HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04201984 - 2.4 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on March 20, 1984 , by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder , Torlakson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Supervisor McPeak
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Pit Bulls
The Board on February 14, 1984 requested the Animal
Services Director to report on the recommendations of the Animal
Services Advisory Committee (scheduled to meet on March 7, 1984)
with respect to regulations applicable to pit bulls.
In a March 8, 1984 report to the Board, Roger Hengst,
Secretary, Animal Services Advisory Committee, advised that a public
meeting was held on March 7, 1984 and the following issues considered:
1. Are there sufficient controls to prevent Pit Bull
attacks on County residents?
2. What regulations govern the keeping of Pit Bulls?
Mr. Hengst reported that no evidence was presented nor
were the members aware of Pit Bulls being more dangerous than any
other large working breed of dog, having noted that an unsocialized
dog of any breed may be a hazard to children, especially if they run
by or ride by on bicyles, having referred to several documented
cases where Pit Bulls attacked humans on command by their owner , and
having conveyed the Committee' s opinion that sufficient controls are
present in the complaint process to identify and take action against
problem dogs.
Mr. Hengst reported that the overall problem of Pit Bulls
or biting dogs is being adequately addressed by present County ordi-
nance and penal code law; he listed several recommendations that
included dissemination of educational materials with respect to Pit
Bulls, enforcement of leash laws, and investigation and development
of methods for taking action on potential bite problems, etc.
Art Bowes, P.O. Box 541, Crocket 94525, accompanied by his
Pit Bull, Brandy, appeared before the Board and expressed the opinion
that he did not believe Pit Bulls to be any more dangerous than any
other breed and that owners of dogs should be responsible for the
proper care and deportment of their animals.
Arlene Grimes, 2365 Harbor View Drive, Martinez 94553,
expressed concern with respect to procedures for getting an animal
declared dangerous and possible repercussions to a citizen who might
report an animal as dangerous.
Supervisor Fanden expressed the need for a more extensive
education program to make people aware of the responsibility for the
behaviour of their animals as well as compliance with all laws.
Supervisor Torlakson suggested that a procedure be developed
to require the reporting of all animal bites to the Director of Animal
Services and advised that he was in favor of having this matter
further reviewed by the Internal Operations Committee.
000201
There being no further discussion IT IS BY THE BOARD
ORDERED that the Internal Operations Committee and the Animal Services
Director are REQUESTED to review the recommendations of the Animal
Services Advisory Committee as well as the educational program of
said Department and the suggestion of Supervisor Torlakson to require
the reporting of all dog bites to the Animal Services Department.
1 hereby cc iiiyr iisai awb Lu 4 it
an action taken and entered cr.The minutes of the
Board of Supervissom on the Gate shown.
ATTESTED: !2� dG; /uhf
J.R. OLSOGN, COUNTY CLERK
and
)expoifl-.lo Uork of the Board
BY - � �pap*
cc: Internal Operations Committee
Animal Services Director 000202
County Administrator
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