HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 06021987 - 2.4 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on June 2, 1987 by the following vote:
AYES; Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, Torlakson, McPeak
NOES; None
ABSENT; None
ABSTAIN; None
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SUBJECT; Proposed County Code Ordinance
Relating to Dangerous Animals
In response to Board referral dated May 19, 1987, the
Board received a report dated June 1, 1987 from Victor J. Westman,
County Counsel. Mr. . Westman advised that the County could legally
require posting of signs warning of the presence of pit bulls
and/or other dangerous animals. He noted however, that the
involved species or breed of dogs must be sufficiently identified
so that it is clear to the owners that posting is required, and
that there must be adequate factual data demonstrating the reason
for singling out specific species or breeds for the posting
requirements.
Supervisor Tom Powers expressed his support of the
posting requirement, and suggested that the Animal Services
Department be requested to provide more detailed information on the
categories of dogs or breeds that could be covered by the require-
ment.
Supervisor Nancy Fanden recommended that the issue be
referred to the Animal Services Department to work with County
Counsel to develop appropriate language for an ordinance, which
should also include the issue of insurance or financial responsi-
bility. She requested that staff obtain a copy of an ordinance
recently adopted by the City of Livingston which banned pit bulls
in that city.
Supervisor Sunne McPeak commented on the need to protect
the public from dangerous animals and expressed her support of the
posting requirements. She recommended that the ordinance also
apply to a category of animals based on experience, i.e. , reported
bites.
Mr. Westman advised that the provisions of the current
ordinance allow the imposing of such additional requirements, at
the discretion of the Animal Services Director, on the owners of
specific animals reported to have bitten someone.
Supervisor Fanden commented on the need for an ordinance
that will protect the public and serve as a warning to owners of
improperly trained or unpredictable animals.
Supervisor Tom Torlakson recommended that County Counsel
and Animal Services, in reviewing inherent potential to bite of
specific breeds or species, also review the severity of bites and
the propensity of certain breeds to be trained for vicious attacks.
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There being no further discussion, IT IS BY THE BOARD
ORDERED that the proposal for an amendment to the Animal Control
Ordinance is REFERRED to the Animal Services Director and County
Counsel to determine appropriate wording and return the ordinance
on June 23 , 1987 for the Board' s consideration.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the County Administrator is
REQUESTED to obtain a copy of the City of Livingston ordinance
which banned pit bulls.
cc: Animal Services Director
County Counsel
County Administrator
1 hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Soard of S-upervilprs on the date shown.
ATTEST ED: it /9 a 7
PH,P4' DP f CHi-L()R, Clerk of the Board
of SupeiviGors and County Administrator
By , Deputy