Animal Control . . .
Pit Bull Ordinance

On April 17, 2006 Springfield City Council passed Council Bill No. 2006-113 amending Springfield City Code to define Prohibition of Pit Bull Dogs.

Read entire ordinance

The ordinance was 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:  (View flyer)

• Owners must register pit bulls with Springfield Animal Control.
  Registration will take place at the Springfield 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 $50.00 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 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.

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 began 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 encourage compliance with the ordinance.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department 227 East Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 864-1658 * (417) 864-1099 fax Email questions or comments to the Webmaster.