SAGINAW -- Update, April 6, 2011, 12:00 p.m.
Saginaw City Council Committee of the Whole has released a video of the proposed dog ordinance. You can watch the video here: http://www.saginaw-mi.com/.
Update, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 6:15 p.m.
NBC25 spoke with Saginaw City Councilman Dan Fitzpatrick about his proposed "Dangerous Dog Ordinance." He says he wants residents to know, the goal is not to get rid of certain breeds of dogs, but to target irresponsible dog owners.
"Saginaw is one of those cities that has suffered from people bringing in fighting breeds," said Fitzpatrick. "It is something we need to address here."
Fitzpatrick says the most recent draft of the proposal calls for a $20 fee for those who own the five most statistically dangerous dogs according to "credible, analytical listings of 'Most Dangerous Dogs'". The dogs restricted could change from year to year.
The draft also contains rules that would affect all dog owners in the city. There would be a limit on the number of dogs allowed per household in Saginaw. No one would be able to have more than three adult dogs in the city. Dog owners would have to leash their dogs, or hold them in a "kennel, pen, or fenced yard." Tethering would no longer be allowed.
Saginaw City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance as soon as next month. If they approve it, it may become law by May 19, 2011.
The City of Saginaw has released the five dangerous dog breeds. Owners of these types of dogs could be fined in the near future.
Here’s the list from the city of Saginaw's website:
- Pit Bull
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- Bull Mastiff (Presna Canario)
- Alaskan Malamute
In May, city officials will vote on proposal that would charge a registration fee to owners of full-bred or mixed breed dogs of any of the listed types. Dog owners would also be required to have a muzzle on the pets anytime they are outside of a caged area.
Under the plan, if a dog owner violated this ordinance, he or she would be charge $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $400 for each offense after that.
We want to know what you think. Should these owners be forced to follow these “dangerous dog” rules? Do you agree with the list of “dangerous dogs?” Leave us your feedback here and on the NBC25 facebook page.
