Buckner keeps pit bull ban in effect

A ban on pit bull breed dogs in Buckner remains in effect, despite the opposition of prospective homeowners who own pit bull dogs.

The Buckner Board of Aldermen voted 4-to-2 Thursday night to retain the ordinance, following weeks of discussion and controversy.

The board considered a request by a couple, Rhiannon and Casey Embree, to rescind the ordinance banning the breed so they can purchase a home in Buckner and move in with their two pit bull dogs. The couple, who had hoped to purchase a home on Sibley Street, said they called the city to inquire about the ordinance because they were afraid the city would confiscate their animals if they learned about them.

The couple left the meeting, declining comment on the vote.

The board voted following a presentation by a dog advocate, who presented information about pit bull breeds, offering research to counter the contention that the breed is innately dangerous and vicious.

Casey Martinez, who represents K.C. Dog Advocates, presented information about how pit bulls have been misrepresented in the media as being more vicious and dangerous than other breeds. She cited statistics showing that attacks by pit bulls are more often reported by the press than attacks by other breeds, leading to the public’s belief that they’re more dangerous. She said attacks by other dog breeds rarely are reported. Cases such as a pit bull attack that seriously injured an Independence man a few years ago, work to manipulate the public’s perception of the breed, she said.

“Because that’s what the media puts in our face every day, that’s what we perceive as reality,” Martinez told the board and about 15 visitors who attended the meeting.

Alderman Chet Denton said the city’s ban maintains public safety.

“The nature of this animal has always been aggressive,” he said during the board’s discussion, siting research he’d done about the breed. “He has a strong bite.”

However, Alderman Cathy Litten, who, along with Alderman Dennis Gilmore voted against retaining the current pit bull ban, said she sympathizes with the couple, and other dog owners.

“I’ve had dogs and cats all my life, so I understand how you guys feel,” she said. “I understand both sides of the coin and I don’t know what the answer is.”

Russ Krohn of the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, who said he works to convince city leaders against adopting breed-specific ordinances, said he disagrees that the couple’s dogs pose a threat to the community.

“They seem like nice people,” Krohn said. “The city  just missed an opportunity for some good people in this town.”