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Pit bull owners face severe penalties in Miami-Dade County

County's ban against pit bulls being highlighted after boy killed by dog

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – It is illegal in Miami-Dade County to own or keep American pit bull terriers,
American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers or any other dog that substantially conforms to these breed characteristics.     

There is a $500 fine for acquiring or keeping a pit bull and court action to force the removal.

Pit bull investigations take about 30 business days. Pit bulls that are picked up as strays and are not registered or licensed will be held for five days and then put down.

Pit bulls that are picked up with identification or lost pets that are registered will also be held for five days. The owner will receive a citation and be given the opportunity to remove the dog from Miami-Dade County.

Both pure and mixed breed pit bull dogs are classified as dangerous. It has been been illegal to acquire a new put bull dog since Jan. 1, 1990. Failure to register, muzzle, confine and insure a pit bull is a violation of the law subject to sever penalty.

Click here to read the full Miami-Dade ordinance against pit bulls.

Miami-Dade residents can report pit bull owners to 305-884-1101. You can remain anonymous.

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