HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08251987 - 2.4 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on August 25, 1987 , by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, Torlakson, McPeak
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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SUBJECT: Pit Bulls and Dangerous Animal Ordinance
The Board received a memorandum dated August 20, 1987
from County Counsel transmitting three draft ordinances relating to
regulation of pit bulls and dangerous animals and barring animals
from public buildings.
The Board also received the attached memorandum dated
August 24, 1988 from Diana Iwasa, Animal Services Director,
recommending certain amendments and additions to the breed-specific
ordinance and the dangerous animal ordinance.
Diane Iwasa, Animal Services Director, commented on the
statistics relating to severe dog bite injuries involving pit
bulls. She noted that the issue of identification of pit bulls and
pit bull mixes for purposes of enforcement of a breed-specific
ordinance has not been resolved.
Supervisor Tom Powers commented on the need for a
comprehensive ordinance dealing not only with pit bulls but any
other dangerous animals. He noted that such an approach would
address the broader concerns and allow the development of an
effective enforcement program.
Supervisor Nancy Fanden noted that there was no
controversy related to the ordinance prohibiting dogs in public
buildings, and recommended introduction of that ordinance.
Supervisor Fanden referred to the Animal Services
Director' s recommendation relative to the insurance requirements of
the breed-specific ordinance, and commented on the need for a
specific liability insurance requirement in the ordinance.
Arthur Walenta, County Counsel, advised that any
insurance requirement by the County would potentially expose the
County to liability because of the difficulty in monitoring
individual coverage. He noted that from the standpoint of
liability, a specific sum should be fixed. Mr. Walenta advised
that a provision in the ordinance requiring a declaration by the
owner that they have a specific amount of insurance and stating
that a false declaration would be a misdemeanor would place the
burden of liability on the dog owner.
In response to a question from Supervisor McPeak, Diane
Iwasa again commented on dog bite statistics and noted that while
pit bull bites are an increasing problem, the question of
definition and identification remains a major issue.
Jim Appleton, safety specialist with the U. S. Postal
Service, urged the Board to adopt a strong ordinance to protect the
public from pit bulls and other dangerous dogs.
Robert Rutter, representing the National Association of
Letter Carriers, Branch 1111, presented a petition, signed by
approximately 33 Postal Service employees, urging the Board to
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enact an ordinance regulating pit bulls and other dangerous
animals.
Joanne Whitfield, U. S. Postal Service Communications
Department, expressed her support for any ordinance the Board might
adopt that will better control vicious dogs of any breed. She
offered the assistance of her department in a public awareness
campaign for the County.
Supervisor McPeak noted for the record that she had
received a letter from Sally Ann Miles transmitting approximately
40 letters opposing a breed-specific ordinance and supporting a
vicious dog ordinance.
After further discussion by Board members, IT IS ORDERED
that the following actions are APPROVED:
1. INTRODUCED ordinance prohibiting dogs in public
buildings and FIXED September 1, 1987 for adoption;
2. INTRODUCED ordinance regulating dangerous and
potentially dangerous animals, as amended to include
liability insurance provisions, and FIXED September 1,
1987 for adoption; and
3 . CONTINUED to September 1, 1987 discussion on the
ordinance regulating pit bull dogs.
cc: Animal Services Director
County Counsel
Risk Management
hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: /?,?ZPHIL BATCl ELOR, Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By , Deputy
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