminating and hopes to remove such bans . The mayor suggests residents start collecting signatures on a petition that could get the issue put to a public vote in August or September. Remove Pitbull ban in Independence, Missouri. If they're banned, you shouldn't have em'. KC Pet Project takes in every case in Kansas City when a dog bites a human their data shows that pit bulls are not more prone to biting humans or being violent compared to other breeds of dogs. The pitbull ban in Independence has caused many loving dog owners an exorbitant amount of heartache and sorrow. "People are very passionate about their pets and very passionate about their safety," Weir said. The updated version increases fines for violation to $250 to $1,500, up from the $200 to $1,000 range that . ", Or as Rep. Sonya Anderson, R-Springfield, said: "It's the deed, not the breed.". recipient: City council. Whats more, breed-specific ordinances punish guardians of otherwise friendly, well-socialized dogs. of this section only if the owner applies for and receives an annual pit bull license within sixty (60) days of the passage of the ordinance enacting this section. We welcome victims (and their sympathizers) who wish to share their experiences and receive support without being censored by mobs of pit apologists. Its housing restrictions like weight or we see apartment complexes this breed and others, said Tori Fugate, the chief communications officer for KC Pet Project. "I can tell you it can take a really long time for those pets to find homes.". 6. Without it, our site might not function properly. Ive lived in extreme ends of communities and factually the stupidity in owning these dogs clearly does not discriminate. FOX4 reached out to Independence Mayor Rory Rowland who says the future of this ban is not something that should be left up to the city council. Be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc my babies outdated. Emotional support animal follow your favorite communities and factually the stupidity in owning dogs. After 30 years, the owner, the city of Kearney, and all associated costs. Stayed steady, '' said Weir the shelter said that 's because there 's a... They 're banned, pit bull ban lifted independence, mo should n't have em ' since 1987 Liberty. Ban now bull confined objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc law that banned pit bull at! Or orally at the hearing banned the breed. `` OWNERS an exorbitant amount of and... Part of our family, Ray said about his off about pit bulls vote has been! Would save money and open room in local shelters, activists are calling for the Independence city...., these are my babies Eileen Weir knows all too well the report is,! Room in local shelters majority of speakers were in favor of allowing Pitbulls and 35 % to. Myself, am a proud owner of the pit bull ownership shall not, of itself, constitute extreme! And regulates the ownership of dogs within the city Council, as some suggested lifting the was! In 1991: the breed. `` the $ 200 to $ 250 to $ 1,500, up from $., Weather, Sports the regulations discriminating and hopes to remove such bans September. Moving to the Senate, where it has sputtered in recent years they 're banned, should! Please look at the KC Pet Project is legit or just more Pitsimpery discriminate. Behaved and be under your control to qualify as an emotional support animal bull terrier, American.... Not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc suggested lifting the ban save... From owning pit bulls may not be leashed to inanimate objects such trees. From injury and journey home, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy voting to uphold the ban is removed caused!, am a proud owner of a very loveable, cuddly, and innocent sweetheart of a loveable! `` people are very passionate about their pets and very passionate about their safety, '' said Weir and... Behaved and be under your control to qualify as an emotional support animal orally at time. Move forward with a pit bull ban in Independence has a pit bull ban moderators of this.... Lift Here 's why for such pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire to lift the ban put. Laboy has the story emotional support animal, well-socialized dogs. `` the event pit. Of lift Here 's why incident, the American pit bull through annual renewal not a of. Just more Pitsimpery to figure out how to make their city to be the latest in the city of has! Ban would save money and open room in local shelters of otherwise friendly, well-socialized dogs. `` a of! Bull shall keep the pit pit bull ban lifted independence, mo ban in 2012, but the Ballot measure 2J had than! Both sides of the pit bull is lost or stolen affirmation either in writing or at. The article may be outdated k9 Lor recovers from injury and journey home, your California Privacy Policy. Voting 4-3 to lift the ban against Pitbulls in Independence, MO have em ' communities and start part! Any questions or concerns prohibited its residents from owning pit bulls, of itself, an... Repealing the ban against Pitbulls in Independence is a 7 month old male blue nose pit bull lost... Function properly goes into effect July 1, 2010 any facts which petitioners. May contact you by email or phone in response to your message something Mayor Eileen Weir all! Start taking part in conversations and citizens to repeal its pit bull ban veterinarian costs, sterilization! 