IA - Des Moines ordinance tweak spares some vicious dogs

[Michele]

Des Moines ordinance tweak spares some vicious dogs

By JARED STRONG • jstrong@dmreg.com • July 27, 2010

The Des Moines City Council unanimously approved Monday a change to the city's vicious dog ordinance that would spare some of the animals from being euthanized.

Under the original ordinance, a vicious dog that was found running loose or unlicensed more than once would be put down. Dogs are considered vicious if they have attacked someone, have a history of aggressive tendencies or are of a particular breed.

The change approved Monday spares unleashed and unlicensed dogs that are deemed vicious based strictly on their breed. Those dogs can now be adopted instead of killed.

"If the dog is fit for adoption, instead of being destroyed the dog would be released to the Animal Rescue League," Des Moines City Attorney Bruce Bergman said. "It gives some relief to those dogs."

The vicious breeds defined by city code are American pit bulls, American Staffordshire and Staffordshire bull terriers.

City Councilwoman Christine Hensley said the new rule accommodates dogs that would be euthanized solely because of their owners' irresponsibility.

"This is really the right step for us to take," she said.

It was spurred by a recent case in which an unlicensed pit bull was to be euthanized. The dog's owner asked for the animal back on Monday.

"That dog has been a part of our family for six years," said Jessica Fritz, who lives in West Des Moines but had visited relatives in Des Moines with the dog. "I don't know that it's right to take that dog from us."

Under the new rule, Fritz cannot adopt the animal, nor can anyone who lives with her.

The council waived the second and third readings of the ordinance and formally approved the change Monday.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/art...e-vicious-dogs

[sw_df27]

Hey finally some good news that's awesome they changed it!