FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Ken McClure would like to express thanks to all who came out to vote today. “Tonight, voters did not approve a ban on pit bulls within the City of Springfield. The people have spoken and my colleagues on City Council and I believe that the democratic process has worked as designed," he said. "We appreciate all of the residents in our community who spoke out with their beliefs, whether in support or opposition of a ban, in a calm and civil manner. There are appropriate avenues, such as the initiative petition process, to try to turn those beliefs into action. “
A pit bull registration ordinance (enacted in 2006) remains in effect, according to Springfield-Greene County Health Department officials. The ordinance contains certain ownership requirements, including registration, for individuals who own pit bull and pit bull mix dogs.
Registering a pit bull or pit mix dog with Animal Control is the last step of a multi-step process, outlined below:
- Owners must have a microchip implanted under the dog's skin. This service can be provided by Animal Shelter staff at the time of registration and is included in the $50 registration fee. Alternatively, owners can have the procedure performed at a veterinarian's office and provide written proof to Animal Shelter staff at the time of registration.
- Owners must ensure the dog is spayed or neutered and provide proof of spay or neutering at time of registration.
- At the time of registration, owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination for the dog.
- Registration must be renewed each year, and an annual $50 registration fee is applied for each dog.
- Registered pit bulls must wear the issued registration tag at all times.
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For more information, please call Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott at 417-864-1009 or 417-380-3352 or Kathryn Wall, Public Health Information Administrator, Springfield-Greene County Health Department at 417-874-1205 or 417-840-9768.