Auburn retains pit bull ban

AUBURN – Mayor Dan White broke a council tie Monday to defeat a provision that would allow pit bull dogs in the Auburn city limits.

Auburn has had a ban on pit bulls for over a decade and Councilman Tom Clark said he voted against the proposed ordinance because it would change that.

Although there was limited discussion at Monday’s meeting, at an earlier meeting Clark described pit bulls as unpredictable animals.

 

 

City Attorney Angelo Ligouri said dog owners in Auburn have been primarily cooperative when they are notified of the city’s ban. Some dogs were allowed to stay in town under the grandfather clause when the ordinance was adopted 12 years ago, but Clark says all of those dogs are now gone.

Clark said other dogs he  has been seeing around town  are in violation of the ordinance and he called upon Mayor White to encourage enforcement of the ordinance by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office.

Dogs are identified as pit bulls by "the appearance and characteristics of being predominately of the breed."

Under the current ordinance, people who keep pit bulls in the city limits could be fined $500 per day once their appeal process has been exhausted.

The proposed ordinance would have allowed bull terrier breeds and American Staffordshire terrier breeds when they are registered with the city and are not allowed to go outside without a secure leash and muzzle.

The failed ordinance would have provided an application for a muzzle exemption.

Council members Rick Janssen, Jeff Jeanneret and Chris Erickson voted in favor.

Council members Katy Billings, Shawn Clark and Tom Clark voted against.

Mayor White cast the deciding no vote.