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Riverside County Officials Want To Require Pit Bulls To Be Spayed Or Neutered

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is considering a policy that would make it mandatory for pit bulls to be spayed or neutered.

John Welsh of the county's Department of Animals Services, which was asked to write up the measure, said the proposal is intended to curb pit bull violence and roaming dogs.

"The intent for the Board of Supervisors is public safety," said Welsh.

CBS2's Greg Mills reported that Riverside Animal Services picks up more pit bull-type dogs than any other canine roaming the streets.

Officials said eight out of 10 of those strays are not sterilized and those dogs tend to be more aggressive.

"A dog that's altered, whether it's a pit bull or any dog, is going to roam less. It tends to show some signs of less aggression, too," said Welsh.

Welsh said there's been serious incidents involving pit bulls recently.

Two women were mauled by untethered pits in Riverside.

Breeder Ryan Aragon wasn't happy to hear about the supervisors' plan.

"There's nothing like a pit bull. I've had them for 12-13 years. You got a best friend? I got 10," said Aragon.

If sterilization becomes law, Aragon said he'll pack up his dogs and move out of the county.

"Yeah, I'll move," he said.

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