In March of 2011 StopBSL reported Aberdeen Council passed a breed-neutral ordinance after six-amendments were offered, including two that would have made the ordinance breed-specific. The approved ordinance restricts dangerous dogs, but rather than by breed, individual dogs earn the title based on their behavior.
In October of the same year, discussion again leaned heavily toward amending the new ordinance to ‘scrutinize’ specific breeds more than others.
While local residents were on hand to oppose any form of BSL, an article today suggests that once again Aberdeen Officials are gearing for additional talks concerning BSL after a dog, identified by city leaders as “part pit bull”, killed a smaller dog in town limits.
While there was discussion among the council members that appeared at last nights meeting, not enough for a full quorum, KELO News reports that the matter will be discussed further at a meeting re-scheduled for later this month.
Council has asked city employee’s to gather more information including local statistics about dog bites and their severity.
“I have an opinion on this particular breed but I want to see the numbers,” Councilman Dave Bunsness stated.
Meanwhile, Councilman Clint Rux, who has opposed breed specific legislation when discussed in previous meetings, asked for cost estimates to add another animal control officer for the city stating that the current ACO is busy and only available during regular business hours.
“It doesn’t matter what we pass if we can’t enforce it because our animal control officer is dealing, by my figures, with a call an hour.”
The proposed breed-specific ordinance from last year received only a few votes favoring the action, it appears the same council members are again pushing this issue for further consideration. Please send your POLITE, RESPECTFUL and INFORMATIVE correspondence to the following:
Mike Levsen, Mayor
Term expires June 30, 2014
mayor@aberdeen.sd.us
Lynn Lander, City Manager
lynn.lander@aberdeen.sd.us
Mark Remily, NE District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2017
mark.remily@aberdeen.sd.us
Jeff Mitchell, NE District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2013
jeff.mitchell@aberdeen.sd.us
Todd Campbell, NW District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2017
todd.campbell@aberdeen.sd.us
Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, NW District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2014
jennifer.slaight-hansen@aberdeen.sd.us
Clint Rux, SE District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2017
clint.rux@aberdeen.sd.us
Laure Swanson, SE District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2015
laure.swanson@aberdeen.sd.us
Tom Agnitsch, SW District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2013
tom.agnitsch@aberdeen.sd.us
David Bunsness, SW District Council Member
Term expires June 30, 2015
david.bunsness@aberdeen.sd.us
Fred M. Kray
krisdiaz9
Stop BSL 
As a constant pet owner since age 4, I have owned and cared for many different breeds and species of animals and birds including a skunk, a doberman, a ridgeback and now a pit. I was reluctant at first due to the “reputation” and opinions of others but as a responsible owner I took classes, had her registered and spayed. All to realize that the reputation and opinions were completely false and unjustified. The pit breed as with any other select animal at the time of convience is simply another target to direct ignorance and fear. Same as the Salem Witch Trials. No different. It’s something for negativity to feed on and take up tax payers money. These dogs are loyal, dedicated, friendly and protective. You treat them as any other animal. With patience, understanding and respect. If you want something to dedicate your time and money to try finding out WHY something happens. Not just because it’s a certian animal. Could be illness, or mainly the way they were treated or what humans have taught them. There’s an idea. Direct your “Breed Select Legislation” to the two legged breed and not the four. That’s where most are taught and trained from. Again, “Judge the deed. Not the breed.”