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Local Animal Law Comes Into Question

CONCORD, Calif. (KCBS) _ Some Contra Costa animal lovers may be in violation of local law without even knowing it.

The line seems to be blurred over how many animals a person can keep, a question that arose after three pit bulls attacked and killed 2-year-old Jacob Bisbee on Thursday in Concord.

The dogs and two others were owned by the toddler's step-grandfather, Steven Hayashi, who said the animals weren't trained to fight.

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"They weren't pure-bred pit bulls. They were mixed," said Hayashi. "So they don't look like what your stereotypical pit bull would look like with a muscular body and small head."

The dogs were put down and the tragic case raised questions over the number of dogs allowed per residence.

Dan Barrett with Contra Costa Animal Welfare said county law restricts the number to three, but jurisdictions have separate rules.

"The cities and the county itself are broken up into numerous zoning units throughout the county and the cities," said Barrett. "There's a great variance of what people may have."

To be on the safe side on how many pets you're legally allowed to have, Barrett said you should check your local zoning laws.

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