Get tough on bad dogs

The most important thing a local government can do is provide for the public's safety, and Deltona is doing just that as commissioners work to strengthen its laws on dangerous dogs.

After a resident's poodle was attacked and killed by a neighbor's pit bull, it became clear Deltona's animal-control ordinance doesn't go far enough. The dog couldn't be impounded because a broad state law requires two attacks before a dog can be deemed dangerous. Cities can make their own ordinances tougher, and it looks like Deltona will, voting unanimously Monday to allow a dog to be impounded after one attack.






The change, up for final approval on Aug. 21, is a reasoned approach because it does not ban a specific breed. Other cities, too, would do better to focus on safety rather than a breed's reputation.


References:orlandosentinel