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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Watch out: Fido and Fifi can be dangerous 3/27/09   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Saturday, March 21, 2009 Reworked Monroe dog law goes into effect Sunday By Debra Smith Herald Writer MONROE -- Every dog in Monroe -- from the tiniest Chihuahua to the most massive mastiff -- gets the same treatment under a revised animal ordinance that takes effect Sunday. After nearly four months, the Monroe City Council unanimously passed the law Tuesday that treats all dogs the same if they act aggressively. City officials took the opportunity to make other major changes, too. It's now illegal for pet owners to leave animal waste in any part of the city. When a dog is off its owner's property, it needs to be leashed unless it's in a designated off-leash area. Dog owners can't tether or confine an animal in a manner that causes injury or pain. People aren't supposed to leave their pets in a motor vehicle during very warm or cold weather. Pets in vehicles need to be properly secured -- not bouncing around loose in the back of the truck. Nearly all the changes were recommended by dog owners and pet advocates, Councilman Mitch Ruth said. "Dog owners said they wanted other owners to be held responsible," he said. The City Council began considering stricter regulations after people living in a Chain Lake neighborhood complained about dogs that got loose repeatedly, bit and threatened neighbors. Monroe, like other area cities, used a two-strike approach if dogs became aggressive. Dogs earned the label of potentially dangerous if they bit or acted aggressive once. If a second incident happened, dogs were registered as dangerous, triggering strict requirements on their control. The council considered a proposal that called for a dozen breeds, including pit bulls and Akitas, to be considered potentially dangerous even without behaving aggressively. That proved unpopular with many dog owners. Under the new ordinance, any dog could be declared dangerous if it: Kills a domestic animal without provocation off the owner's property; Bites, attacks or endangers the safety of humans; Chases or approaches a person in public in a menacing fashion; Inflicts severe injury or death of a human. The ordinance gives animal control officers the discretion to give the owner of a dog a warning before declaring the dog dangerous. Owners can appeal the decision or get the "dangerous" label removed by successfully having their dogs complete the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program or a similar obedience program. Owners of dangerous dogs are required to confine their animals and post warning signs. They also have to secure a $250,000 bond and have homeowner's liability insurance in the same amount. Ignore those requirements, and the city can confiscate the dog. Owners who violate other changes, such as not scooping waste, can be fined up to $250. Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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