Minneapolis considers allowing adoption of 'bully breeds'

The Minneapolis City Council is considering a proposal that would allow residents to adopt stray pit bulls and other so-called "bully breeds."

The council's Public Safety Committee holds a hearing today on the proposal, which aims to reduce the number of stray dogs killed by the city's Animal Care & Control department.

Council Member Gary Schiff, who is sponsoring the proposed resolution, said city only allows approved organizations to adopt the dogs because they're perceived as dangerous.

"Deciding whether or not a dog is potentially dangerous by the breed is very ineffective and sometimes inaccurate," Schiff said. "It's more effective for the city now to do individual behavioral assessments of an animal and to screen potential adopters to make sure that people are ready for the challenges that a bully breed may have."

Minneapolis euthanized 152 adoptable animals last year, but that number is down 75 percent from where it was just five years ago.

Last week, the council approved an ordinance to manage feral cats in a more humane way.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.