Changes to Reading’s animal control ordinance are aimed at strengthening the enforcement of aggressive dog cases and ensuring consistency with Pennsylvania law.
City Council has approved an amendment to the ordinance. The law previously had been amended in 2020, city Solicitor Fred Lachat said.
The newest changes come in response to reports of free-roaming aggressive dogs in some city neighborhoods and after months of discussions, beginning in March.
At council’s invitation, Ashley Mikulsky, CEO of Animal Rescue League of Berks County, outlined the conflicts between the city’s ordinance and state statutes during council’s committee of the whole meeting March 10.
The ARL is contracted to enforce animal laws in the city. However, the enforcement of dangerous dog ordinances is handled by the state dog warden or city police.
Under state law, only a judge can officially declare a dog dangerous. Once such a designation is made, enforcement and management become the responsibility of a state dog warden, Mikulsky said.
This made parts of Reading’s ordinance unenforceable, particularly where dangerous dog language was used.
Mikulsky urged the city to clarify the language in its ordinance, focus on behaviors rather than breeds and follow best practices so enforcement efforts align with state law.
The amendments adopted last week reflect those concerns.
Significantly:
• The definition of aggressive dog has been revised, removing language that included dogs merely pursuing people or animals without provocation.
• Aggressive dogs and vicious animals must be confined to their owner’s property, posted with warning placards or securely muzzled and restrained with a 3-foot-long chain when off premises. Retractable leashes are banned. Outdoor pens must meet strict safety and zoning standards.
• The previous requirement that dangerous dogs be sterilized has been eliminated because that authority rests with the state.
• Fines are strengthened to $500 per incident for failing to confine or leash properly, and $500 to $1,000 for keeping an aggressive dog or vicious animal without the required city permit.
• Owners must register aggressive dogs and vicious animals with the city; provide proof of licensing; vaccinations and microchipping; and display a conspicuous warning sign and visible permit tag.
• The ordinance also clarifies the process for declaring an animal aggressive or vicious at the local level. The animal control officer or police will issue notice, which owners may appeal within 14 days to the city’s Animal Control Board. However, determinations of dangerous dogs remain solely under state law.
The rescue league, which partners with the city, will continue to handle seized, surrendered or impounded animals; provide medical care and behavioral assessments and place animals through adoption, fostering, transfer or return to owners.
Education and support for pet owners are essential parts of the nonprofit’s mission, Mikulsky said.
Officials said the amendments will make Reading’s ordinance enforceable and give the city clearer tools to address ongoing problems with aggressive animals.