Beatrice, NE: Second reading of proposed BSL, April 4

In March, Beatrice, NE council discussed a new animal ordinance that would declare all “pit bulls” (any dog appearing to be more than 50% “pit bull,” DNA tests done at owner’s expense) to be “potentially dangerous” dogs, thereby placing discriminatory restrictions on pit bull ownership.

The local humane society and a few members of the public have spoken against the breed-specific language, but council reaction has been mixed. It is not clear whether the council will remove the breed-specific language. Locals, please attend the second reading of the ordinance and request breed-neutral revisions. Respectful, but vocal, public opposition to BSL is critical at this stage.

Council meeting, April 4, 7:00 PM at Beatrice Administration Building, 320 N. 5th Street, Beatrice, NE 68310

Contact information
Beatrice City Council, 400 Ella Street, Beatrice, Nebraska 68310
(402) 228-5200
FAX (402) 228-2312
City Attorney feedback form: http://www.beatrice.ne.gov/feedback.php?d=atty
City Clerk feedback form: http://www.beatrice.ne.gov/feedback.php?d=clrk
City Administrator Neal Niedfeldt, nniedfeldt@beatrice.ne.gov

Council to revisit animal ordinance

By Scott Koperski/Daily Sun staff writer | Posted: Saturday, April 2, 2011 6:00 am

[…] The proposed ordinance was brought up in response to discussions dating back to last year regarding claims that special legislation – possibly even a ban – should be placed on pit bull breeds of dogs. The council will hear the second of three readings of the ordinance during Monday’s regular meeting, at 7 p.m. at the Beatrice Public Schools Administration Building.[…]

City attorney Tobias Tempelmeyer said a major difference in the proposed ordinance is it would automatically classify pit bulls as “potentially-dangerous” animals.[…]

While discussions continue, Tempelmeyer said a council member approached him about preparing certain amendments that would remove the pit bull wording, among other things, from the ordinance.[…]

While Tempelmeyer was asked to prepare these amendments to the resolution, he said they may not be proposed at Monday’s meeting. […]

Full article retrieved 4/3/11 from http://www.beatricedailysun.com/news/local/article_b27f814c-5ce4-11e0-b86a-001cc4c002e0.html

All alerts for Beatrice: http://stopbsl.com/?s=beatrice