Overland Park ? Pit bulls are no longer welcome in Overland Park.

The City Council voted to prohibit people from bringing any more pit bills into this Kansas City suburb after hearing more than 2 1/2 hours of debate and public testimony Monday.

Animal welfare advocates said the breed should not be singled out from other dogs, but the City Council thought otherwise, voting 8-4 in favor of the ban, which takes effect July 27. It does not affect pit bulls already registered in the city.

This measure updates a law on dangerous animals passed in 1987. It requires that pit bulls be registered, and when outside a pen, the dogs are required to wear a muzzle and must be on a leash no longer than 4 feet. Owners are also required to post warning signs.