Animal Law Changes

Save

Email Address: news@kake.com

26 comments

A | A | A

Every year, nearly six-thousand dogs are brought into Wichita's animal shelter. More than 60 percent of them are euthanized. One-third of the dogs put to sleep are pitbulls. The city hopes to fix this problem and many others by tightenting it's animal control and protection laws.

The proposed changes:

1. A maximum of only two pit bulls would be allowed in one household.

2. Most would be required to be spayed or neutered.

3. Any dog that gets loose more than twice in a year would also be required to be fixed.

4. All pit bulls or other dangerous dogs would be required to be microchipped.

5. Convicted felons would be barred from owning or even living with a dangerous dog.

6. All dogfighting paraphernalia would be prohibited. Dog licenses and animal fines are also scheduled to go up under these new regulations.

More Stories
Fire Department Ready For Busy Holiday Weekend

North Korea Under Missile Watch

Two Kay County, OK Escapees Captured

Palin Resigning As Alaska Governor

Duplex Fire In SE Wichita

Job Seekers Seek Solace With Fellow Faithful

SC Serial Killer Blamed For 4 Deaths In 6 Days

Texas Woman To Serve 9 Years In Infant's Drowning

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Timothy Briscoe Location: Wichita Ks on Dec 20, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Pitts,Rotts,are not mean breeds thes dogs we got throughout the city biting people is not the result of a bad breed but rather a bad breeder..Ipersonaly own 3 pits I am also a convicted felone former gang member and I still dont view thes breeds safe dogs under the care of bad,neglectful,owners,trainers,and breeders Me and some of my buddies pull dogs at weight pulling events and there is a lot of hard work that gos into these dogs so to hear that people are fighting pitts in my city and area close to my home is not good i have started bringing my dogs in the house at 7 now we have 2 attemps to steal on our dog and there is no second thought about it the persone that would steal my dog would have fought him me and my homeboy was walking back from the store and happend upon a died pitt younge 6 7 months tops good looking pupp with no throat STOP FIGHTING DOG AND PUT THE MONEY ON YOUR HEAD PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE MESSING UP GOOD BREEDS

Posted by: daniel Location: winfield ks on Nov 27, 2008 at 02:44 PM
yea honestly i dont think that pitbulls should be outlawed in town its not the dogs fault it is the owners fault only bad owners can have bad dogs i dont think its fair to outlaw animals and say u cant have them in this town anymore.

Posted by: Allison Location: TEXAS on Mar 28, 2008 at 08:23 PM
I agree with 1.4.6. As for 2. ALL SHOULD BE FIXED! It curbs aggression in any breed of dog! 3. And you cant keep your dog in contained you have no buisness with one after attempts for it to be corrected. 5. I dont agree with the conivcted felons cant have or LIVE with a bully type breed I feel it should be case to case as NOT all have animal cruelty or issues involved with it, People make mistakes in life, my husband has a felony from ten yrs ago, he is a hard wrker, paid his dues and learned his mistake we have two wonderful dogs a boxer and one a pit, we also are a rescue leaigue and he would NOT ever harm an animal. So to say Any Felon cant is not a fair to oness that have made one mistake and not animal related. His was a drug charge and he has been clean for years, works hard everyday, and babies his pets. They sleep with us! Just my two cents on this proposal you have as I am a Pit BUll actovist and welfare rescue organazation for the breed as well as other breeds a-z

Posted by: Josh Location: mulvane on Jan 23, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I dont agree with these laws because i have seen many other dogs rather than pit bulls fight. The only reason pit bulls are mean because it is the way they are treated and the way they are trained, so if you want to ban something ban the people that abuse the dogs and train them to fight.

Posted by: Barb Location: Wichita on Dec 8, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Read about the Rabies Vaccine Challenge Study on the internet and health effects to dogs of overvaccination. The study is being done to prove that rabies vaccines last 5 or possibly 7 years. Two vets who truly care about dogs are donating their time to do the study.

