Salina residents working to repeal the city’s pit bull ban say they are nearing the number of signatures required to bring the issue before the city commission.
According to Tyler Colt Sartain, one of the leaders of the petition effort, 1,391 signatures from registered voters within city limits are needed for the petition to be considered valid. He said organizers are aiming for about 500 additional signatures as a buffer, after hundreds were disqualified during last year’s attempt because signers were not registered voters. This year, volunteers are asking participants to verify their registration online before signing.
If enough valid signatures are submitted, the city commission would have two options: repeal the ban directly or place the matter on the ballot for a public vote. A citywide election is estimated to cost around $100,000.
Sartain said interest in the petition has grown compared to last year, citing frustration among residents with recent city issues. He noted concerns about shelter capacity, adoption restrictions for certain dog breeds, and the potential risk of the shelter becoming a “kill shelter.”
The group Prairie Paws has expressed willingness to assist with shelter operations, though no agreement has been reached. Sartain also said petition organizers are watching the upcoming city commission race, noting that one candidate has signed the petition while others have not publicly taken a position.
Signatures will be collected through October 18. Only registered voters living within Salina city limits are eligible to sign.