Vicious dog laws in South Sioux City took a step forward Monday as the city council voted to approve breed specific regulations for dogs. The new legislation targets pit bulls and other breeds considered aggressive and risky to the public, though the council will have to approve the measure two more times. Some dog owners say the breed battle isn't over yet.

Sioux Valley Kennel Club members review South Sioux City's proposed dangerous dog ordinance.

Steph Anderson of the Sioux Valley Kennel Club says, "I'm going to ask that they not infringe on the rights of law abiding and responsible citizens by making it so difficult to own a pit bull that they leave an owner no option but to get rid of the dog."

The law targets dogs with an aggressive nature, specifically citing three breeds of pit bull.

Dawn Bain of the Sioux Valley Kennel Club says, "Any time you presume anything about any large group you leave yourself wide open to errors all types of misconceptions."

In short, the law says owners must register and micro-chip dangerous dogs, pay an annual fee of $65, take out a liability insurance policy of at least $250,000, secure the dog in a pen meeting specific requirements, post warning signs on their property and leash and muzzle the animal in public.

Lance Hedquist, a South Sioux City administrator, says, "I think it will make people second guess whether they can afford to keep a dog within the city of South Sioux City because of some of those requirements."

A back door strategy the Kennel Club calls unfair to already responsible dog owners.     

"It's the people who are irresponsible that are causing a problem and those people aren't going to step up. They're not stepping up now," says Bain. 
     
The Kennel Club will be in council chambers to oppose the law's first reading. It takes at least three to pass.