Wheeling, WV Outlines Dog Ordinance Guidelines

Wheeling Outlines Dog Ordinance Guidelines



POSTED: 11:57 am EST March 1, 2006


<!--startindex-->WHEELING, WV -- On April 1, 2006, a new ordinance for the City of Wheeling will go into effect. It relates to a new dog ordinance.

For a link to the guidelines, click here.

<TABLE cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=2 width=700 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="16%" height=22></TD><TD width="16%" height=22></TD><TD width="17%" height=22></TD><TD width="17%" height=22></TD><TD width="17%" height=22></TD><TD width="17%" height=22></TD></TR><TR><TD width="16%" height=18>http://www.cityofwheelingwv.org/whatsnew.htm#top</TD><TD width="16%" height=18></TD><TD width="17%" height=18></TD><TD width="17%" height=18></TD><TD width="17%" height=18></TD><TD width="17%" height=18></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle width="100%" bgColor=#000080 colSpan=6 height=22>

CITY OF WHEELING OUTLINES NEW DOG ORDINANCE GUILDELINES
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</TD></TR><TR><TD width="16%" height=23></TD><TD width="84%" colSpan=5 height=23></TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width="100%" colSpan=6 height=23></TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%" colSpan=6 height=23>On <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /><ST1ATE Year="2006" Day="1" Month="4">April 1, 2006</ST1ATE>, a new ordinance for the City of <ST1:CITY><ST1LACE>Wheeling</ST1LACE></ST1:CITY> will go into effect. The ordinance, Article 508, references Dangerous and Vicious Dogs. The changes in the ordinance do not affect the vast majority of dog owners in the City.<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O></O> City residents who own a Pit Bull Terrier, Canary Dog, or an American Bulldog will be required to show proof of liability insurance for a minimum of $100,000. A normal home owners’ Insurance policy with liability amounts equal to or greater than $100,000 will meet the requirement of the ordinance. Renters’ policies in which liability insurance is equal or greater to $100,000 will also meet the requirement.<O></O>

Owners of such dogs will be required to register their dogs beginning April 1 with the City of Wheeling Finance Department, Room 115 of the <ST1LACE><ST1LACETYPE>City</ST1LACETYPE> <ST1LACETYPE>County</ST1LACETYPE> <ST1LACETYPE>Building</ST1LACETYPE></ST1LACE>. Current applicable dog owners can register between April 1 and April 15. A tag will be issued, to be worn on the dog at all times. The cost to register such dogs will be $5.00 annually. The owner must, at that time, provide proof of insurance. The annual registration will then be renewed in 2007 in the City Finance Department when applicable dog owners complete their annual registration of their animals with the Ohio County Assessor’s Office. After April 15, alleged violation of the ordinance can be reported to the City Manager’s Office or the Wheeling Police Department. This requirement for registration only pertains to owners of Pit Bull Terriers, Canary Dogs, and American Bulldogs.<O></O>

The above referenced dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. The dogs must also be properly fitted with a muzzle, should the dog be outside its proper enclosure. Except when leashed and muzzled, a dangerous dog shall be securely confined indoors or confined in a locked pen or other secure enclosure, such as a fenced in yard.<O></O>

Dogs that are not identified as dangerous by their breed, but show signs of being a dangerous or vicious dog can be investigated. Any adult person may request under oath that a dog be classified as dangerous or vicious by submitting a sworn, written complaint. If just cause exists, a fair investigation will occur into the incident. Should the dog be found dangerous or vicious, following the investigation, the dog owner must comply with the ordinance in having the dog registered and have insurance. This provision is designed to promote responsible dog ownership by clearly defining the enforcement in the event a dog becomes dangerous as defined. An example of this would be a dog owner permitting his dog to run at large and the dog intimidates or attacks a person or another pet.<O></O>

The purpose of this article is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City of <ST1:CITY><ST1LACE>Wheeling</ST1LACE></ST1:CITY> by clearly defining enforcement actions against owners and their dogs whose behavior is dangerous and inconsistent with that of a normal pet. According to the ordinance, fines from $100.00 - $500.00 and up to 30 days imprisonment could be imposed for failure to comply with the ordinance and for repeat offenses. Current leash laws for all dogs are still in effect.<O></O>

Additional information is included in the ordinance, which can be seen by any member of the public during regular business hours at the City Clerk’s Office in the <ST1LACE><ST1LACENAME>City-County</ST1LACENAME> <ST1LACETYPE>Building</ST1LACETYPE></ST1LACE>. <O></O>

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I think that insurance companies would make money buy picking-up the slack of other companies. Don't you think so?

 

The American Kennel Club has tracked breed-specific legislation efforts in 37 cities in 17 states since Jan. 1.

We are losing more ground every day.