3/25/06: Update: Discussions with city council and Chief of Police have indicated that this measure will be defeated as written. The City will look at strengthening its vicious dogs laws rather than banning and/or limiting dog ownership. However, we must remain vigilant until its voted down. Stay Tuned.
Lafayette Animals
of Concern Proposal:
Bold type and underlined information is critical information for GSD
owners.
Other Animals
of Concern include; American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog), Dogo
Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario),
Presa Mallorquin (Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Ca de Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting
Dog,
Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane di Macellaio,
Sicilian
Branchiero), Fila Brasileiro, Boerboel, Rottweiler, German Shepherd,
Chow Chow, Wolf
Hybrid, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Doberman Pinscher, St. Bernard, Great
Dane or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or
more of the
above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which
substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club
or
United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds.
We are suggesting that the owners of the above listed Animals of Concern at
time of
license application be required to follow these prudent practices;
1. Minimum ownership age: twenty-one (21) years old
2. Proof of a current rabies vaccination.
3. The owner’s yard shall be enclosed by a 6 foot privacy fence in good repair
with
no loose or missing slats and with a secure gate (possibly with a lock).
4. Animals of Concern shall not be permitted to be tethered or chained in
any
fashion.
5. When off the owner’s property, an Animal of Concern will be
controlled using a
leash no longer than four (4) feet in length held by someone twenty-one years of
age or older who is capable of effectively controlling the dog. Extension-style
leashes may not be used.
6. (a) The owner will only be permitted to retain custody/ownership of one
of the
above listed Animals
of Concern at any given time. No combinations of the
above Animals of Concern will be allowed. Animals
of Concern already residing
within the City shall be permitted to remain under the following circumstance(s);
the dog(s) must be licensed with the City of Lafayette no later than 60 days
after
the new ordinance goes into effect. Any Animal(s) of Concern without a
valid
license after the 60 days will not be allowed to remain within the City of
Lafayette. Once a violation of excess Animal(s) of Concern has been
brought to
the attention of the City of Lafayette, (if all animals are not licensed), the
owner
will be permitted to retain custody of one such animal, the remainder of animals
shall be removed from the city of Lafayette in a manner agreeable by all
parties.
(b)
Penalty: Upon two convictions for any of the below listed offenses, the owner
shall relinquish ownership of all but one (1) Animal of Concern.
Violations of; Lafayette Municipal Code, Animals section;
1. Any violation of numbers 1-7 of the Animals of Concern,
2. Dog at Large or Animal at Large.
3. Female in Heat.
4. Licensing requirements.
5. Rabies inoculation requirements.
6. Cruelty/neglect.
7. Exception will be Vicious or Dangerous Animal.
These guidelines are merely discussion points to assist the City Council in
consideration
of new City ordinances. We would also suggest a program to educate the citizenry
at the
onset of this ordinance, with a process for informing future new residents of
the
regulations.
For full details go to link below: