Calif. allows cities to force pit bull sterilization
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger signed a law on Friday that allows cities to
force the sterilization of potentially dangerous dog breeds
such as pit bulls.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom had asked for a new law to
allow greater city control over the animals following a series
of fatal incidents, including a pit bull mauling in June of a
12-year-old San Francisco boy.
"This bill will make our streets and homes safer from
aggressive dogs produced by irresponsible breeders and provide
help to cities and counties with animal shelters that are
overpopulated with dog breeds that people are afraid to adopt,"
said state Sen. Jackie Speier, the bill sponsor.
The measure repeals a previous law that prevented local
governments from targeting specific breeds for mandatory
sterilization.
In anticipation of the statewide law, a San Francisco city
legislator has already proposed new local sterilization rules
that could take effect next year.
The issue has generated thousands of angry communications
from pit bull lovers, legislative aides say.
Pit bulls accounted for about a third of the more than 200
fatal dog attacks in the United States from 1979 to 1998,
according to a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
10/07/05 18:48
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U.S. News
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