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Monday, April 14, 2008


Springfield, Missouri Pit Bull Ordinance is Working

Complaints, Bites, Shelter Occupancy Fall
Springfield, MO - The Springfield-Greene Health Department reports that dog bites and vicious dog complaints have fallen since the implementation of the Pit Bull Ordinance two years ago. In 2005, the health department fielded 18 vicious dog complaints, but only eight in 2007. Bites were down from 102 in 2005 to 87 in 2007. Director of health Kevin Gipson says:
"The data speaks for itself. The ordinance is a valuable tool for our animal control staff. It is successfully making our city safer from dog bites and vicious dog attacks."
The ordinance has also resulted in fewer pit bull dogs being impounded at the city animal shelter. In 2005 there were 502 pit bull and pit bull mixes impounded, compared to only 252 in 2007. This is a drop of 50%. Assistant Director Clay Goddard says that because they are impounding fewer pit bulls, the overcrowding at the shelter has subsided.
"It is the natural tendency of pit bulls to fight, so our animal control staff is forced to segregate them in individual pens. When we have several pit bulls in the shelter simultaneously, this severely limits space for other dogs."
The Pit Bull Ordinance was passed by Springfield City Council on April 17, 2006. It prohibited new pit bulls in the city and required existing pit bulls be sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped and registered annually with Animal Control. Owners are also required to restrain dogs in fenced areas, inside a home or on a leash with a muzzle while off the owner's property.

The first year the ordinance was enforced, 284 pit bulls were registered. From January through December of 2007, that number dropped to 91. "The direct result of this ordinance has been fewer pit bulls on our city streets," adds Gipson. "We are a safer and healthier community because of the ordinance and the dedicated Animal Control staff who enforce it every day."

posted by bitbypit  |  permalink  |  3 comments  |iconemail  |iconsubscribe 
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3 comments:

Anonymous Anonymous  |  4/15/2008 6:59 AM  |  Flag  
But...BSL never works!

It doesn't work if you are a Pit Bull breeder. The Pro-Maul lobby is trying to pass a statewide prohibition on BSL in Missouri.

Heads up show me state!

Anonymous Doug  |  4/15/2008 10:25 AM  |  Flag  
Congrats to Springfield for this sensible ordinance! BSL is a proven benefit and Springfield could appreciate this within mere weeks of implementation. Things will only improve year-over-year.

Blogger Krista  |  6/22/2010 3:48 PM  |  Flag  
these are the pit bull laws for springfield mo

In order to be in compliance with the new ordinance, pit bull owners must follow these regulations:

Owners must register pit bulls with Springfield Animal Control. Registration will take place at the Animal Shelter by appointment only. Call 417-864-1126 to schedule an appointment.

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 at 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.

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