Posted by: Barb Location: Wichita on Dec 8, 2007 at 02:57 AM
I don't know about pit bulls but raising dog license fees for everyone is just punishing people who already follow the ordinances, not the ones causing problems. License fees here are already high. Also RABIES VACCINES EVERY YEAR ARE A WASTE OF DOG OWNERS MONEY AND AN UNNECCESARY RISK TO DOG'S HEALTH. Wichita needs to change to triennial vaccines, like most of the country and some parts of Kansas. THE RABIES VACCINE IS PROVEN TO LAST 3 YEARS, NOT 1. OVERVACCINATING IS HARMING OUR DOGS. This is not a dog friendly city. Anything for money.

Posted by: Alex Location: Missouri on Jul 27, 2007 at 12:32 PM
It is the owner that controls whether a dog is a good dog or not, no matter what breed it is! Mandatory Microchipping violates the 1st Amendment & also exposes the animal to radiation. Bad people move on to other breeds once one is banned, unphased by breed bans. It is responsible people and loving owners that are punished by BSL and breed bans. Instead of narrow-minded, mis-informed and un-Constitutional bans, it is important for everyone to work together to SAVE what little rights we have left as American Citizens. "JUDGE THE DEED NOT THE BREED!!!"

Posted by: Duane Location: Mulvane on Jul 26, 2007 at 10:27 PM
We need tougher laws than these. I love dogs, I don't dislike pit bulls, but these dogs were bred for one thing; to be mean for pit fighting. Turning these admittedly very pretty dogs loose in a neighborhood is like encouraging kids to go up and pet a bomb waiting to go off. If we don't at least enforce an insurance requirement for people that own these purpose-bred attack dogs (specifically naming the animal(s)in question)we are all going to have to bear the cost of the injuries they cause. Limit the present number, then prevent future additions to that number to remedy this problem for both the victims of pit bull attacks as well as for the poor dogs that are guilty of simply acting as they have been bred to. It is not fair to the dogs, and it is certainly not fair to the helpless victims.

Posted by: Misty J. Location: Wichita, Ks on Jul 26, 2007 at 12:13 PM
I think all of us pitbull or none pitbull owners need to sign a petition against this new law suppose to be coming out and let them know we will not stand for it it will be our right to let everyone know you can push us to the side. It is discriminating against our animals that is calling out on one breed!!! That is like being racist we shouldnt have to deal with this in our society. Those pet owners who are not responsible needs punished not EVERYONE!!!!! Just because those people trying to change the law doesnt own a pitbull there dangerous right come on anyone or anything can be dangerous!!!!!! I have even heard of little dogs biting someone and if they have rabies they were considered dangerous as well but why should our breed of dog stand out I know way worse dogs even around my area I live that are more dangerous then my dog. I will tell you one thing if they change the license fees for dogs so many people will not pay it so those of us who will have to be punished.

Posted by: dave Location: wichita on Jul 26, 2007 at 09:42 AM
i carry mail in south wichita, and we have more problems with pitbulls than any other breed. it has been my experience that most people who own pit bulls are either insecure trash, or someone who thinks that having an aggressive dog will somehow bolster their pathetic social status. completely ban the dogs and i wouldnt shed a tear.

Posted by: Chelsea Location: Wichita on Jul 26, 2007 at 12:39 AM
I know some pit bulls are dangerous but also some are good i love dogs and i think all are okay there is some that are mean and can kill expectually Pit bulls but all can be saved and are okay i am glad that the law are letting us have them i thought sooner or later they would take all pitbulls away from everywhere in Kansas but it is still mean to youthinize some dogs / animals. Only if their where room if we could i would think we would take some aniamls to other shelters to be adopted. Unless they do that now. I am not sure. But it is cruel to treat a dog baddly. Where crusal events like dogfighting happens hopefully Kansas would be fixed from all the aniaml cruleity there is.

