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Proposed Rules Hold Dogs, Owners On Tighter Leash

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2007

Updated: 11/03/2007 04:12 pm

Pasco County might adopt a tougher animal-control ordinance, if residents and county commissioners agree with proposed changes to the county's existing ordinance.

Residents already have called for stricter control of problem dogs. In several instances in 2006 and this year, loose dogs attacked and injured people or other animals, but the owners of dogs with no previous records of aggression were not held responsible.

The proposed changes would allow a dog's owner to be held legally responsible the first time the dog threatens, injures or kills someone or another animal without provocation.

Dogs could be legally considered "aggressive" by Pasco County Animal Services officers if the canines threaten people or other animals and "vicious" if they inflict physical suffering.

Fines and penalties also are being considered.

If a dog attacks a person, the victim's account can be used to justify action against the dog's owner, said Denise Hilton, manager of Animal Services.

Building A Case

It has been more difficult for people to get legal action when no one witnessed an attack. In many cases, people will need to provide a photo of an attack in progress or an eyewitness account to build a case against a dog's owner, Hilton said.

While the proposed changes would make it easier to hold owners accountable for dog attacks, the proposed ordinance also would protect owners from false reports. That was included to protect people from false allegations lodged by family members, spouses or neighbors, Hilton said.

"Often enough, neighbors make false reports against each other," she said.

Waive Fee For Nonprofit Groups
The proposed ordinance also would allow Animal Services to waive the standard adoption fee when a nonprofit rescue group offers to take over care of a dog or cat impounded at the shelter and find the animal a new home.

The proposed changes have to be approved by county commissioners before they can become law. The public will get two chances to comment on the changes at upcoming public hearings.

The first hearing will be part of the next regular meeting of the Animal Control Advisory Board, which meets Wednesday evening in New Port Richey.

The second hearing will be held before the county commissioners, Hilton said. The date has not been set.

The county animal ordinance applies to most areas of Pasco, though some municipalities have enacted their own regulations.

PUBLIC HEARING ON ANIMAL CONTROL RULES

WHEN: 7:15 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Boardroom, West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey

INFORMATION: Pasco County Animal Services, (727) 834-3216, (813) 929-1212 or (352) 521-5194

Reporter Jo-Ann Johnston can be reached at (352) 521-3062 or jfjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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