Spencer, South Dakota
Pit bull ordinance results in owner euthanizing canine
By The Associated Press
SPENCER - A Spencer woman who had been given 30 days to find a new home for her 10-year-old pit bull-mutt mix decided to euthanize the dog.
"I don't feel this is right that I have to give her up because of her breed," Cathy Magnuson said. "I understand where some of the public is coming from, but some of these animals are good animals."
Magnuson said she euthanized her dog, Cupcake, on Friday because she didn't think the animal would have made a successful transition to another home.
In June, the city council changed an ordinance to include a ban of five breeds of dogs, including pit bulls.
Spencer's mayor, Donna Ruden, said the ordinance change followed a fight involving two pit bulls in a neighborhood where children live. The decision had nothing to do with Magnuson personally, Ruden said.
"(It) is for the safety and protection of the children that are in town that are out and about playing," Ruden said. "The reason for the ordinance is public safety - that's it."
Spencer residents may not possess dogs with the appearance or characteristics of Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, wolves, blue heelers and Staffordshire bull terriers, also known as "pit bulls."
State law does not ban the possession of any breed of dog. Cities can decide which breeds are acceptable, said Dustin Oedekoven, assistant state veterinarian.
Spencer is not alone. Some other South Dakota towns also ban pit bulls.
Marion made it a crime to possess pit bulls, Dobermans and Rottweilers in 2002. The decision caused little controversy, said Jeff Cole, city attorney.
Controversy over breed- specific bans is not new, said Oedekoven.
"Certainly, some breeds are a little more prone than others to violence," he said. "It's kind of a constant debate whether it's really a breed issue or if it's a rearing issue."
Magnuson took excellent care of Cupcake and should not have been forced to pay for others' mistakes, said Rosey Quinn, founder and director of Second Chance Rescue Center in Sioux Falls.
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