Commissioners favor pit bull regulations
Published on -11/6/2009, 6:25 PM
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By KALEY CONNER
kconner@dailynews.net
An ordinance placing stricter regulations on pit bull owners and imposing stronger penalties for pet owners who do not register their animals could be passed by Hays city commissioners next week.
At Thursday's work session, commissioners spoke in favor of the ordinance, but suggested a few possible changes.
Rather than implementing a pit bull ban, the proposed law -- which will be voted on next week -- would automatically declare pit bulls as "dangerous," subjecting owners to heightened precautions.
Owners would be required to keep their dogs securely confined, provide identification microchips and obtain public liability insurance.
The ordinance describes pit bulls as any of several specific breeds. Local veterinarians would identify the breed, Police Chief James Braun said.
"If they say it's a poodle, it's a poodle," he said. "If they say it's a pit bull, it's a pit bull."
As suggested, the fine for pet owners who fail to register their pets by March 1 would increase from $1 to $10 for every delinquent month, with a maximum charge of $50.
It was suggested that lesser punishments could apply to residents who faithfully register their pets, but might miss the deadline.
Vice Mayor Chris Channell questioned an additional $25 charge for pets who haven't been sterilized, saying it might be counterproductive to charge more when the goal is to increase registration numbers.
"It seems to me we're going to start cracking down on animals that are not registered," Channell said. "I think that is prohibitive for people to go and pay the higher fee."
Pit bull owners would pay an annual $50 registration fee.
A local law that prohibits pets to run at large unless they are under "direct control" of the owner also was questioned. That provision should be more clearly defined, Commissioner Henry Schwaller IV said.
"Imagine you're in Frontier Park with your 5-year old... and someone's (dog) comes up and knocks your kid over," he said. "Well, it's under the owner's direct control, right?"
If the proposed ordinance becomes law, pit bulls must remain muzzled and on a leash in public.
The following items will be on next week's agenda for possible action:
* A bid for construction in Glassman Corp.'s future location on Commerce Parkway.
* The city's 2010 statement of legislative priorities.
* Proposed setback changes for buildings and signs.
* A 2009 uniform plumbing code.
* An amendment to the nuisance ordinance to allow for stormwater best management practices.
* An amendment to the winter storm traffic emergency ordinance.
I am unable to make this meeting tonight because I have to work. You said it, "it is the unresponsbile dog owner" but there are alot of unresponsible dog owners who own different breeds other than pitt bulls. So why don't you fine the unresponsible owner and have mercy on the people who are responsible and have enough common sense to leash their dogs of any breed poodle or pitt bull, our dogs our like kids to us, they are are family, to some that is all they have, that is their best friend. Fine these owners not the breed or the responsible people who raise their dogs right. When I looked up the most dangerous dogs, the "dalmation" was at the top of the list, so was the lab but and the labs had the most dog bites in the vicinity, but they are saying that is better because there are more of these dogs so they are less likely to be vicious and there is less attacks from pitt bulls but not as many dogs so that makes them more vicious, maybe that means that the ones who own them are just more responsible owners. Makes sense to me. My friend had a small dog at the park come up to her and her boxer and bark at them, the little dog was not on a leash and would not leave them alone, finally the friend yelled at the little dog's owner to leash her dog but that is ok because it is a little dog she got away with running at large at the park? A little dog almost chewed my ear off as a child and the dog had to be put down. So if you are going to muzzle our dogs you better muzzle all of them in Hays because any of them can bite at the park or anywhere else when they are with a irresponsible owner. Have you took the time to look at these champion dogs on line at the kennels, they are surrounded by children as well where they are raised. Noone takes time to do any research only to listen to the negative statements because of an isolated incident here or there but there are plenty of attacks from many other breeds as well. The irresponsible owners are the ones who need to be held accountable so the responsbile owners can enjoy their dogs. Post fines for these people and let the responsible people be!
(Posted by: T.Hotchkiss)
What a joke: 11/11/2009
I have Owned a pit bull for seven years. My dog is one of the smartest dogs you will ever meet. It is sad that this subject is based on one breed. It all depends on how they are raised. ANY DOG or animal could hurt someone. so what we shouldn't even own A DOG, or better yet any animal??? Muzzle my dog? Are you kidding me? That is so cruel. He would never hurt anyone. So now I can't play fetch with my dog outside? At one of the last meetings the chief of police was talking to one of my friends. The officer said he had pulled a list over the last couple years of dog attacks......and guess what??? The majority of them were not pit bulls! So why put all the negativity on just pit bulls??? Any dog could bite.....so if we going to muzzle our dogs, then ALL dogs should be muzzled. Seriously......what next?
(Posted by: Aften)
Pit Bull Regulations: 11/10/2009
I own a Pit Bull and my dog has never lashed out at anyone. I have seen smaller dogs than mine try to bite people...so why not have these regualtions for all dogs? I will say that these regualtions are ridiculous and before too long there will be so many bans and regulations on these dogs that the breed will cease to exist. Its funny since there are so many other species that we try to save but we are trying to destroy this particular breed of dogs just because there are some ignorant dogs owners out there.
(Posted by: Arilla Wear)
support for pit bulls: 11/9/2009
I am getting tired of peoples ignorance towards pit bulls. They do not understand the breed.They are wonderful dogs that make great pets. They are not born mean. They are made to be that way. It is sad.
(Posted by: hays resident)
all wrong: 11/9/2009
a pit bull is no more dangerous than a poodle. my blue heeler could tear you to pieces if i would sic him on you. all dogs are equal, it all depends on who trains them....
(Posted by: bd5)
Racial Profiling: 11/8/2009
Concerned next dog breed that will be unjustly given death penalty if additional insurance costs too much - - also when read ordinance it looks like these oweners won't be able to even walk their dogs for excercise - and that will cause them to not be socialized so they will be more likely to bite. These dogs should be treated as individuals - not treated as ciminals before tried. Our town is truly committing "racial profiling". I fear dog lovers will soon be unwelcome in our elitist community. While we worry about children being hurt, we obviously aren't concerned about teaching judgement.
(Posted by: concerned)
Lease Law: 11/6/2009
I thought all dogs in public areas in Hays had to be on a lease? I definately think this should be law as I don't want to always have to worry when my kids play at the city parks. Only takes 1 irresponsible dog owner to let his dog run free and attack some helpless 5 year old.
(Posted by: Hays resident)
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