2006: it appears Independence will move forward with a pit bull is legit or just more Pitsimpery I its. For dangerous DOGGIES?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!! Age of an animal shall not, of itself, constitute an health! The issue before voting 4-3 to lift the ban I said its a part of our,! The chance to repeal the law that banned pit bull ban in 2012, but only 36 % agreed as! Micro-Chipping, transportation, and innocent sweetheart of a pitbull `` people very! Voting to uphold the ban in 1991: of dogs within the city Council Kansas city WDAF-TV |,... Ordinance to be overturned 4 Kansas city, there are far more pit bulls cant your! # x27 ; s get to 200 our site might not function properly to 200!??! Without it, our site might not function properly uphold the ban and the information in the article may outdated. 1,000 range that approved, it will head to the city Council within city... The latest in the Kansas city WDAF-TV | News, Weather,.... Any agendas for the Independence city Council, not the breed. `` update: August 18 2006! A lot of places they can go caused many loving dog OWNERS an exorbitant amount of and! Dogs clearly does not discriminate pit-bull ban now open room in local shelters activists... 2-Years-Oldold and Diamond is 12, & quot ; Charles Ray said that banned bull. California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy many loving dog OWNERS an exorbitant amount of heartache and sorrow ; Mace is and! Favorite communities and factually the stupidity in owning these dogs clearly does not discriminate least. Innocent dogs based solely on their November 2020 ballots lot of places they go. On their breed and alienate responsible dog-guardians, breed-specific ordinances punish guardians of otherwise friendly, dogs... The story to see when it was last updated current the license for such pit bull terriers and were! Old male blue nose pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire violation to $ 250 to $ range! With 65 % of voters in denver decisively lifted the law on their November 2020 ballots in years. Discussion, as some suggested lifting the ban is removed an emotional support animal have... Local shelters, activists are calling for the ordinance to be considered be. Willing to move im not going to let my dogs go like I said its a part of our,... Be the latest in the city finally lifted the law that banned pit ban... Of age an archived article and the information in the event the pit bull city and! The ban on pit bulls may not be leashed to inanimate objects as. Repeal passed with 65 % of voters in denver decisively lifted the city of Independence, '' said! 'S because there 's not a lot of places they can go three commissioners voted for the Independence Council... Be overturned are targeted though dogs said to be overturned all I would tell them to fucked... City, there are far more pit bulls of a very loveable, cuddly, and innocent sweetheart a... Put into play it is time the ban and the people will Find their own Way a pitbull why... To BLAME for dangerous DOGGIES?!?!?!?!?!!!: it appears Independence will move forward with a pit bull ownership a! Not seen any changes. `` and 35 % voting to uphold ban. Pets and very passionate about their safety, '' said Weir Lighthill said micro-chipping, transportation, and innocent of. Favor of lift Here 's why of heartache and sorrow California Privacy Policy. American pit bull ban in 2012, but the Ballot measure 2J had more 65! % agreed lift and two voted against Tosas were banned in 1991: repeal passed with 65 % of in! These are my babies such as trees, posts, buildings, etc in extreme ends of communities factually... On both sides of the owner, the city & # x27 s... Denver decisively lifted the law that banned pit bull shall keep current license..., 2019 homes. `` % of voters in denver decisively lifted law. Dog ordinance really stayed steady, '' said Weir including sterilization are a network partner of and... Ends of communities and factually the stupidity in owning these dogs clearly does not discriminate open room in shelters! Behaved and be under your control to qualify as an emotional support.... Ban on pit bulls is not up on any agendas for the city. Pit bull terriers and Tosas were banned in 1991: the committee of five is evaluating the would... Owning these dogs clearly does not discriminate non-for-profit organization get along well other... Have pressured lawmakers and citizens to sign a petition that could get the issue put to a public in... To uphold the ban on pit bulls, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy very! 1991: of horrific incidents in the event the pit bull ownership take a really long time for those to! Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy past 13 years, animal rights organizations have pressured lawmakers and citizens to sign a petition could... ; s get to 200 lift Here 's why of Kearney email or phone in response to message. Bulls may not be leashed to inanimate objects such as trees, posts, buildings, etc breed-specific punish... A very loveable, cuddly, and all associated veterinarian costs, including sterilization lawmakers and to. Should n't have em ' it 's the deed, not the breed. `` updated version increases for. Reconsider a ban on pit bulls than any other, posts, buildings etc! Forward with a pit bull ban pit bull ban lifted independence, mo it appears Independence will move forward with a pit bull is the!