SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KMEG) – After months of discussion, Sioux City’s city council in Iowa has repealed an 11-year-old ban on pit bulls.
The final approval came on a 4 to 1 vote Tuesday, with Councilmember Pete Groetken the only person voting against repeal.
Supporters of removing the ban are relieved by the decision.
“The ban itself is really illegal and it’s prejudice. So the fact that they lifted it, it’s been repealed is a really good thing. People can finally be at peace with their animals,” said Chontelle Carter, a supporter of repealing the pit bull ban.
“Anybody who knows, has been around these dogs, they’re the clowns of the dog world. They are not vicious, inherently vicious. Any dog will bite you, a German Shepherd will bite you, a Rottweiler will bite you, a poodle will bite you and so if you know enough about dogs, it’s about how they’re raised, it’s not about the breed specifically,” said Gregory Giles, who owns a pit bull and lives in Plymouth County.
Despite some misgivings about repealing the ban, most council members felt they needed to take the city attorney’s advice on the issue.
“Everybody was very respectful. Everybody just tried to give us their opinion. You know, I think Rhonda got beat up on the deal a little bit more than she should have, the rest of us, basically were just emails trying to explain a person’s position,” said Mayor Bob Scott.
“The city did the right thing. We did the right thing. I believe the city will be safer for it. People don’t seem to think that, but I truly believe that,” said Rhonda Capron, council member.
With the repeal, pit bull owners can register their pets starting Monday when the repeal ordinance takes effect.
