Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

May 2, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MAYOR ORDERS STEPPED UP ENFORCEMENT OF DOG LAWS.

Mayor James J. Fiorentini today ordered the Police Department, dog officers and the Health Department to coordinate on a joint effort for stricter and more public enforcement of dog laws in the City.  The Mayor’s action came after three serious dog attacks in the City.

The Mayor ordered dog officers and police department to be visible at public parks and playgrounds and begin strict enforcement of the City’s leash laws and laws concerning vicious animals.

“Starting this weekend, dog officers will be at our parks and playgrounds.  They have been instructed to strictly enforce the leash laws and to begin giving tickets and warnings to people who do not leash their dogs.  We have also instructed all police in the City to look out for unleashed dogs and to begin strict enforcement of our leash laws.

“I also instructed our City Solicitor to begin a review of our laws concerning vicious animals.”

The Mayor submitted to the City Council proposed amendments to the City’s laws regulating vicious animals.  The amendment proposed by the Mayor would regulate all vicious dogs, not just pit bulls.  The Mayor said the review by the City Solicitor revealed that the existing pit bull laws had been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and that an amended ordinance was necessary.

“I’ve also ordered the Health Department to be present at the Stadium and at other parks and playgrounds to enforce laws requiring people to clean up after their dogs.  We’re examining all other ways to make certain our citizens are safe.”