WILLISTON, N.D. (KFGO) – It might be unusual to hear about a special election seeking to repeal a pit bull ordinance but that’s exactly what voters in Williston will decide. The city ban on owning pit bulls has been in place for many years.
Elementary school teacher Jyl Alberston led the petition drive, raising the necessary signatures to get it on the ballot. She said the law is outdated, flawed, and the breed is no different than other dog breeds.
Albertson became involved after she was charged for having her pit bull in her vehicle. She said she had never been in trouble in her life. “All of a sudden I was on probation for a year, it was a Class B misdemeanor, said Albertson. She had to relocate her 10-year-old dog, Gunner, who was sent to live with her son in Georgia.
Mayor Howard Klug said there’s a lot of emotion on both sides of the issue. He said people love their dogs but he said there are residents, including city commissioners, who want to keep the pit bull ban in place.
“The special election will let people have their say, whether it’s a yay or a nay, and if the people who want pit bulls in town are successful, the city will follow that decision,” said Klug. He added that if the ban is repealed, he will be very careful when he goes outside with his dog.
The city has 90 days to set the special election.
Last September, the Minot City Council repealed a city ordinance that banned pit bulls.
