Methuen Looking To Crackdown On Dangerous Dogs
October 4, 2006
(CBS4) METHUEN The city of Methuen is mulling a change to its animal ordinance that would force owners of aggressive dogs to send the animals to behavioral school.
A special committee headed by City Council Chairman Stephen Zanni is mulling several proposed changes to Methuen’s dog ordinance. The goal is to better protect residents.
At first, Zanni had proposed muzzling all pit bulls but now the idea is to hold dog owners more responsible. “Alot of towns have vicious dog ordinances on its books. But nothing specifically desinged towards the owner,” said Zanni.
Zanni said that the way the city law is written now, a dog can commit two or three vicious acts before any law enforcement action is taken.
“I think we’re going to see how we can make that better, so we can attack the issue at the root, instead of the pet or the particular incident,” said Michael Keiley of Nevins Farm Animal Shelter.
An alternative to behavioral school is a more aggressive system of tracking dogs that could be deemed dangerous.
Zanni’s committee is expected to make a decision within the next month.
