Pit bull registration sessions now available Saturdays

[Tonka]

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 1/61002009

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department will offer two Saturday registration sessions for pit bull owners this month.

The weekend sessions were added to help owners comply with a new city ordinance requiring pit bull registration, the department announced this morning.

?We?ve had requests from the public to offer additional hours outside of the traditional work day,? Assistant Director of Health Ron Boyer said.

Registration may be made from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Oct. 14 at the animal shelter, 4002 N. Farmer Ave. No appointment is necessary, but owners are asked to keep the dogs muzzled and in their vehicles when they first arrive.

Registration will cost $50 and includes microchipping. Owners must pay with cash, show photo identification, and display written proof the dogs were spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

According to the new ordinance, pit bulls may only be kept within city limits if owner follow certain regulations. Health department staff will start enforcing the new ordinance on Oct. 16.

For more information, contact the pit bull information hotline at 864-1166 or go to http://health.springfieldmogov.org