San Francisco Passes Breed-Specific Mandatory Spay/Neuter

[Ilovemypuppy]

San Francisco Passes Breed-Specific Mandatory Spay/Neuter

Thursday, November 17, 2005 , the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a breed-specific ordinance that will require "pit bull" owners in the city and county to spay or neuter their dogs unless they obtain a $100 breeding permit.

The legislation defines "pit bulls" as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and any dog displaying the physical traits of these breeds.

Fines for failing to comply range from $100 to $1000 and can, on the second offense, include six months in county jail. The ordinance was passed despite strong opposition from AKC, other animal interest groups, and responsible dog owners.

In the past it would have been illegal for a California municipality to enact any type of breed-specific legislation. That all changed last month with the passage of SB861, a law which allows local governments to pass breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter as long as no breed of dog is determined to be dangerous or vicious.

AKC and purebred dog owners opposed that measure as well, believing stronger enforcement of California's existing dangerous dog law would better protect communities.

San Francisco's new legislation does provide for limited exceptions, allowing owners who own "show dogs" or who are preparing to breed to apply for a breeding permit.

Owners must prove that the dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club or the American Dog Breeders Association, and that their dog conforms to the breed standard of the registering organization.


Show dog owners must prove that the dog competed in at least one approved dog show in the last 365 days or that they have submitted the paperwork to participate in an approved dog show.

Additional details about the ordinance, including strict regulations for those who choose to breed their "pit bulls," can be found at:

http://www.sfgov.org/site/
uploadedfiles/bdsupvrs/bosagendas/
materials/051607.pdf.

San Francisco's ordinance will take effect January 5, 2006.

[GuySusanDurnil]

You gotta be kidding me. This is yet another reason we won't visit San Francisco. What a bunch of wimpy drama queens to pass such unenforceable legislation. How in the world are they going to know if such a breed is there in the first place? Grrrrrrrrr.

[StephanieandToby]

As much as it's singling out a breed (yet again...) I am all for the spay/neuter "idea"...only I think it should be ALL breeds...unless you show your dog or are a COE breeder...you should fix your dog...
If it was enforcable it would eliminate a lot of BYB....but since it's not really enforcable...what's the point??

[GuySusanDurnil]

Precisely! An ordinance like that is practically unenforceable. And I agree that any dog that's not quality enough for breeding needs to be fixed. My 2 are.

[fbkeays]

If you read the fine print, you will see that it will be nearly impossible to get a breeding permit. The bitch in question must conform to the breed standard as interpeted by Animal Care and Control. The bitch must pass OFA hips or Pennhip. Must be OFA cardio cleared. Must pass the ATT test. The pedigrees of the bitch and the stud must be approved by Animal Care and Control.
First off, there is no dog that conforms perfectly to the breed standard. I am sure that the most sucessful Amstaff in the country would not pass muster with the ACC interpetation of the breed standard. If they are requiring hips and hearts, why not go the whole nine yards and add in CERF, elbows, shoulders, patellas, thyroid and not have any skin allergies??? For the past 7 years Associated Rottweiler Fanciers of N. CA has offered the ATT somewhere in the greater bay area. For the last several years it has been in Dixon in August (it was 105 degrees this year) which is about 100 miles from SF.
My last is what the heck does Animal Care and Control, who is against all breeding and breeders, know jack about pedigrees????? Supposely they are guarding against "in-breeding". Do they even know what in breeding is? Will they confuse in breeding with a tight line breeding?
I am sure that they will reject any and all applications for a breeding permit. I am even willing to bet money on it. Several years ago they rejected WRO's attempt to have a booth at a dog fair that was being sponsed by ACC. WRO was going to give out free information on responsible rottweiler ownership. Know before you buy, the standard, what is an ethical breeder and why you shouldn't breed your rottweiler, etc. We were also going to offer CGC tests- the only group that was willing to do so. We were rejected based on the fact that "some" of our club membership are breeders.