What's the big deal (Aberdeen, Ipswich: living in, pit bulls, fence)

[CNordine]

The town of Leola, SD recently outlawed owning several breeds of dogs including Rottweilers. I'm just wondering how many of these residents have ever owned A Rott? we have a 150lb Male and a 110lb female both of which we have had for 7 years. Ohh yeah I almost forgot we have also raised 7 children around them our oldest being 11 and the youngest 18 months. Don't hate the dog breed hate the person that raised it!!

Proud parent of 7 children & 2 fantastic Rottweilers

[blackhillsdreams]

Agreed, it's generally the owners that don't maintain proper control of their dogs. The only breed I've got concerns about are pit bulls because of the numerous killings attributed to them, several of which were by dogs that jumped large fences and so forth to get at someone. I've never heard of a Rott doing that.

[Jammie]

HI CN and welcome. I voted, "NO". There are also human beings who are killers and criminals and we don't ban humans from living in city limits.

Actually, I love animals and they seem to give back the same love and acceptance that they're given.

[ElkHunter]

I didn't vote. Let me explain.

First and foremost, I am an animal lover and I have owned Rot's. I've never had trouble with mine, but had a neighbor who had one that was real aggressive.

But I also feel strongly for city Government. If the city council did this for the "Good of the people", it's just plain wrong. However, if the people had it put on the ballet, for whatever reason, and it was voted on, by the people and passed, I believe it's right. I don't have to like it, but I have to respect it. If I had Rot's, I simply wouldn't move there. Or, I'd start a drive to get the rediculous bill over turned.

Something has happened to cause this town to do this. I wonder what the rest of the story is.

Do you live there or were planning to move there?

[blackhillsdreams]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

Something has happened to cause this town to do this. I wonder what the rest of the story is.

Good point indeed, sir. As an example, I love Siberian Huskies. I've been around or had 5 different Huskies with vastly different personalities. One, was the sweetest, most loving, fun, dog. He was like a puppy all his life with a super personality. One was quiet and very intelligent. One was a hunter and liked to kill things he caught, and two were very distructive, one shredded an entire couch.

[phototraxx]

I called a friend who has relatives in Leola--the ban was put into effect because people are not controlling their dogs. Leola is a very small town with about 450 people--all open yards (no fences like the bigger cities). It seems that there has been an abundance of large dogs running loose at night and people were beginning to fear for their safety. Some of the dogs are rotts and shepherds, and have shown aggression. You have to understand, that in small communities like Leola, children often play outside until dark, and the ban was put into place to avoid any injuries or deaths. They don't have an animal control department to take care of the problems--just a local law enforcement official. Unfortunately, it only takes a few irresponsible owners to cause problems--better to place the ban than to be forced to shoot an aggressive animal. We have neighbors down the street from us who have 2 rotts--when they take them out for walks, the dogs are on chains and they pull the owners down the street--I'm not sure the dogs could be controlled should a situation arise. At least once a week, here in Houston, someone is bitten by a dog, and it is usually one of those breeds. I have a sister-in-law in Aberdeen that was bitten by a German shepherd while out for a walk--the dog jumped a 4 foot fence (the owner was fined and had to move the dog out of the city limits). I think more and more communities will be putting these types of bans into effect.

[ElkHunter]

Rather then an outright ban, I'd like to see them try and control the situation a little better.

i.e. If you want to own a rot, that's fine. But you will have the dog on a sturdy chain, or you will have a 6ft chain link fence. Leash law is in effect. Any dog found off the leash and running free will be destroyed.

At least give a family the right to own the animal. Restrictions in place, but not an outright ban.

BTW, thanks for digging up that info. It makes a lot more sense now.

[phototraxx]

Unfortunately in small older communities like that (Leola was established in the late 1880's), everyone is related to each other--either by blood or by marriage. And if they aren't related, they are good friends--so if you single out someone (i.e. leash law and destroying an animal), you are going to make someone mad, as well as everyone else associated with that person--hard to explain but it becomes a ripple effect. And then there are others that think they are above it all and rules don't apply to them. So, it makes more sense for a ban (on everyone). I'm sure that prior this, certain compliances were requested regarding the confinement of the dogs, but not followed.

[ElkHunter]

I was born and raised in a small town just south of Leola so I know exactly what you are talking about.

[phototraxx]

South of Leola--Ipswich, Roscoe? (My Dad grew up in Roscoe.) Maybe I know you! LOL