What should I do if I know of a pit bull I believe is unlicensed?
Report any suspected pit bull dog to Animal Control by calling 325-7762. Please leave your name and telephone number, so staff can call you back if the dog is not found or the animal is registered. In addition, leave the address of the dog so staff can check records to see if the dog is registered. Owners have until October 27, 2006 to register the dog.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
According to the American Kennel Club, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a short, deep, broad skull with pronounced cheek muscles, short foreface and black nose. The ears are small set on top of head. Eyes are dark, round and set to look straight ahead. The neck is muscular, short and gradually widening toward the shoulders. The body is close-coupled, with a level top, and wide front. The front legs are straight and set far apart with dewclaws. The hindquarters are well muscled and legs parallel. The tail is of medium length and carried low. The coat is smooth, short and close to the skin. The colors are red, fawn, white, black or blue or any of these colors with white. Height of dog is 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weight is 28 to 38 pounds.
What is a pit bull?
Animal Control Division
City of Independence 875 Vista Drive Independence, MO
(816) 325-7205
What should I do if I own a pit bull?
If you own a pit bull dog, call 3257751 to schedule an appointment to register your dog by October 27, 2006.
What should I do if I have additional questions?
Call 325-7753 with your question. Leave a work-time telephone number and staff will return your call as quickly as possible.
What is a pit bull?
A pit bull is defined by City ordinance as any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier
According to the United Kennel Club, the pit bull should have a large and broad head, that when viewed from the front is shaped like a broad blunt wedge, with arches over the eyes. The skull is large and slightly rounded, deep and broad between the ears. The cheek muscles are prominent. The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper falling from the eyes. The neck is of moderate length and muscular. The shoulder blades are long, wide, muscular and well laid back. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set moderately wide apart and parallel to the ground. The chest is deep, well filled in, and moderately wide. The hindquarters are strong, muscular and moderately broad. The coat is short and smooth. Height of dog can vary, but weight should be between 30 and 50 pounds.
American Staffordshire Terrier
According to the American Kennel Club, the American Staffordshire Terrier should have a broad skull of medium length, very pronounced cheek muscles with ears set high. Ears can be either cropped or uncropped. Eyes are dark and set low down on the skull and far apart. The neck is heavy, slightly arched, tapering from the shoulders to back of skull. The shoulders are strong and muscular with wide ,sloping blades. The back is short with a slight slope. The body is stocky and well muscled. Forelegs are set wide apart to permit for the chest that is deep and broad. The tail is short in comparison to size. The front legs should be straight, with no bend. The hindquarters are well muscled. The coat is short, close and stiff to the touch. The colors vary. Height of dog should be 17 inches to 19 inches.
Who can have one?
A person who was the owner of a pit bull on or before the new City ordinance was enacted August 28, 2006 and who applies for and receives a pit bull license in accordance with City ordinance, and who maintains the pit bull at all times in compliance with the pit bull license requirements of City ordinance, may keep the pit bull within the City.
How can I tell if it is a registered pit bull?
All of these dogs must be registered and wearing a tag that says “Independence, MO.”