Animal Control Policy

Pit Bull Ban Lifted

At the February 6th City Council meeting, the Council approved the removal of breed-specific language from the animal control policy, officially lifting restrictions on pit bull-type dogs that had been in place since 1994.

This decision follows months of research, discussion, and public input, with a focus on shifting toward behavior-based enforcement rather than breed restrictions. The updated policy ensures that all dogs are evaluated based on their behavior, rather than assumptions tied to their breed, as well as strengthens off-leash laws.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this process—whether by sharing feedback, asking questions, or engaging in thoughtful discussions. Your input played an important role in shaping this outcome.

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City Council Revisits Policy

Background

Since 1994, the City of De Soto has enforced a ban on pit bulls as part of its dangerous animal ordinance. This legislation was originally introduced to enhance public safety by restricting breeds perceived as having a higher likelihood of aggression and more severe injuries from attacks. 

City Council Discussions & Public Input

As public perception of breed-specific legislation (BSL) has evolved, the City Council wanted to revisit this policy to assess its relevance and effectiveness.

The City Council began discussions on this issue early last year, with in-depth conversations during the March 7th and June 20th, 2024, City Council meetings. During these meetings, council members reviewed public feedback, historical context, and potential alternatives to the current ban. Based on these discussions, a public hearing was deemed essential to gather further input from residents, recognizing the significance and controversy of this topic over the years.

Conclusion

After the public hearing during the January 16th Council meeting, the City Council discussed and concluded their review of the breed-specific language in the animal control policy:

After extensive research and consideration of public feedback, the Council decided to move forward with removing the restrictions on pit bull-type dogs.