Mandatory Spay/Neuter Of Pit Bulls Moving Forward In Riverside County

Nearly a dozen people spoke passionately Tuesday in front of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors about a subject that divides many across the country: Pit Bulls.

After hearing from their constituents, the supervisors voted 5-0 Tuesday to direct staff to draft an ordinance that would mandate spay and neuter of Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes across unincorporated areas of the county.

The draft will come before the board at a later date for consideration.

Among the citizens to speak before the board was Willa Bagwell, executive director of Wildomar-based Animal Friends of the Valleys. She spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance, arguing that Pit Bulls fill up the shelter she operates.

Bagwell also agreed with Beaumont City Councilwoman Brenda Knight, who spoke Tuesday. Knight said she had been attacked twice by Pit Bulls, and argued the dogs have a different, more lethal bite than other canines.

“They rip and tear,” she said. “Their bites are more vicious.

“I am a dog lover,” Knight continued, but she urged the supervisors to move forward with an ordinance.

Those who spoke against the proposed ordinance argued that while some Pit Bulls are vicious, it’s a matter of selective, responsible breeding and good training.

Michelle Chavez said her family has been promoting Pit Bulls for more than 10 years. She argued that mandated spay/neuter “punishes good owners.”

Others urged that while they support spay and neuter of all breeds, the county should consider programs that can help lower sterilization costs of all pets.

“It doesn’t make sense,” said Sarah Kosinski, founder of Change of Heart Pit Bull Rescue.

For others, the Pit Bull subject was almost too painful to talk about.

Temescal Valley resident Michelle Randall said her prize Australian Shepherd was mauled by a Pit Bull and eventually died from the wounds.

Choking back tears and holding a trophy awarded to her beloved Aussie, Randall said Pit Bulls have been selectively bred to behave in an aggressive manner.

It’s in their “genetic heart,” she said.

Each county supervisor indicated he was amenable to an ordinance aimed at controlling the pit bull population. However, several supervisors insisted that any proposed regulation contain language specifically exempting some pit bull owners from a mandatory spay/neuter requirement, including individuals who use the canines as service dogs to cope with disabilities.

Supervisor Marion Ashley sought a "model ordinance" that cities might follow. A county ordinance would only apply to unincorporated communities.

"We'll come up with it and then go sell it," he said.

Any proposed ordinance would be the subject of at least two public hearings before the board.

– City News Service contributed to this report.