1896 Breed-Specific ‘Pit’ Bulldog Ordinance – Sacramento, California

A Savage Dog
The Record-Union
April 12, 1896
Library of Congress

A Savage Dog
Attacks Domestic Animals and Causes the Arrest of His Master.
A savage bulldog yesterday attacked an inoffensive cat in the neighborhood of K street, between Fourth and Fifth. Officer Taylor attempted to persuade the brute to quit, and partly wore out his club in the effort.
But the dog was out for cats and refused to let go until he discovered a setter dog, which had stopped to see the sport. He then released poor Tab and fell upon the inquisitive setter, which he proceeded to chew up in approved style. In the meantime Officer Taylor had demolished the remainder of his club in beating the brute, which was finally driven off.
The sequel to the affray was that John Nathan, owner of the dog, was arrested and charged with having violated the ordinance recently passed forbidding the owners of bulldogs to allow them to run at large in the streets. Nathan will have to tell his story Justice Davis tomorrow. – The Record-Union

The bulldog of the late 1800s and early 1900s is the same dog as today’s pit bull terrier. The only thing that has changed about this dog breed in the last century are the different names it goes by: bulldog, pit dog, bull pit, bull terrier — pit bull terrier. Modern dogfighters still call their fighting pit bulls “100% bulldog.” (See: Disguise breed name)
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