By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

Pit bulls still might be allowed within city limits, but owners soon could face stricter restrictions for keeping the particular breed.

When the Hays City Commission meets for a work session at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, it will consider an amended dog ordinance that automatically classifies pit bulls as "dangerous."

"It's not a ban," City Manager Toby Dougherty said. "The commission was reluctant to enact a ban the last time they discussed it, but they did recognize that there was a need for possibly some further regulations other than what we have right now."

This distinction would require pit bull owners to take additional precautions, such as providing the dog with an identification microchip, keeping the animals in secure confinement areas, and strict leash and muzzle requirements. Owners would be required to obtain public liability insurance in a single incident amount of at least $100,000.

If these guidelines are not adhered to, the dog could be subject to immediate seizure and impoundment. The owner could be fined or lose the license required to keep the pet in town.

Currently, dogs can be deemed "dangerous" only in court, usually following a biting incident or behavior issue. Dogs with a known propensity to attack or those trained for dog fighting also fall into this category.

This standard still would apply, but pit bulls would be the first breed automatically deemed dangerous. The ordinance lists several breeds of dogs commonly identified as a pit bull.

Another amendment would impose stricter penalties for pet owners who fail to register their animals annually by March 1. The delinquency fine would increase from $1 to $10 per month, with a maximum $50 fine.

The issue of regulating pit bulls in city limits surfaced in April after a pit bull attacked and killed a smaller dog, which was on a walk with its 10-year-old owner.

Other agenda items include:

* The city's statement of Kansas legislative priorities for 2010.

* Discussion of a national pollutant discharge elimination system.

* An amendment to the winter storm traffic emergency ordinance, identifying 22nd Street and Vine Street from Interstate 70 to 55th street as emergency snow routes.

* A proposed change to setback regulations for buildings and signs.

* Award of bid for improvements at Glassman Corp.'s new location at 900 Commerce Parkway.

* Discussion of a community improvement district policy.

* A uniform plumbing code for 2009.

* A proposed change to the nuisance ordinance for stormwater best management practices.