Springfield - Greene County Pit Bull Ordinance Summary.
August 2006

Springfield Pit Bull Ordinance Summary

Read entire ordinance here

The ordinance is needed to address a disproportionate number of problems caused by pit bulls and irresponsible pit bull owners, and to ultimately make Springfield safer for residents.

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. Health Department Animal Control staff are experienced at identifying pit bulls and pit bulls mixes, but when there is a doubt, staff will err on the side of the dog owner.

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 Springfield Animal Shelter beginning June 5, 2006 by appointment only. A phone number for scheduling registration appointments will be released closer to June 5th.
• 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 $50.00 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 $50.00 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 owner's property.
• Owners must post a sign at least 8"x10" stating "Pit Bull Dog" at each entrance to owner's property.
• Owners must keep the pit bull leashed and muzzled while not on the owner's property.
• Owners must notify officials 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.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department's Animal Control staff will begin enforcing the ordinance on October 16, 2006. Owners found to be in violation will face prosecution. Dogs may be immediately impounded and destroyed after 7 days. Owners must file a petition with the city within 7 days to dispute the dog's classification as a pit bull. Owners may also be ticketed and fined for violations.

This ordinance is an effort to make Springfield a safer community, and health department staff will continue to work diligently with members of the community to make the transition to the new guidelines as smooth as possible.

For additional information, call the Pit Bull Information Line at (417) 864-1166.