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Some exemptions have been made for pitbulls owned by law enforcement, those serving as assistance dogs and dogs bred by licensed breeders. Other pitbull owners who fail to sterilize their pitbulls in the next month will receive an infraction or misdemeanor crime.

This ordinance comes after a deadly string of pitbull attacks that killed both a 2-year-old boy last month in San Bernadino County and a woman in the Antelope Valley. Another Riverside County woman was hospitalized after two dogs attacked her while she was walking her dog. 

The pitbulls owners were all charged with murder. 

Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone told KNX1070, "These dogs are are being bred to be dangerous, to fight, to kill, and as a result we've seen a lot of terrible incidents, so it's been a significant public safety problem for our residents." 

The unanimous vote did not come without backlash from some pit bull owners who feel irresponsible styles of pet ownership should not be used as a reflection of pitbulls everywhere. 

"A few unfortunate accidents and the media's negative portrayal of pit bulls have created a bad reputation for pit bulls. The breed may be aggressive by nature, but it is up to the owner to train and mold the dog at a young age," pitbull owner Shyenn So said. 

The ordinance also aims to reduce pitbulls' presence in Riverside County animal shelters. 

Pit bulls make up 20 percent of the impounded dogs in Riverside County as well as 30 percent that are euthanized every year, according to officials.  

"People are raising them and finding out they are dangerous, they are sticking them in our pounds and our K-9 centers, and we are euthanizing them and we want to reduce the euthanasia in our dog kennels," Stone said. 

The Riverside County Department Animals said in a statement the purpose of the ordinance is to "protect the public's health and welfare from irresponsible owners of pit bulls by mitigating the over-population of unwanted pit bulls." 

Reach staff writer McKenna Aiello here or follow her on Twtter @McKennaAiello