Rottweilers, Dobermans banned in North Dakota town
Our snarl of the month goes to Kenmare, N.D., where the city council – which had already voted to keep the town safe from “pit bulls” – has now added American Staffordshire terriers, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers and any cross of those breeds to the list of banned dogs.
All of this was precipitated by … absolutely nothing. The mayor and council say they were being “proactive,” according to this article in the Minot Daily News.
The council passed the ordinance April 14. Another meeting was held this week to hear from residents opposed to the law, some of whom have threatened to move out of town should the law be upheld.
“He’s our pride and joy. It’s like coming in and taking one of our kids,” said Brandon Peterson, who owns a 140-pound Rottweiler named Diesel. “They shouldn’t make somebody get rid of somebody in their family. I think we all need to work together to come up with something and not kick somebody out of town because that would be just crazy.”
Peterson said he will move before he gives up his dog. “He’s a good boy. I will never ever get rid of him.”
The city wasn’t taking action against dog owners before the May 12 meeting. If it upholds its ordinance, affected dog owners will have 10 days to remove their animals or face fines.
Comments
I have already warned all of my family and friends: if a ban comes to Baltimore that requires me to give up my dog, I'll be gone without a second thought.
Posted by: Carey | May 14, 2008 12:25 PM
This is the problem with all of the people who say "yes, ban those evil Pitbulls!!"...see what happens...it opens the door to allow the lawmakers to arbitrarily pick breeds to ban. Even if you don't like certain breeds, please realize the slippery slope that bans allow. And BTW, just to make myself clear, Pitbulls are NOT evil and the uproar they have "caused" is insane.
One last thought---10 days to get rid of your banned breed or face fines?! Are you kidding me??? I also would move, but couldn't quite get a house sold and be gone in 10 days!
Posted by: Amy | May 14, 2008 1:08 PM
I wonder how long it will be before we see the first story about someone being killed due to these Breed Bans.
Pretty soon there will be no place that you can move to.
Your only choice will be to hand your dog over or fight back.
I know I would NEVER turn my dog over voluntarily if someone showed up at my door and attempted to seize a family member for no reason.
I wonder if that`s what it will take to wake up Legislators.
Some deaths of people prepared to give their lives for their dogs.
I can`t recall where I read this but I think it was in the UK where a young man hanged himself the day after his Pit Bull was seized and put to death.
They`re going to seize the wrong dog one of these days. It`s just a matter of time.
I truly believe that.
Posted by: MG | May 25, 2008 12:16 AM