Mount Clemens Votes in Favor of a Pit Bull Ordinance

The Facts

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted 5-2 on August 3, 2009 to adopt a an ordinance that puts extra restrictions on owners of dogs fitting under the description of pit bull of pit bull mixes, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The ordinance states that owners of these breeds must register their dogs with the city and comply with the following restrictions:

• Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 4 feet when outside of its kennel

• Dogs must be muzzled at all times when outside of its kennel

• Dogs must be kept indoors in an area where they cannot escape (ie - not on porches, patios and not inside where windows or screens are not secured) or if outdoors they must be kept confined in a locked kennel not shorter than 6 feet high, with secure sides and top.

• Owners must display a sign stating there is a dog on the premises in a prominent place on their property and on the kennel.

• Owners must report to the city, within 10 days of any of the following: removal from the city or death of a registered pit bull dog; the birth of offspring of a registered pit bull dog; the move of the owner or keeper or the move of a registered pit bull dog within Mount Clemens city limits.

Violators will face $500 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

The exception

Any pit bull dog that passes the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program will only be subject to the leash law requirement. Pit bull owners have 4 months from the passing of this ordinance to pass the CGC exam. Dogs must pass the exam every 2 years.

To see a complete copy of this ordinance please click here.