Posted by: TERRY Location: WICHITA on Jul 25, 2007 at 10:31 PM
MY FAMILY HAS OWNED PITBULLS MY ENTIRE LIFE.I AM NOW 44.I WAS RAISED ON A FARM IN SUMNER COUNTY.OUR DOGS WERE HERD DOGS,HUNTING DOGS,AND MOST OF ALL FAMILY.I NOW LIVE IN WICHITA WITH MY WIFE AND SON AND THREE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.MY YARD IS FENCED..NO TETHER ,NO DOG RUNS NO POSTED SIGNES.AS FOR A BEWARE OF DOG SIGN IN A COURT OF LAW IS CONSIDERED THAT YOUR DOGS ARE DANGEROUS.MICROCHIPS ARE FOR RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS.PEOPLE THAT FIGHT ,INBREED,OR PROFIT FROM THIS WILL NOT REGISTER,IMMUNIZE OR CARE IF THERE DOGS LIVE OR DIE.AS LONG AS LONG AS IT CAN WIN FIGHTS ,REPRODUCE OR MAKE A PROFIT FOR THE OWNER.I HAVE SEEN ONE DOG FIGHT IN MY LIFE AND I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT BEATEN OR KILLED AS FOR I WAS APPALLED BY THE UNCARING SICK PUNKS IN THE HOUSE ON THE NORTH END OF TOWN AND VOICED MY OPINION.THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I MET GANG MEMBERS.AND I WOULD BET MY RIGHT EYE THAT THE GUNS WERE NOT REGISTERED ALSO.I WAS TOLD I WAS TO MEET SOME ONE THAT HAD REGISTERED DOGS AS FOR MY BEST FRIEND OF ELEVEN YEARS HADE DIED IN HIS SLEEP.NOT FROM A FIGHT, NEGLECT,JUST HIS TIME.

Posted by: Teresa Location: Colorado on Jul 25, 2007 at 06:16 PM
These changes are not going to help the illegal dogs anyway just make it tougher on show dogs&family dogs too.Just enforce the laws already there.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Wichita on Jul 25, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Why is everyone that owns a pitbull being punished? Pitbulls have to be trained to attack, just like any other dog.

Posted by: Bonnie Location: New York on Jul 25, 2007 at 12:57 PM
You refer to pit bulls as dangerous. They happen to be one of the best dogs for kids with the best temperment. It is all about how the dog is trained that makes the difference. Maybe potential owners should be made to sit through a few hours of the dog whisperer with Cesar Milan.

Posted by: Deb Location: Wichita, KS on Jul 25, 2007 at 12:34 PM
I don't own a Pit Bull, but dog license fees will go up? Anything to get our money. My Sheltie is harmless!

Posted by: Misty Location: Wichita,Ks on Jul 25, 2007 at 11:02 AM
OMG!!! What has this world come to when we are being controlled on what animals we can even own. If you go back and look it says that we are "the land of the free" first off tell me how that is when we pay taxes which arent free, we pay bills which are not free, we dont even have freedom of speech anymore because someone might "get offended" come on now we cant even choose our own pets how freakin rediculous is this world turning into!!! They should worry about keeping sexual preditors locked up and murderers in jail then to worry about locking up dogs or limiting on how many you have. Dang by next year there going to say too many people live on the world time to put a limit on how many kids you can have as well!!!!!!!!!! Our dogs are grandfathered in and I will never get rid of my dog for anything yes he is a pitbull but never once in his whole 4 years with has ever done anything wrong besides barked out the window he is for protection. If you take a look security systems are nice but if a burglar came into my house I know that I am protected we have to have security anymore you never know when you could get robbed or murderered but lets worry about locking dogs up or limiting you on what you can have thats more important then anything right? Its just amazing how they can sit in office all day long and the only worries are about dogs what is the deal and why is our tax money being wasted on this?

Posted by: Nic Location: Belle Plaine on Jul 25, 2007 at 10:12 AM
These proposed changes I think are best for both human and animal. I am pleased that it's not the dog being punished for being a dog, it is the owner forced into being a responsible owner.

Posted by: CP Location: Wichita on Jul 25, 2007 at 09:50 AM
What other dogs besides Pit bulls are considered dangerous dogs?

