Dangerous dogs could cost you a pretty penny
 
July 26, 2007 07:06 PM CDT  
 
Reporter: Marianne Lyles
New Media Producer: Rachel Beavin
 
A Tri-State county puts a legal leash on dangerous dogs. A new ordinance makes it more expensive to own pit bulls and wolf hybrid dogs.
 
It's common for the Union County dog warden to chase after strays, but now he's cracking down on certain breeds, specifically pit bulls and wolf hybrids.
 
It's a part of the county's new vicious dog ordinance. The Union County Fiscal Court got the idea from other Kentucky counties with pit bull problems.
 
Even though there have been only a few incidents..the court wanted to keep the dog problem from getting out of hand.
 
Instead of the normal $5, owners of pit bulls and wolf hybrids are now required to pay $50 for registration and provide two pictures of the pet so the warden can easily identify the dog should there be a problem.
 
Judge Excutive, Jody Jenkins, says the programs give authorities an advantage, "It would be an advantage for police officers, mail carriers, meter readers people that have jobs that are on foot walking in neighborhoods where there are vicious dogs."
 
The dog warden has been busy looking for these unregistered animals. Police have already laid down the law.
 
Violators of the ordinance face a fine of up to $200, and possible jail time. The judge executive says it's a simple ordinance to follow and one which could save lives. The ordinance also prohibits the breeding of vicious dogs.