How Miami-Dade’s pit-bull law is enforced

Miami-Dade unanimously passed its ban on pit bulls in 1989 after an 8-year-old girl was attacked by a neighbor’s dog.

The law is largely enforced through complaints. Since October, Miami-Dade Animal Services has conducted more than 700 pit bull investigations.

Kathy Labrada, investigator supervisor, said many complaints are unfounded because residents often mistake other breeds — like bulldogs — for pit bulls.