Activists gathered in Central Park Sunday, to protest the city's updated dog ordinance that would maintain Ottumwa's pit bull ban in place.
In a June city council meeting, the city read its updated dog ordinance, ultimately making no change to the ban on pit bulls in a 4-1 vote.
Kathleen Caldwell is a director with the organization known as 'WE C.A.R.E' also known as 'We Community for Animal Responsibility and Education'. The organization is a bipartisan group dedicated to improving animal welfare regardless of their breed.
To say that people are very frustrated and angry is an understatement," said Caldwell.
Caldwell told KTVO, people have spoken to organizers about the effect the pit bull ban has had on their living situation. She said people have had to move out of town and those considering moving into Ottumwa have had to look elsewhere due to the ban in place.
“We've had families tell us they were going to move into town but then they found out about the pit bull ban," said Caldwell. "They had to find another solution of where they were going to live.”
Stephanie Sanders drove three hours to support the cause. She is a volunteer with the Humane Society in Dubuque, which does not have a pit bull ban in place.
“I felt it was important for me to raise funds and help them with their mission," said Sanders.
Protesters said they believe in judging the deed not the breed. They said instead of banning a dog breed entirely, owners must be held accountable for their dog’s behavior.
“We are just completely swiping the board clear of this breed and are saying it does not have the right to exist," said Caldwell.
Organizers said they have brought solutions to the city council but feel they have been ignored.
Ottumwa resident, Laryssa Droz told KTVO, she is disappointed by the city's response.
I feel incredibly disappointed. I feel it is not a just law," said Droz. "It is a matter of 100 percent opinion. You just can’t look at a dog and decide what it is.
The city council will hold a second reading of their ordinance in July.