San Francisco Health Code Article 1, Section 43, requires mandatory spaying or neutering of all pit bull-type dogs over eight weeks of age, one of the first such breed-specific ordinances in California passed in 2005.
SF passed the pit bull spay/neuter ordinance after a fatal 2005 dog attack. Health Code Section 43 covers American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and mixed breeds with substantial pit bull characteristics. ACC officers may identify breed visually. Exemptions exist for licensed breeders, dogs unfit for surgery (vet-certified), and dogs participating in legitimate competitions. Owners must license intact dogs only with a special intact-dog permit. Cats are not covered by mandatory sterilization but ACC subsidizes voluntary spay/neuter clinics.
Owning an intact pit bull without an exemption permit, failing to comply after notice, or breeding without a license triggers citations and possible dog impoundment by ACC.
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