Las Vegas NowDangerous Dog Ordinances Considered

Dangerous Dog Ordinances Considered

There are hundreds of unwanted dogs that crowd the local animal shelter and now three Southern Nevada cities are considering an ordinance that would try to diminish those numbers -- along with the number of dangerous dogs in the valley.

The ordinance would allow animal control officers to pronounce an animal vicious if it kills or seriously injures another animal or human. Such a designation would rely on citizen complaints, as well as animal control catching loose dogs and their irresponsible owners.

The ordinance has been in place in Las Vegas for 5 years. Roger Van Oordt with Las Vegas Animal Control says it's aimed at repeat offenders. But the North Las Vegas city manager says the animals aren't the real targets of the proposed law.

If a dog is found to be dangerous, its owners must obtain a permit for the animal, sterilize the pet and implant a microchip and have a $100,00 insurance liability policy. That being said, a dog is still subject to being put to sleep after an attack.

Boulder City, Henderson and North Las Vegas are now considering this ordinance. Clark county representatives are meeting Thursday for discussion on the matter.

A Virginia state senator wants owners of dangerous dogs to be held criminally responsible for their dog's actions. A three-year-old Virginia boy is fighting for his life after being attacked by the neighbor's rottweiler. And an 82-year-old lady and her small dog were killed by three pit bulls there less than a year ago. The senator wants owners to be held responsible for the attacks.