EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Interim Director of El Paso Animal Services, Michael Wachsmann, explained that the goal is “earlier intervention and stronger enforcement.” <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on El Paso considers new rules for handling aggressive and vicious dogs (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Additionally, owners of vicious dogs would need to register their pets and pay a $50 fee.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Police shoot and kill dog after it attacked two men in Central El Paso<\/a><\/p>\n Some residents support the stronger rules but express concerns about the labeling process. <\/p>\n One dog owner remarked, “It’s a good start, at least. All those things are important, but fifty bucks, it’s nothing.” <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n