(October 2017) Kansas: David Foley ignores town's BSL and gets two Pit Bulls; now whines that it's not fair

KANSAS -- A 14-year-old city ordinance is being called into question again after the city threatened to cite a local dentist because of his two pit bulls.

Dr. David Foley, of Andover, reached out to Eyewitness News Thursday about an incident that occurred at his office Tuesday.

Foley says Andover police officers came into his practice Tuesday morning to notify him that his two dogs are illegal within city limits and he must remove them from his home.

He says police also notified him of the ordinance violation prior to the Tuesday incident at his residence last week.

"I'm not one to break the law," said Foley. "But some laws need to be changed."

Eyewitness News spoke to Andover Mayor Ben Lawrence who says police were prompted to contact Foley after a neighbor complained about the two pit bulls.

According to the mayor, the ordinance banning pit bulls was passed about 14 years ago; Lawrence says it was one of the first pieces of legislation he signed when he took office.

 

 

According to the City of Andover's government website, the ordinance bans all bull terrier breeds and any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominately bull terrier.

The fine for the citation is listed as no less than $500 and no more than $1,000. Once cited, the owner must go in front of a judge for a hearing.

"Topeka has passed their breed-neutral laws, Wichita has breed-neutral laws, why wouldn't Andover have breed-neutral laws?" said Foley.

 

 

Lawrence says the city has revisited the ordinance at least five times within the past five years. He says the city council does not desire to make a change.

Eyewitness News also spoke to Michael Keller, chief of the Andover Police Department about the ban. Keller says his officers followed up with the Foley family because of the complaint the department received.

Keller says his department does not actively seek out pit bulls within city limits and officers only respond when complaints are made.

The City of Andover says it does not wish to make a comment at this time.

VIDEO NEWS CLIP FROM KWCH:

(KWCH - Oct 5, 2017)