Vicki
Administrator
Canary Dogs and American Bulldogs added to dangerous dog list
Posted by Jaime Anto July 06, 2009 08:00AM
Categories: News
BROOK PARK Two additional breeds of large dogs are now considered dangerous. Along with this, owner responsibility has been muzzled.
Right now there's legislation in Brook Park on the books labeling pit bulls as a dangerous breed and such owners are subject to certain sanctions regarding enclosure and leashing.
Animal Warden Karen King recently requested that Canary Dogs, also known as Perro de Presa Canario, and American Bulldogs be added to the list. New requirements, which go beyond enclosure and leashing, were also reviewed and OK'd by Council.
She said this change helps better protect residents by keeping track of these animals yearly.
"I'll have a list on file that's updated every year, so I'll know who's got what as far as these dogs go," she said. "It's about safety."
The ordinance has three main components.
First, it adds the two new dangerous breeds, even mixed breeds of these animals.
Secondly, it requires all owners, present and future, to register these dogs. The dog must also be implanted with a microchip to locate the animal easier in the event it's running at large; it must receive yearly rabies shots; and the owner must also acquire liability insurance for no less than $100,000 to protect any potential victims.
"This is an important provision and makes sure the victim is compensated for injuries," said Law Director Neal Jamison. "A lot of times people don't have the appropriate insurance or resources to take care of victims in those kind of cases."
Thirdly, it cleans up the process for determining if a dog is dangerous or vicious. Evidence of such an animal -- outside the three breeds -- will now be reviewed by the safety director, who takes into consideration history of attacks, extent of injuries, presence of provocation, any evidence of attack training, etc. when making a decision.
However, all three breeds are automatically deemed dangerous even without an incident or hearing.
Pit bull refers to any Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier breed, or mixes of this breed.
King said this ordinance also protects safety forces responding to calls.
"It lets them know on a call, 'hey there's a big dog here, and it may or may not be vicious,'" she said.
Ward 2 Councilwoman Patti Astorino had asked if present owners would be "grandfathered" in, but Jamison said no.
"For dangerous dogs, we're saying you can keep them, but there are certain guidelines and sanctions that must be followed," he said. "There are more and more of these types of animals in our city and something we should address."
Mayor Mark Elliott said it's in the best interest of the community.
"We live in an ever changing world and this is one of those areas where you find new information, so you make changes accordingly," he said. "It's about community safety."
http://blog.cleveland.com/newssun/2009/07/canary_dogs_and_american_bulld.html
Posted by Jaime Anto July 06, 2009 08:00AM
Categories: News
BROOK PARK Two additional breeds of large dogs are now considered dangerous. Along with this, owner responsibility has been muzzled.
Right now there's legislation in Brook Park on the books labeling pit bulls as a dangerous breed and such owners are subject to certain sanctions regarding enclosure and leashing.
Animal Warden Karen King recently requested that Canary Dogs, also known as Perro de Presa Canario, and American Bulldogs be added to the list. New requirements, which go beyond enclosure and leashing, were also reviewed and OK'd by Council.
She said this change helps better protect residents by keeping track of these animals yearly.
"I'll have a list on file that's updated every year, so I'll know who's got what as far as these dogs go," she said. "It's about safety."
The ordinance has three main components.
First, it adds the two new dangerous breeds, even mixed breeds of these animals.
Secondly, it requires all owners, present and future, to register these dogs. The dog must also be implanted with a microchip to locate the animal easier in the event it's running at large; it must receive yearly rabies shots; and the owner must also acquire liability insurance for no less than $100,000 to protect any potential victims.
"This is an important provision and makes sure the victim is compensated for injuries," said Law Director Neal Jamison. "A lot of times people don't have the appropriate insurance or resources to take care of victims in those kind of cases."
Thirdly, it cleans up the process for determining if a dog is dangerous or vicious. Evidence of such an animal -- outside the three breeds -- will now be reviewed by the safety director, who takes into consideration history of attacks, extent of injuries, presence of provocation, any evidence of attack training, etc. when making a decision.
However, all three breeds are automatically deemed dangerous even without an incident or hearing.
Pit bull refers to any Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier breed, or mixes of this breed.
King said this ordinance also protects safety forces responding to calls.
"It lets them know on a call, 'hey there's a big dog here, and it may or may not be vicious,'" she said.
Ward 2 Councilwoman Patti Astorino had asked if present owners would be "grandfathered" in, but Jamison said no.
"For dangerous dogs, we're saying you can keep them, but there are certain guidelines and sanctions that must be followed," he said. "There are more and more of these types of animals in our city and something we should address."
Mayor Mark Elliott said it's in the best interest of the community.
"We live in an ever changing world and this is one of those areas where you find new information, so you make changes accordingly," he said. "It's about community safety."
http://blog.cleveland.com/newssun/2009/07/canary_dogs_and_american_bulld.html