Should Le Mars Place A Ban On Pitbull Dogs?

(Le Mars) — Does Le Mars have a problem with unrestrained dogs? During last week’s city council meeting, Sally Smith of Le Mars appeared before the council to inform them she has had many recent encounters with dogs that were not on a lease or confined. Smith encouraged the city council to
consider a ban on pit bulls, claiming many other communities have already placed a ban on the breed of dog. She told council members about two pit bull dogs that were close to her home that have attacked her dog.

Smith claims there are two pitbull dogs at the same residence.

City councilman Clark Goodchild said he would like the city to re-visit its code regarding dogs. Le Mars Police Chief Stuart Dekkenga informed the council that the police department did a follow up investigation and spoke to the owners of the pitbull dogs. Dekkenga says the owners have agreed to re-locate the dog to a residence outside the city limits. City code enforcement officer Greg Smidt says the city doesn’t have any breed specific ordinance. He spoke to the city council and re-iterated the city’s code regarding vicious dogs.

Smidt, a former Le Mars Police Officer, says he can’t recall any particular breed of dog being more troublesome than other breeds.

Councilman Goodchild says he would like the city to hire someone for animal control. He believes the problem isn’t necessarily with the dogs, as it is with the dog owners.