CONSIDERS ANIMAL REGULATIONS
The City of Kerman is looking at updating its animal control regulations, in the light of recent cases of vicious animal attacks.
This week Chief of Police William Newton submitted a report to the city council, outlining possible changes.
In the past the city has not had a significant problem with animal control, but in recent years unprecedented growth rates have been felt and the animal control department has not kept up.
In the past few years there has been a rise in the number of vicious dog attacks on both humans and other animals, Newton reports. Police officers have had to shoot a number of dogs which attacked humans and officers.
A minimum of eight officers have reported attacks in the past five years, and were forced to shoot animals in four of the incidents. Three or four of the incidents were with pit bulls, it was reported.
There have been a number of incidents in which people have been attacked, some were bitten, some not. All of the incidents in which a dog was killed resulted from a citizen being attacked first, and calling for help.
The City also is reporting a significant increase in the number of stray animals being taken to the SPCA - an average of 23 per month. Officers are reporting increases in the numbers of cases where owners have mistreated their animals, or have not had them properly secured.
The animal control department has put together a list of ideas which may be implemented in the form of new fees, fines and regulations, if the city council gives the green light.
Changes being considered include:
1) Banning specific breeds of dogs.
2) Requiring spaying and neutering, unless an owner obtains a breeder’s permit.
3) Increasing fees sharply for animals which are not spayed or neutered.
4) Increase fines for violations of any of the ordinances regarding dogs.
5) Change ordinances on barking/nuisance dogs.
6) Change the requirements for finding an animal potentially dangerous or vicious.
7) Limiting the number of dogs and cats per household.
8) Implementing fines for improper care and containment of dogs.
The city council was scheduled to take a look at these possibilities this week. Additional action, if any, will take place at a later date.