Yakima city council removes pit bull ban after more than 30 years
YAKIMA, Wa. -- Pit bulls will now be allowed and legal in the city of Yakima.
The Yakima City Council voted tonight five to two to lift the Pit bull ban that was in place for more than 30 years.
Several people went up and spoke to remove the ban including the executive director of the Yakima Humane Society who said he collected over 13,000 signatures in favor of its removal.
People in the council chambers could not resist themselves after hearing the result and started clapping and cheering.
“Shaking and crying because my dog is my service dog and if it wasn’t for my dog I would be gone I would be dead," said a resident.
“It’s a triumph for love and it’s a triumph for tolerance and it’s a way to start educating people," said another resident.
Other people including council member Funk and Cousens said they did not support removing the ban, and although Mayor Kathy Coffey voted in favor of its removal she said she fears there are going to be a lot of desperate dogs coming out of hiding and in bad condition.
The pit bull ban is set to be officially removed starting September 23.
