Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 6, 1991 TAG: 9103060428
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The General Assembly has approved legislation that authorizes localities to destroy vicious dogs and to impose strict regulations on keeping dangerous animals.
City Attorney Wilburn Dibling will present an ordinance to City Council soon that would enable the city to take advantage of its new power to regulate vicious dogs.
Dibling told the city's Legislative Committee this week that the legislation was spurred by the city's request in the aftermath of the October attack on India Renee Hairston.
The girl suffered injuries to her face, head and neck from a neighbor's dog as she was waiting for a school bus.
The city has a law barring ownership of dogs known to be vicious, and authorizing authorities to kill dogs that attack without provocation. But officials said stronger legislation was needed to control the growing popularity of dogs bred for attacks - among them pit bulls and Rottweilers. After the attack on India Hairston, council asked the legislature to authorize localities to enact stronger regulations.
Meanwhile, a plan for limiting the number of cats that can be kept in residential areas also is expected to be submitted to council.
George Snead, director of administration and safety, said city officials are reviewing a proposed ordinance that was aired at a public hearing late last year. Changes may be made before its presentation.
"We are considering the comments at the hearing - and trying to determine if there are other things we should consider," Snead said. There are strong emotions on both sides, he said.
The proposed measure would prohibit residents from keeping more than six cats. If the cats had not been spayed or neutered, only four could be kept.
Cat lovers attacked the proposed ordinance. They said it was misguided because it would penalize responsible owners who keep their animals inside and take good care of them, but would not force irresponsible owners to care for their pets.
But others said the city needs regulations so it can eliminate problems where large numbers of cats are kept in residential areas and have become a nuisance.
Several residents on Chesterfield Street and Mountain View Terrace Southwest have complained about odor problems and related nuisances caused by more than 35 cats kept at one residence.
Some cat owners have suggested that the city require licensing of cats and enact an ordinance similar to the leash law for dogs. They said that would prevent cats from roaming in neighborhoods.
But state law does not permit cities to require cats to be licensed. City officials have said there could be problems in enforcing a leash law for cats.
by CNB