Tyler Colt Sartain and Debrah Corrales, leaders of Salinas’s Against BSL, report positive progress in the petition aimed at lifting the ban on pit bulls in Salina, Kansas. Within a month, over 500 signatures have been collected, with a goal of reaching 2000 by September's end. Despite occasional opposition, including gestures of disapproval and verbal confrontations, Sartain remains resolute in the campaign's objectives.
Conversations with residents on both sides of the issue have revealed diverse perspectives. Some express discomfort with pit bulls but advocate against a breed-specific ban, citing the importance of individual choice in dog ownership. Others, including individuals with personal experiences of dog attacks, support lifting the ban.
"BSL devastates families and takes innocent dogs away from responsible owners and causes unnecessary suffering for the dogs," says Debrah Corrales, emphasizing the need for citizen advocacy in the face of perceived inaction from city commissioners. The campaign challenges the notion that pit bulls are inherently dangerous, citing the prevalence of the breed in Salina without a corresponding increase in attacks.
"At the end of the day, it comes down to people. Should everyone have a dog? No. Should certain breeds of dogs be banned? No," states Sartain, highlighting the importance of individual freedoms and responsible dog ownership.
The petition aims to prompt a public vote on the issue, potentially making Salina the first municipality in Kansas to decide on a pit bull ban through public referendum. Signature collection events are organized throughout the city, with eligibility limited to residents living within city limits and registered voters in Salina.
Sartain encourages community members to participate in the democratic process by signing the petition and influencing the outcome of the debate. The campaign's efforts underscore the significance of civic engagement in shaping local policies regarding pet ownership.
"On a final note, if you’d like to sign the petition, we will be set up on Mondays at the corner of Cloud and Ohio just south of Dillons from 3pm - 8pm, and on Tuesdays at Dillons on Crawford from 3pm-8pm. Follow us on Facebook at Salinans Against BSL or our website for more accurate times and dates," concludes Sartain.
