Pit Bulls No Longer Vicious Dogs In Garden City

Pit bulls and similar breeds are no longer considered vicious dogs in Garden City.

The city commission voted Tuesday to remove the breed from its vicious dog ordinance. The decision includes any American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, or any mixed animal that appears to be predominantly one of those breeds.

The decision means owners of those types of dogs no longer have to post signs or maintain pens or structures unless their animals are declared vicious in municipal court. Owners also can walk their dogs without muzzles.

City Attorney Randy Grisell says decisions on whether a dog is vicious now will be based solely on the animal’s conduct.