So. Cal. community to look at requiring pit bull sterilization

LOS ANGELES (KTLA)-- Riverside County officials on Tuesday are expected to consider a proposal that would require the sterilization of pit bulls and pit bull mixes in unincorporated areas.

A hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., when county supervisors will revisit an ordinance that they initially approved by a 5-0 vote on Sept. 24.

The law would mandate the sterilization of pit bulls aged 4 months and older, with exceptions for service animals, law-enforcement dogs and those owned by licensed breeders.

Violators of the ordinance would face a possible misdemeanor charge and a fine.

The hearing comes one day after an 8-year-old victim of a dog attack was released from the hospital.

James Hernandez was reportedly riding his bike in Corona on Sept. 14 when he was mauled by two Australian shepherd-pit bull mixes.

On Sept. 23, 2-year-old Samuel Zamudio was killed by five pit bull mixes at the home of a relative in Colton.

One in five dogs in Riverside County animal shelters are pit bills or pit bull mixes, officials say.

From KTLA.com