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City Commission approves removal of breed-specific dog ban

By Greg Bebermeyer

05/14/2025

( KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening on a 3-2 vote approved a motion to remove the ban on pit bulls and rottweilers in the city, and move forward with a stricter vicious dog ordinance.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd made the motion following a length discussion. Joining him in approved the motion were Commissioners Tom Martin and Laura Tollefson. Casting the dissenting votes were Mayor Becky Shamburg and Commissioner Dave Middendorf.

City Administrator Brad Scott brought up the issue for discussion to see if there were any changes the Commission would like to make to the current breed-specific dog ban.

Shefferd said he feels the current ordinance is too hard to enforce.

Martin and Tollefson said the ban limits what dogs Hiawatha residents can adopt from the Humane Society.

Tollefson said from the research she had conducted on-line, breed-specific bans don't really reduce the number of dog bites.

Shamburg and Middendorf voiced support for keeping the dog ban in place.

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