City Considers Vicious Dog Registry
Registry Would Keep Track Of Dogs That Bite
POSTED: 5:21 pm CDT July 8,
2008
UPDATED: 8:00 pm CDT July 8,
2008
LEBANON, Tenn. -- There's already statewide registry to track sex offenders, and a similar system could be used to track vicious dogs.
Video: Lebanon Considers Dangerous Dog RegistryIf Lebanon lawmakers have their way, people will know at first glance if a dog is trouble.Mayor Don Fox said he feels that such a law would be groundbreaking.Lebanon Animal Control Officer Josh Greer said he catches about 10-15 dogs and other animals daily."It’s very dangerous," he said.If a law that tracks violent dogs was passed, workers like Greer would know if the dog they are dealing with is dangerous."If you don't know the dog and you’re going on its property, it may not be vicious to them, but it’s going to protect its property. That's just dog’s nature to protect its grounds," Greer said.Lebanon currently has a leash law, but Fox said there’s no way to identify vicious or intimidating dogs. Fox said the state tracks sex offenders, so why not the same strategy for a dog that bites?"It's a piece of mind ordinance. It will save dogs. It will save the pets, because they won’t be shot like they would be. Also, the neighbors can feel a little bit more comfortable in their neighborhood," he said.The proposed law has two levels, of which the second is most serious. A dog that bites will be caged and wear a special tracking device.Fox said the vicious dog law has worked in places like Knox County."People will be happier and more content if we have an ordinance in effect like this," Fox said.Fox said the legislation is not breed specific and that in the end, the measure would save more dogs by preventing euthanasia in the case of a bite.The proposal still has to pass through two council readings. Fox said he hopes it will go in effect later this year.
Video: Lebanon Considers Dangerous Dog RegistryIf Lebanon lawmakers have their way, people will know at first glance if a dog is trouble.Mayor Don Fox said he feels that such a law would be groundbreaking.Lebanon Animal Control Officer Josh Greer said he catches about 10-15 dogs and other animals daily."It’s very dangerous," he said.If a law that tracks violent dogs was passed, workers like Greer would know if the dog they are dealing with is dangerous."If you don't know the dog and you’re going on its property, it may not be vicious to them, but it’s going to protect its property. That's just dog’s nature to protect its grounds," Greer said.Lebanon currently has a leash law, but Fox said there’s no way to identify vicious or intimidating dogs. Fox said the state tracks sex offenders, so why not the same strategy for a dog that bites?"It's a piece of mind ordinance. It will save dogs. It will save the pets, because they won’t be shot like they would be. Also, the neighbors can feel a little bit more comfortable in their neighborhood," he said.The proposed law has two levels, of which the second is most serious. A dog that bites will be caged and wear a special tracking device.Fox said the vicious dog law has worked in places like Knox County."People will be happier and more content if we have an ordinance in effect like this," Fox said.Fox said the legislation is not breed specific and that in the end, the measure would save more dogs by preventing euthanasia in the case of a bite.The proposal still has to pass through two council readings. Fox said he hopes it will go in effect later this year.- Popular WSMV Slideshows
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