San Francisco has adopted a breed specific ordinance that requires pit bull owners to spay or neuter their dog unless they obtain a $100 breeding permit.
It is the first breed-specific ordinance passed in California since the state adopted a law last month allowing local governments to enact breed-specific legislation.
The legislation defines pit bulls as any dog that is an American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, or any dog displaying the physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds.
Under the ordinance, owners who are unsure whether the dog they own is a pit bull must make an appointment with the citys Animal Care and Control Department, which will determine the breed of the dog.
Violating the law is punishable by up to a $500 fine for the first offense, and fines of up to $1,000 for subsequent violations.
Posted: Nov. 21, 2005, 3p.m. EST