Lafayette Considers 'Vicious Dog' Ban, CO

[Judy]

LAFAYETTE, Colo. The city of Lafayette is considering a crackdown on vicious dogs, but the ban wouldn't target specific breeds.

The proposal's main goal is to encourage dog owners to be responsible for their pet's behavior.

"We needed to look at holding owners accountable for their dog's actions and their animal's actions rather than looking at any particular breed," said Commander Rick Bashor with the Lafayette Police Department.

Stiff fines would be implemented for owners with vicious dogs. The first offense would cost $500 and the second offense would cost $750.

"If you hit people in the pocketbook, it gets their attention," Bashor said. "They may not feel their animals are a danger, but we've got indication that they are and we cite them and they go to court, when they get the fines they understand that we're serious about that.

The ordinance would also require vicious dogs be kept locked in kennels and owners would have to have insurance.

The Lafayette city council will vote on the ordinance Tuesday night.

http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_123003827.html

bsl workshop

[miakoda]

Thank you....finally. However, I believe that the second offense should not only end with a fine to the owner, but that the animal be euthanized.....no "if, ands, or buts" about it. Actually, it's my personal belief that the animal be euthanized after the first offense as then there won't be any second offenses to worry about & no second chance for the dog to impact more damage upon someone. Now that I've said it, bring on the lashings.............;)

[Judy]

It's about time:

"We needed to look at holding owners accountable for their dog's actions and their animal's actions rather than looking at any particular breed," said Commander Rick Bashor with the Lafayette Police Department.

I'm not sure that the "second chance" will fly - I will try and follow up on the outcome of the vote.