Sioux City repeals ban on pit bull ownership

© Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record My name is Gremlin and I'm a 4-year-old female Pit Bull who was found on Canal Road in East Manchester Township earlier this month. I'll just stand here and stare into your soul until you take me home. #133174

SIOUX CITY, Ia. — Sioux City officials have repealed an 11-year-old ban on pit bull ownership, saying a city ordinance is unfair and likely difficult to defend against court challenges.

The Sioux City Journal reports the City Council voted 4-to-1 Monday to overturn the ban, effective Saturday.

The ban adopted in 2008 prohibited residents from keeping dogs that are 51% or more pit bull. Those who owned dogs before April 2009 could keep them if they were registered each year.

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The ban was spurred by concerns the dogs were inherently vicious, but pit bull advocates argued each animal should be judged independently.

City lawyers recommended the council adopt a “breed neutral” ordinance.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Sioux City repeals ban on pit bull ownership