Ald. Fioretti Suggests Licensing Owners Instead Of Dogs

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Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) introduced a resolution at today's City Council meeting calling for a series of hearings to overhaul of the city's pet policies, making "recommendations for legislation to reduce the number of animal attacks.” In particular, Fioretti wants to move the city toward licensing owners instead of licensing the dogs. The Sun-Times writes:

“Any further regulation should continue to be not breed-specific, but owner/handler specific, such as licensing the owner rather than the animal,” the resolution states.

That's good to hear because just two weeks ago Fioretti had hinted at breed-specific legislation as an option for decreasing dog attacks, saying he's heard nothing but bad news about them. Of course this is all coming up again because two pit bulls attacked a jogger at Rainbow Beach on New Year's Day, causing the man to lose his left foot. Anecdotal evidence from the victim and a witness both imply the dogs were fighters. The victim said they "knew what they were doing," and the witness said, "It was like they were bred exactly for fighting." NBC Chicago writes:

"There may be any number of triggers that cause animals to attack," the proposal reads. "A pack of dogs may act differently from how they normally act individually. Animal behaviorists believe fatal dog attacks are caused by a myriad of factors such as the personality of the dog."

Fioretti also suggested mandatory spay and neutering. Cherie Travis, executive director of the city’s Commission on Animal Care and Control, told the Sun-Times, “In Minneapolis, there’s an ordinance that, if your dog has bitten someone, you can’t get another dog for five years. I’m certainly open to discussing best practices.”

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By Samantha Abernethy in News on January 18, 2012 5:35 PM 0 Comments

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Nicholas

It's about time the City Council started taking this seriously. The "responsible" owners of those 2 "friendly and well-socialized" pit bulls in the Rainbow Beach attack got a ticket. The victim is crippled for life.

magooisim

was there actually a report of the owner being responsible or the dogs being friendly and well-socialized? I'm not being sarcastic, everything i've seen has been to the contrary.

Honestly, congrats to Fioretti. This may not be perfect yet, but it's placing the responsibility back on the owners instead of the breed, and that's a start.

Nicholas

The owners of the dogs turned themselves in. So, even though the dogs did not have any tags, they seemed to be somewhat responsible. The owners stated that the dogs were kept locked in the yard and they and neighbors reported the dogs as friendly and seemingly well-socialized. This was in the Sun Times, I believe.

Chef David Edelstein

Well ITS ABOUT TIME someone finally "Gets It!!!" Hats off to you Alderman Fioretti for having the foresight (and lack of political agenda) to do what is actually best for the community. I believe any person wanting to adopt any animal of any breed needs to prove their worthiness and level of responsibility before bringing one into their home.
NOW, if we can get city officials here in Denver to ackowledge that their 23 year old legislative blunder (aka Pit Bull Ban) is a complete failure and it has been based on nothing more than securing the minoroty vote/ politically motivated... we can begin to get the animal welfare issues in the US under control. No, Im not a pit bull hater or skeptic... I am the proud owner of 4 of these magnificant dogs.

ChicagoD

Sigh. Chef, I would have thought that you would make your only comment under this name a little more coherent. Of course, you live in Denver, so you don't realize that this is a complete waste of time. A resolution to call for hearings? Also known as a "press release."

Chytowns J

Or.. Like firearms, the city could double dip and register (and charge a fee) both for the owner and the dog. Dogs don't attack people, Dog Owners Do.