14/05/2026
On Monday, May 18, the Springfield, Missouri, city council will hear the first of two readings on proposed revisions to the city's animal control ordinance.
Changes are being made to reflect the addition of and/or revisions to the following sections:
▪️Dangerous Dogs
▪️Vicious Dogs
▪️Restricted Dogs
These changes are intended to clarify procedures for how the Health Department and/or Animal Control will declare a dog dangerous, vicious, or restricted.
In addition to the above designations, the City will maintain the section of the Code that restricts the ownership of "pit bulls," wherein these dogs are automatically considered dangerous, and owners must comply with specific regulations to keep their dogs.
Never mind that the City Code already has sections related to "Dangerous Dogs" and "Restricted/Nuisance Dogs."
With the proposed revisions, the City is equipped to handle any dog that poses a danger to the community, REGARDLESS OF BREED.
City officials acknowledge a problem with pet ownership in the community, which, obviously, is not limited to "pit bulls" because there would be no need for the designation of the three other categories.
Yet the owners of non-pit bull dogs are afforded procedural due process before their dogs are designated vicious, dangerous, or restricted, while owners of "pit bulls" are not.
The Executive Summary related to the pending revisions notes that "owning a pet is a privilege and responsibility."
I agree.
But why are owners of "pit bulls" automatically deemed irresponsible and denied the privilege of owning the pet of their choice unless they adhere to rules that owners of ALL OTHER DOGS are not required to do?
The proposed revisions to the animal control ordinance are set for a public hearing, and the city council wants to hear from residents.
If you are in the Springfield, Missouri area, please attend this meeting and take the opportunity to voice your polite and respectful opposition to breed-specific legislation.
Ask the City Council members to consider repealing the pit bull regulations in light of the fact that they are currently considering a breed-neutral, behavior-based ordinance sufficient to cover EVERY DOG in the community.
The animal control ordinance is already on the table.
NOW is the time to make positive change.
The first reading of the proposed ordinance is Monday, May 18, 2026, starting at 6:30.
Meetings are held at the Springfield Regional Police-Fire Training Center on West Battlefield.
