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BSL - FT. WAYNE IN
LeeAnn O'Reilly RN,PBMH
Pres.Dog Legislation Council of Canada president@doglegislationcouncilcanada.org www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org
IRISHUPON........"Semper Fidelis"
http://tinyurl.com/34odj2 October 2, 2007 Panel to analyze dog regulations Safety categories, barring breeds possible changes By Benjamin Lanka - The Journal Gazette Certain dog breeds could be banned in Fort Wayne as a City Council-led group examines whether the city's dog-bite laws need to be strengthened. City Councilmen Tim Pape, D-5th and Tom Didier, R-3rd, Monday announced the creation of a community panel to examine the city's dog laws. (Tim Paige: pape@carsonboxberger.com ) (Tom Didier: tdidiers5@aol.com ) The panel will be educated on local laws and bite data, have a public hearing and make recommendations within a month, according to Belinda Lewis, director of Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. Animal Care and Control: Belinda Lewis 3020 Hillegas Road Fort Wayne, IN 46808 belinda.lewis@ci.ft-wayne.in.us (260) 427-1244) Lewis said the group will have two main focuses. The first is whether any types of breed-specific laws are needed in the city. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson called for a ban on pit bulls earlier this year, which Lewis said made it all the more appropriate to discuss it locally. Mayor Bart Peterson 2501 City-County Building 200 East Washington Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 Fax: 317-327-3980 http://www.indygov.org/eGov/Mayor/contact.htm The second focus is whether the city needs a way to classify dogs as potentially dangerous if they have escaped and bitten a human or other dog. The city can fine owners of dogs, but can only label a dog as dangerous, which requires it to be killed. Lewis said the intermediate classification would require more responsibility from the dog's owner, including having the dog spayed or neutered, which she said reduces the aggressiveness of dogs. It is important to examine the laws so the city doesn't react to a tragic incident with overkill legislation that is based on an emotional response, Lewis said. Pape, who doesn't own a dog, said dog bites can be a traumatic event, and it is proper to examine whether the city's laws are strong enough. Didier, who owns a Shih Tzu named Lucy, said he has received some calls from residents on dog issues. He said he looked forward to learning more about all the issues as part of the panel. Lewis said the group would begin meeting this week and should have recommendations within a month. The 16-member group includes neighborhood officials, police officers and animal advocates. A public hearing to discuss the possibilities will be scheduled for later this month. blanka@jg.net
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