09/12/07
The two-page memo from the Dangerous Animal Task
Force makes seven recommendations:
* Baltimore County Department of Health
to update existing literature related to licensing of
dogs.
* Dog safety education sessions
in the Baltimore County library system to be
facilitated by a partner that promotes the
humane treatment of animals via education.
* Promotion of dog
licensure by the Health Department
through the placement of informational
signage at libraries.
* Consideration
of promoting licensing through
literature that would be mailed
with tax bills.
* Health
Department to work with
area veterinarians to
promote animal
licensing.
*
Increase
financial
penalties to
owners of
unlicensed
animals.
* Review
current
laws
with
specific
goal of
providing
input on
potential
changes
to
current
local
and
state
legislation
related
to
nuisance
owners
and
breed-specific
licensing.
Monique Lyle, a Health Department spokeswoman, said the task force is concerned that many residents are not aware of the licensing regulations.
"You can't really expect someone to comply with the law if they don't know about it," Lyle said.
Councilman Vince Gardina, who called for the task force after the mauling of a boy in his district in April.
-- Bryan P. Sears
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