PHOTOS: A new effort in Riverside County to reduce pit bull population

Under Riverside County’s Pit Bull Project, residents with a pit bull or pit bull mix can have it spayed or neutered for free, but must pay for a license and microchipping if they haven’t already. So far more than 300 people have signed up and 60 dogs have undergone the free surgery.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Christopher Alderson carries a pit bull after surgery. Riverside County hopes to reduce the number of pit bulls on the streets.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Gayle McClanahan holds her pitbull, Lexus, for the shots before the surgery.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Jack Taylor plays with pit bull Petie before surgery.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Cindy Bevill, left, gives a shot to sedate a pit bull held by its owner before surgery at a mobile unit for spaying and neutering. In the Coachella Valley, thousands of ragged canines roam rural areas, especially Indian reservations where they scavenge for food and occasionally menace residents. Many are pit bulls or pit bull mixes.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)