Posted by: Melissa Location: Wichita on Jul 25, 2007 at 07:31 AM
I don't agree with all of these changes. It is basically going to a breed specific law and that is discrimination. I do feel that the city needs to go after dog owners that are not responsable and instead of those of us who are responsable. I am a pitbull owner and my dogs live with me and my two young kids and they are part of the family. People need to be informed of the true nature of the breed instead of what they have been told about it. Get the facts out there. Yeah there are some bad dogs out there but that is with all breeds not just the pitbull. It's time for people to be held responsable for their actions, its not fair for any breed of dog to be singled out because of what it is. That's racial profiling. All that is going to happen is people will find a new breed to move to and then another and then another till alot of dog breeds are no longer in existance because we as the human race think we can fix a problem by going after the victims instead of the people who are in the wrong.

Posted by: Teresa Location: Wichita on Jul 25, 2007 at 05:12 AM
Any dog can be dangerous, I own a pitbull, and he is the most wonderful loving dog. He was raisied with a loving hand,pitbulls need alot of TLC. If the city is going to require microchipping, it should be required for all dogs, ANY dog will bite. And requirement #5, that's nuts, certain felons shouldn't be allowed the rule, like ones with person crimes. The people making these rules should really do there homework, I have a pitbull instead of a gun to protect my home.

Posted by: abc Location: Wichita, KS on Jul 25, 2007 at 01:59 AM
Cities must step up to the plate to protect its citizens when irresponsible individual’s actions threaten our safety. A LOCKED PADLOCK ON ALL GATES WHICH LEAD TO DOGS OF ANY BREED should be required.

Posted by: Karina Location: Nashville, TN on Jul 25, 2007 at 12:16 AM
-How about all dogs be required to be microchiped. -Only liscensed breeders be allowed to have non altered dogs. Otherwise there should be mandatory spay/neuter. -Convicted fellons such as abusers of ANY kind be bared from owning ANY dog or cat. -Anything conected with dogfighting be prohibited by law.

Posted by: j Location: Butler Co. on Jul 25, 2007 at 12:01 AM
I feel that people with good pitbulls are being punished for the ones that are using thiers for foghting.Improper training can make any dog mean.

Posted by: Anita Location: Winfield,Ks. on Jul 24, 2007 at 09:56 PM
What about a stance on cats. Something should be done to downsize the cat population and owners need to be held responsible for them as well. Like here in Winfield, there are numerous "stray" cats out and about. And if that's not enough how about all the people that dump their cats and/or pets, leaving them to survive in the wild. Most of them go through horrible deaths by snake bites, coyotes,etc... Come on let's get a tighter rein on pets, especially cats.

Posted by: Stephanie Location: Wichita on Jul 24, 2007 at 09:55 PM
"All pit bulls or other dangerous dogs would be required to be microchipped." I don't have a problem with microchipping, but what exactly how is a Dangerous Dog defined??

Offbeat News Headlines
Inmate Sentenced For Stealing Jail’s Computer Judge quoted as telling the Michigan resident that stealing from a jail was "the dumbest crime" he'd heard that day. (Full Story)
Mite Crossing: Slick Roads Ahead There were so many insects on the roadway that it looks as though the ground was moving. (Full Story)
New Laws In Effect Around U.S., Eyeball Tattooing Out All kinds of new laws went into effect July 1st around the country. In Oklahoma, there's a ban on the tattooing of eyeballs. (Full Story)
Elephants Outdo Humans In NYC Bun-Eating Contest They called it a bun-eating competition, but it wasn't much of a contest. (Full Story)
Firefighters Put Out "Fire" With Remote Control This had to be one of the easiest fires to put out. (Full Story)
Mich. Soldier In Iraq Sworn In As Lawyer By Video A Michigan soldier serving in Iraq has been sworn in as an attorney during a unique long-distance video ceremony. (Full Story)
Burglar Leaves Behind Self-Portrait On Cell Phone Isn't this burglar nice? He snapped his own mug shot so the cops wouldn't have to. (Full Story)
Newspaper Columnists Give Gov. Palin Dubious Honor The National Society of Newspaper Columnists chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the winner of its annual Sitting Duck Award, a tongue-in-cheek honor that pokes fun at the most ridiculed newsmakers in the United States. (Full Story)
More Headlines