Health Department Enforces Pit Bull Ordinance

The Springfield Greene County Department of Health is working to inform the public about a new breed-specific dog ordinance passed by Springfield City Council April 17th. Mike Smith has the story:

The ordinance seeks to protect the public by enforcing new requirements for all pit bull dogs living inside Springfield city limits.

"The problems caused by pit bulls in Springfield have steadily increased year after year until they have now reached crisis proportions," says health department director Kevin Gipson. "This ordinance is an effort to curb the growing problem and ultimately protect public health and the citizens of Springfield."

According to the ordinance, pit bull dogs may only be kept within city limits if owners follow these regulations.

· Pit bulls must be registered annually with a $50.00 fee.

· Pit bulls must be vaccinated for rabies, as stated in

existing state law and city ordinance.

· Pit bulls must be spayed or neutered.

· Pit bulls must be microchipped.

· Pit bulls must be kept in a secure, fenced enclosure while

on the owner's property.

· A sign at least 8"x10" that reads "Pit Bull Dog" must be

clearly displayed at all entrances to the owner's property.

· When off the owner's property, the pit bull must be leased

and muzzled.

· Owners must notify authorities within five days if the pit

bull is lost, stolen, dies or has puppies.

· New litters of puppies must be registered following the same

guidelines, in order to stay within city limits.

Registration of pit bulls will begin June 5, 2006, by appointment only. A phone number will be provided to the public at a later date, and on May 15th the health department will begin taking calls to schedule appointments. Registration appointments will take place at the Springfield Animal Shelter located at 4002 N. Farmer. Dogs will be microchipped by health department staff at time of registration, or the owner may provide proof that the dog has already been microchipped by a veterinarian.

Health department staff will begin enforcing provisions of the new ordinance on October 16, 2006.

For more information, call the Pit Bull Information Line at (417) 864-1166 or visit our website at http://health.springfieldmogov.org.

###