Pit Bull Ordinance Amendment Proposed

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Reported by: Jennifer Denman
Tuesday, Mar 24, 2009 @06:19pm


(Springfield, MO) -- Is a Pit Bull ordinance adopted three years ago in Springfield basically a death sentence for dogs of that breed at the pound?

That's the thinking behind a city councilwoman's new initiative to get them picked up by rescue agencies, something not allowed by that 2006 ordinance.

If you pass by the pound on any given day, you're likely to find a Pit Bull staring back at you.

"I feel like the ordinance has done its job. There was admittedly an overpopulation of these animals before 2006. A lot were running through neighborhoods," explains Springfield Councilwoman Mary Collette.

Since the Pit Bull ordinance was adopted in 2006, the city says there were 26 dog bites reported in 2006 and last year there were only 15. Also, the number of dogs deemed vicious dropped from 12 in 2005 to zero last year. Councilwoman Collette says with less problems, more of the Pits should have the opportunity to become pets.

"I'm just asking council to allow that policy to either be modified to somehow allow a gentle animal or puppies that have been spayed or neutered to be rescued, the same as any other animals," said Collette.

The city is looking at allowing rescue groups with a $500,000 dollar insurance policy to take the animals. A policy that may seem high, but reduces the city's risk of being liable for attacks.

"I think your going to want whatever agency is placing that dog to have some insurance in place in case something does happen. In my experience people look to a city as ultimately a place where they are going to sue, because the thing the city has the money," said Dan Wichmer, Springfield city attorney.

Collette says she believes there isn't any rescue agencies who could afford that type of policy, but the city says it will be up to the council as a whole to decide what amendments should be made.

Collette says she wants all dog owners to be required to pay an annual registration fee, not just the Pit Bull owners. She says this would clear up that liability for the city and then rescue agencies wouldn't need an insurance policy.

Right now, it's $50 annually to register each Pit Bull. Collette says if there was an across the board registration, it would also provide funds to be used to expand the facilities, which house the animals.