The Ottawa City Commission voted 4–1 on May 20 to end the city's general ban on pit bulls. The new ordinance judges a dog by how it and its owner behave. Commissioner Mike Skidmore cast the only no vote.

Dogs can now be classified as potentially dangerous, dangerous or vicious. For dogs in the first two groups, owners must use a leash and muzzle and have the dog spayed or neutered and microchipped. Vicious dogs are banned from the city, and the municipal court can order euthanasia. Owners get notice, a hearing and appeal rights, and repeat violators can be labeled reckless dog owners.

Prairie Paws Director Vanessa Cowie told KOFO the breed ban missed the dogs responsible for the most bites. She added that without a clear definition of a dangerous dog, bite cases based on breed have been hard to prosecute.

For details, see KOFO's report on the change and the May 20 commission minutes.