WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) - A dozen people identifying themselves as pit bull owners filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday demanding that the city of Williston end its nearly 24-year-old ban on the dogs.
The city’s ordinance, which went to effect in March of 1987, prohibits anyone from owning or keeping a pit bull in the city limits. It bars four specific breeds as well as any dog that has the “appearance and characteristics” of a pit bull, according to the ordinance.
The civil complaint argues, among other things, that the risks of the dogs are based on outdated information and by deeming them dangerous it strips the owners of their due process and equal protection rights.
In addition, the ordinance is “unconstitutionally vague” as to which animals are subject to the ban and it allows the city to enforce it in “arbitrary, inconsistent, and discriminatory manner,” the suit says.
Pete Furuseth, who serves as Williston’s city attorney, said the complaint will be referred to the city’s insurance department to decide how it will be defended.
“We believe that the lawsuit has no merit,” he said.
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