Article by Danielle Wheelan

Do you, or someone you know, have a pit bull? Are you thinking about adopting one? If so, read below because a Springfield ordinance, if passed, plans to phase out the pit bull population from the city limits.

The current bill was passed in 2006 and states that all pit bulls within the city limits of Springfield must be spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, have a current rabies vaccination and be registered with the city. Owners must post a sign outside their residence stating they have a pit bull and must keep them muzzled when off their property.

The new bill would allow pit bulls registered before Jan. 1, 2018 to stay with their owners. Any unregistered pit bulls within the city limits after Jan. 1 “may be seized and disposed of.” The goal is to phase out the pit bull population in a matter of a few years.

Both the current and new bill define a ‘pit bull’ as an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or any dog that closely resembles these breeds. The system is not DNA-based and is typically judged by a city employee not within the veterinary field.

The council is expected to vote on the bill at the next meeting to be held Oct. 2.

The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at Historic City Hall, 830 N. Boonville Ave. Attendance is encouraged but will not allow for public comment.

Community opinions

 A poll by Springfield Business Journal posted on Aug. 8 was voted on 473 times, with 76% answering “no” to a pit bull ban, 16% responding “yes,” and 8% who responded, “Seems like more government overreach to me.”

The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri released the statement below, regarding the proposed ban:

We would rather see ordinances that promote responsible pet ownership for all dogs, regardless of breed. Penalties and sanctions should be based on behaviors of the specific dog and its owner, rather than based on generalizations based on the breed of the dog. It is our experience that behaviors are more heavily influenced by the actions of owners who fail to supervise, train, socialize and/or neuter their dogs. We want a community that is safe for our citizens and pets alike and feel rules that apply to all owners and dogs equally, regardless of breed, promotes that.

Rescue One, another rescue organization in Springfield, also released a statement on their Facebook page. The organization noted, “With 70% of dog bites being intact males, spay and neuter is a huge factor in making our city safer.”

Rescue One attests that each year, many pit bull breeds are adopted into homes of police officers, doctors, attorneys, teachers and other responsible members of society. If the ban is passed, they feel it would only limit professionals with these dogs from moving to the city.

Lucy Shaver, Drury freshman, also disagrees with the ban. Her dog, Kaine, is a pit bull.

“My pit bull is pretty big, but he totally acts like a lap dog. All he wants to do is cuddle,” said Shaver.

Kelsey Olsen, senior advertising major, currently is working with the Humane Society for her senior project. She hates the stigma around the certain breeds.

“The stigma surrounding pit bulls is not their fault at all; the blame lies with the owners. Any animal can be trained with malicious intent. Pits deserve the same treatment as all other dog breeds.”

What can you do?

Your opinion is vital in the creation, approval and disapproval of Springfield’s laws and ordinances. If you would like to voice your concerns (or support) of the ban, you may email the city council at citycouncel@springfieldmo.gov.

There are also several organizations in Springfield you can get involved with if passionate about the safety of local pit bulls. Springfield Bully Alliance is a group that’s goal is to “disseminate safe bully breed information” and to “repeal the current breed specific legislation.” You can also follow Ban BSL Springfield, Mo. on Facebook whose goals are very similar to SBA.