Title
Amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, relating to animals by adding a new Section creating licensing requirements applicable to certain breeds of dogs, under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, The Vicious Dog Task Force was formed as a result of a public hearing on Resolution 970803, during which City Council further investigated the problem of regulating and controlling vicious and dangerous dogs in Philadelphia;
WHEREAS, The number of exceptionally dangerous and unpredictable dogs in Philadelphia remains unacceptably high;
WHEREAS, Although dogs of any breed, if not properly socialized, can pose a threat to human health and safety, as well as the safety of other animals, certain breeds of dog present exceptional threats of danger based on the capacity and proclivity of such dogs to inflict harm;
WHEREAS, For example, most large dogs have jaws capable of exerting pressures in the range of 200 to 450 pounds per square inch and full-grown Pit Bulls, which are often aggressive dogs, have jaws capable of exerting pressures of nearly 1,500 pounds per square inch;
WHEREAS, City Council has determined that certain license requirements applicable to the ownership of particularly dangerous breeds of dogs should apply in Philadelphia; NOW THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 10-100 ANIMALS.
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ยง 10-101. Definitions.
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(7.1) Dogs Of A Dangerous Breed. Shall mean a dog that is of, or exhibits the significant characteristics of, the breed of Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler or any other breed of dog determined by the Department of Health, by regulation, to exhibit distinguishing characteristics that include particularly powerful jaws, aggressiveness and the ability to withstand infliction of pai...
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