End Breed Specific Legislation in Springfield, Mo

In September of 2013, the Greene County Animal Issues Task Force was asked to give the Springfield, Mo City Council recommendations for revising the current Breed Specific Legislation. Citizens feel these recommendations have not been reviewed in a timely manner. The citizens and professionals on the Animal Issues Task Force did years of studying and traveling and eventually recommended a legislation that focuses on irresponsible owners and enforcing restrictions on vicious and dangerous dogs, rather than one specific breed type.

Repealing Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is a current movement around the world. It has been proven, time and time again, that BSL is a poor use of taxpayers' money, most Animal Control Agencies are short the resources needed to enforce these types of ordinances on a regular basis, and the ordinances punish the dogs rather than the root of the problem, the people.

The following is the current ordinance in Springfield, MO:

On April 17, 2006 Springfield City Council passed Council Bill No. 2006-113 amending Springfield City Code to define Prohibition of Pit Bull Dogs. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department's Animal Control staff began enforcing the ordinance in October of that year.

According to the ordinance a pit bull is defined as "any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier" or any dog that closely resembles any of these breeds. Animal Control says that they are experienced at identifying pit bulls and pit bulls mixes, but when there is a doubt, we will err on the side of the dog owner.

In order to be in compliance with the ordinance, pit bull owners must do the following:

*Owners must register pit bulls with Springfield Animal Control. .
*At the time of registration, owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination for the pit bull.
*Owners must also pay an annual registration fee of $50 for each pit bull.
*Owners must have a microchip inserted under the dog's skin. This service can be provided by Animal Shelter staff at time of registration and is included in the $50 registration fee. Alternatively, owners can have the procedure done at a veterinarian's office and provide written proof to Animal Shelter staff at time of registration.
*Owners must ensure the dog is spayed or neutered, unless it is AKC or UKC registered and actively competing.
*Owners must keep the dog in a secured enclosure while on the owner's property. (See definition in City Code section 18-7)
*Owners must post a sign at least 8"x10" stating "Pit Bull Dog" at each entrance to the owner's property.
*Owners must keep the pit bull leashed and muzzled while not on the owner's property.
*Owners must notify staff of the City Manager or his authorized representative within 5 days if the pit bull is lost, stolen, dies or has puppies. New litters of puppies must be removed from city limits or taken to the Springfield Animal Shelter unless they are registered according to the guidelines listed above.

Unregistered pit bulls from outside city limits may be temporarily transported into or through Springfield for veterinarian appointments, grooming appointments or competitions. While inside city limits, dogs must be confined in a secure, temporary enclosure.

Owners found to be in violation will face prosecution. Dogs may be immediately impounded and destroyed after seven days. Owners must file a petition with the city within seven days to dispute the dog's classification as a pit bull. Owners may also be ticketed and fined for violations.