San Bernardino Approves Licensing Restrictions on Pit Bull Breeds

Acting in response to a number of recent dog bite incidents involving pit bull breeds, San Bernadino County recently passed an ordinance that would require the licensing of all pit bull breeds.

Under the ordinance, all pit bulls and pit bull type breeds that are above 4 months of age, must be licensed.  The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Animal Care and Control has also modified at least 2 other previous ordinances.  Under one of these ordinances, all pit bulls or pit bull type breeds in San Bernardino County above the age of 4 months, must be spayed or neutered.

The pit bull type breeds of dogs that are included under this ordinance include Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.  Additionally, other dogs that include significant mixes of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers may also be included in the ordinance.

San Bernardino County is also offering financial assistance for people to spay or neuter their pit bulls.  A $50 voucher is available for people who meet the eligibility criteria for the voucher.

A number of counties and cities across the country are moving to enact their own laws to restrict pit bulls.  Some counties have mild provisions that require the licensing of all pit bulls and pit bull type breeds inside the county, and require that these dogs be spayed or neutered.  In California, a number of cities require mandatory sterilization of pit bulls.  These cities include Barstow, Highland, Hollister, Manteca, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Ventura and Yucaipa.  However, many cities and counties have outright bans on pit bulls.

Pit bulls can be safe breeds, if they are trained properly, have opportunities for socialization, and are given adequate opportunities for exercise and play.  Unfortunately, very often, California dog bite attorneys find that neglectful dog owners or persons who are more interested in showing off their pit bull as a sign of their machismo, own these breeds.  These persons are less likely to invest the time, resources and money necessary to care for a pit bull.  The result is a vicious pit bull attack that ends in injuries or even fatalities.