SALINA, KANSAS — Nearly two decades after Salina’s pit bull breed ban was enacted, the city’s animal shelter continues to grapple with the strain of housing dogs that cannot be legally adopted out within city limits.
According to Salina Animal Services Manager Monique Hawley, the shelter held 51 pit bulls in 2024 that were confiscated or surrendered because of the city’s breed-specific ordinance. As of October 30, 2025, the shelter currently has 28 pit bulls in its facility.
“These dogs are not eligible for local adoption,” Hawley said in an interview with Salina311. “We can only transfer them to other shelters or rescues outside city limits, or release them through special agreements. That limitation contributes significantly to our overall dog census.”
Hawley noted that as of Thursday, 51% of the shelter’s facility space is occupied by dogs that cannot be adopted or returned to their owners within the city because of the ordinance. “That number fluctuates,” she said. “When we’re able to transfer dogs out, it eases the pressure slightly—but it’s an ongoing challenge.”
The city’s breed ban, which specifically targets pit bulls, has been in effect for 20 years. It prohibits residents from owning, adopting, or harboring pit bull-type dogs within city limits.
Hawley said the shelter’s staff and volunteers remain committed to enforcing city ordinances while also working to ensure humane care for every animal. “We are obligated to enforce the ordinance as long as it remains in effect,” she said. “Our priority is to provide safe, appropriate care while also finding placement options for these dogs when possible.”
While she declined to speculate on whether the community “ignores” the ban, Hawley acknowledged that pit bulls continue to enter the shelter in significant numbers year after year. “The data shows we’re consistently housing a portion of dogs that fall under the ordinance,” she said.
The continued intake of pit bulls that cannot remain in Salina highlights a persistent tension between public policy and animal welfare operations. For the shelter, the breed ban translates into higher occupancy rates, longer stays, and increased resource demands—all while limiting local adoption options.
“We care deeply about every animal that comes through our doors,” Hawley said. “But the ordinance creates a unique and lasting challenge for our facility.”
Petition Submitted to Lift Salina’s Pit Bull–Type Dog Ban; Verification Next, Vote Possible
SALINA, KANSAS — Organizers with Salinans Against BSL say they have submitted a petition to lift the City of Salina’s ordinance banning pit bull–type dogs. According to the group, the petition was turned in to the City Clerk’s Office and will be forwarded to the Saline County Clerk for signature verification.
Per the organizers, verification timing is uncertain while the County Clerk prioritizes the current election and other county tax matters. If the petition is certified with sufficient valid signatures, the matter would advance to the Salina City Commission, which could either repeal the ban directly or refer the question to a citywide vote. The organizers estimate a public vote could cost “about one hundred thousand dollars” in taxpayer funds.
In a written statement provided to Salina311, organizers Debrah and Tyler said:
“Yesterday at 3 PM Debrah and myself turned in the petition to the city of Salina to lift the ordinance in regard to pitbull type dogs being banned in Salina. Once the city clerk scans the petition in it will be sent off to the County Clerks office for them to begin the process of verifying signatures. At this point with the election going on and other Saline county tax items going on, the County Clerks office is running full steam with their priority being the election before they start counting signatures. We don’t know when exactly they will start counting the signatures, but we are hoping that it will be done soon. Deb and I have verified enough names to where we believe that the petition will go to the next steps of being brought before the city commission. Once in their hands, they can decide to either lift the band per the petition or put it up for a public vote, which will cost an estimated hundred thousand dollars of taxpayer money and allow the citizens to have the final say. This ban has been in effect for over 20 years and has proven to be ineffective, the animal shelter is full of dogs and is in dire need a change. By changing this law, it should help alleviate the pressure the animal shelter faces and will allow people to keep their dogs. This is not just about unbanning a breed but protecting your rights to chose what dog works best for you and not letting your government chose for you. No matter the outcome we will not stop fighting for the rights of Salinan’s to own any breed of dog and for responsible dog ownership.”
Next steps will depend on the County Clerk’s verification results. If certified, the City Commission will set the timeline for action or potential ballot placement.