John Ketola requires a service animal, unfortunately for John, his dog is 25% Staffordshire Terrier. According to the city of Kingsford’s 1987 ordinance banning all pit bulls, including mixed or partial breeds, that’s a problem.
Mr. Ketola petitioned the Council for exception based on the unique issue relative to information submitted to City Attorney, Bruce Brouillette. Brouillette examined the federal statute then issued a recommendation to Council to approve the exception for Ketola’s service dog.
Council agreed at Monday evenings public meeting, however they attached severe limitations and requirements for Mr. Ketola, such as requiring the service dog be securely confined within the Ketola home or in a secure outdoor enclosure with sides, top and permanent bottom and that such enclosure be secured to prevent a minor from entering on his or her own accord. Also when Mr. Ketola has his service dog in public, the dog must be leashed ona harness and under the direct control of Mr. Ketola.
Related to the Kingsford ban, city resident Mark Wiederrecht provided information countering the ban’s constitutionality and argued it is unnecessary as the city has general ordinances dealing with vicious and dangerous dogs. Several citizens spoke publicly at the last nights meeting opposing the continuation of the 25 year old ban.
However, City Attorney Brouillette contends the ban is constitutional and valid. Council members continue to raise safety issues and Mayor Michael Flaminio said the committee that was formed in June recommended to make no changes to the ban, but they continue to look at the issue.
Please send your POLITE, RESPECTFUL and INFORMATIVE correspondence to officials in Kingsford at:
Mayor/Councilman Michael Flaminio
Mayor Pro-tem/Councilman Dennis Baldinelli
Councilwoman Cynthia Dixon-Miller
Councilman Jeff Pearson
Councilman Brian Smeester
Email: briansmeester@yahoo.com
All other officials can be contacted with general correspondence directed to:
Phone – 906-774-3526
Email – info@cityofkingsford.com
http://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/536776/Kingsford-OK-s-pit-bull-exception.html?nav=5002
Fred M. Kray
krisdiaz9
Stop BSL 