Springfield’s ordinance that establishes a future ban on pit bull dogs within the city limits could be overturned or sent to a public vote after the certification of a referendum petition.
According to a news release, City Clerk Anita Cotter notified City Council Monday that the citizen-initiated petition had reached the required number of 2,228 certified signatures. Volunteers had turned in more than 7,800 signatures on Oct. 31. In keeping with its policy, 2,269 signatures were certified before the clerk’s office stopped the process.
The decision by a split council in early October established a future ban on pit bull dogs in the city limits, and also enacted fines for violators.
With Monday’s certification, the city has suspended enactment of the future ban and has 30 days to either repeal the ordinance or send the issue to the ballot for a vote. City Council is expected to take public comment on the issue at its Nov. 27 meeting, with final action coming at its Dec. 11 meeting.
