EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso City Council is set to discuss proposed changes to how the city manages loose dogs, with a focus on those deemed aggressive or vicious.
Interim Director of El Paso Animal Services, Michael Wachsmann, explained that the goal is “earlier intervention and stronger enforcement.”
The proposals introduce two new designations: an “aggressive dog” for those that run loose and chase people, cars, or other animals, and a “vicious dog” for those that injure someone or another animal while loose.
Jordan Salas reports on El Paso considers new rules for handling aggressive and vicious dogs (Credit: KFOX14)
Owners of dogs labeled as aggressive or vicious would be required to secure their pets, post warning signs, and complete a responsible pet owner course.
Additionally, owners of vicious dogs would need to register their pets and pay a $50 fee.
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Some residents support the stronger rules but express concerns about the labeling process.
One dog owner remarked, “It’s a good start, at least. All those things are important, but fifty bucks, it’s nothing.”
As the city evaluates potential changes to its animal ordinances, one past incident involved an 87-year-old man who was mauled by a dog that was not secured.
Wachsmann noted that the proposed rules would allow for stronger action in repeat cases, stating, “If a dog is deemed aggressive and that dog gets out and is continuously chasing after people then it would give El Paso Animal Services the opportunity to confiscate that animal through a warrant or a seizure.”
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Some dog owners believe the changes place responsibility on the owners.
One resident said, “I always feel it’s not the dogs who attack people. It’s the people. So I think it’s a great idea.”
Another added, “I am all for dogs. I’m all for dog owners. But I also want them to take care of their dogs.”
Wachsmann emphasized the importance of proactive measures, saying, “If we can be proactive and tackle that situation of an animal being out and chasing people, early, then we can potentially prevent attacks on other animals and attacks on other people.”
The City Council is expected to address the proposed ordinances at its meeting on Tuesday.
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