Ypsilanti, Michigan

• Pit bulls must be spayed or neutered, with some exemptions.

Sec. 14-1. [Pit bulls.]

(a) Pit bull means a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or any mixed breed dog displaying five out of the following eight distinguishing characteristics:

(1) Head is medium length, with a broad skull and very pronounced cheek muscles, a wide, deep muzzle, a well-defined, moderately deep stop, and strong under jaw. Viewed from the front the head is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge.

(2) Eyes are round to almond shaped, are low in the skull and set far apart.

(3) Ears are set high. Un-cropped ears are short and usually held rose or half prick, though some hold them at full prick.

(4) Neck is heavy and muscular, attached to strong, muscular shoulders.

(5) Body is muscular, with a deep, broad chest, a wide front, deep brisket, well-sprung ribs, and slightly tucked loins.

(6) Tail is medium length and set low, thick at the base, tapering to a point.

(7) Hindquarters are well muscled, with hocks, set low on the legs.

(8) Coat is a singled coat, smooth, short and close to the skin.

(b) No person may own, keep, reside with or harbor a pit bull within the township that is not spayed or not neutered.

(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to:

(1) Pit bull puppies 16 weeks or younger;

(2) Any dog examined by a licensed Humane Society of Huron Valley veterinarian, which is

certified as having less than five of the characteristics set forth in subsection (a);

(3) A pit bull which is registered with the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club and  participates at least once a year in a dog show sponsored by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. A dog owner who presents proof of AKC or UKC registration and participation on an annual basis in an AKC or UKC dog show is exempt from the neutering and spaying requirements of this section.

(4) A pit bull with a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition whose health will be  seriously, permanently and detrimentally affected if it is spayed or neutered.

(Ord. No. 2010-409, 10-19-10; Ord. No. 2012-427, 1-14-13)