SAN DIEGO — Would you want to know if there's a dangerous animal living next door? San Diego County is considering a dangerous dog database, and pet owners we spoke with think it’s a good idea.
“Next thing you know, the Malinois comes and just snatches him,” said Carissa, pointing to her dog Furley’s body. She says her dog was attacked from behind by another dog that was off a leash near her home. “I, myself, would like to know if there's a dog that I should be cautious of living nearby.”
San Diego County has 2,500 dog bites reported every year, but a dog would only be deemed dangerous after it's proven in court that animal caused substantial harm or death to a victim who didn't provoke the attack.
If that happens, San Diego's Civil Grand Jury recommends that "the dog must wear a dog tag that clearly states it is a Dangerous Dog, it must be muzzled when out in public, and all entrances to the owner's property must have signs announcing the presence of a Dangerous Dog".
Hillsborough County, Florida, has had a dangerous dog database for around seven years.
“Public safety is our focal point, public safety and animal welfare,” said Roger Mills, Division Director for Hillsborough County Animal Control. They post the dog's picture and address on a public website. ”That way the neighborhood knows, if they're moving there, they've got a dangerous dog there.”
Mills says it takes a civil court order to get a dog declared dangerous. And if it happens again, the owner could be looking at jail time. “If your animal - your declared dangerous dog - gets out, escapes and bites someone else or attacks another animal, they can be charged with a criminal offense,” said Paris Dunkley, Hillsborough County’s Bite Program Coordinator. “It can be a misdemeanor to a felony.”
At this point, San Diego County leaders have only voted to ask other cities and agencies if a dog database is feasible and to report back their findings in a few months.
As for Carissa, she doesn't blame the dog that bit Furley, she blames the owner. And believes if every dog owner would just be responsible, there'd probably be no need for a dangerous dog database in the first place.
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