Rohnert Park Introduces Potentially Dangerous Dog Rule

[DoozyDog]

01/27/06 12:45 PST
ROHNERT PARK (BCN)

The Rohnert Park City Council is taking action against pit bulls and other dogs it deems "potentially dangerous.''

The council on Tuesday introduced an ordinance requiring three specific breeds of pit bulls over 4 months old to be spayed or neutered.

The measure also considers all dogs potentially dangerous if they cause injury to a person during an unprovoked attack. Previously the victim of the attack had to receive medical treatment including stitches before a dog was considered dangerous.

Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Sgt. Art Sweeney said the ordinance gives the city a proactive approach to take action against a dangerous dog before a tragedy occurs.

"We're going after the backyard breeders,'' Sweeney said. The city is taking advantage of a state law that allows municipalities to impose restrictions on specific breeds of dogs. City officials say the ordinance is the toughest in the county.

Several pit bull attacks were publicized in the Bay Area last year, at least two of them in Rohnert Park. Three pit bulls attacked and killed a Rohnert Park man's pet pug and a Santa Rosa girl was mauled by a pit bull.

Sweeney said the ordinance has checks and balances that require a supervisor to approve a declaration that a dog is potentially aggressive and dog owners have the right to appeal.

"It won't be based on a single incident and it's not something a vindictive neighbor can use against another neighbor,'' Sweeney said.

Potentially dangerous dogs must be muzzled and leashed and anyone walking the dog must be capable of physically restraining the dog, Sweeney said. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs must post warning signs at their residences.

If an animal is declared dangerous, it must be turned over to the local animal shelter. All pit bulls must be spayed or neutered; those found loose and unaltered must be spayed or neutered within five days and fitted with a microchip.

Cats can stop smirking now. The ordinance prohibits cats from being unconfined in public or private spaces, including the owner's exterior yards, unless the cat is spayed or neutered.

The ordinance will come up for passage on Feb. 14 and would take effect 30 days later.

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