Previously, the city’s guidelines for dangerous dogs covered an “attacking dog (which) killed the other dog,” West Carrollton Police Chief Doug Woodard has said. “And that was unacceptable.”
The measure approved 7-0 by West Carrollton City Council and scheduled to start Nov. 22 is another step law enforcement is taking to increase accountability for animal owners.
RELATED: Woman mauled to death at home by her dogs
In 2015, the city moved to strengthen animal confinements laws, restricting the hours pets can be tethered outside and establishing minimums for holding areas, among other changes.
The latest revisions will label a dangerous dog one that would “without provocation, has done any” of the following:
•Caused injury, “other than killing or serious injury,” to any person;
•Caused serious injury to another dog;
•Has been the subject of a third or subsequent violation.
This would exempt police dogs, records show.
EARLIER: Dog with amputated leg after attack was mauled by same dogs before, family says
The new legislation follows an August attack by two dogs on the small one owned by West Carrollton resident Paula Helms. The incident, occurring in Helms’ yard, resulted in the dog – Tobie – getting a leg amputated in the second time he was targeted by the other dogs, officials said.
A certificate classifying a dog as dangerous would be issued by the Montgomery County auditor and dog owners would be required to have proof of liability insurance, Woodard said.
The changes approved four years ago focused on confinement issues. They included measures involving the size, temperature of the holding area, as well as if the dog could be tethered outdoors and for how long.
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