HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04052005 - SD8 Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Costa
FROM: SUPERVISOR MARK DeSAULNIER
-DATE. APRIL 5, 2005 you County
SUBJECT: INVESTIGATION OF THE MARCH 29 VICIOUS DOG ATTACK
ON AN 11-YEAR OLD BOY IN CONCORD
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADVOCATE the passage of State legislation which would prohibit individuals on parole and
probation from owning or maintaining vicious dogs. Contact our elected state representatives for
their assistance on this matter.
DIRECT the CAO and the Director of Animal Services to develop best practices for the department
in dealing with vicious animal complaints.
DIRECT the CAO and the Director of Animal Services to report back to the Board on these three
matters within 30 days.
BACKGROUND
In response to a tragic attack on a young boy in Concord by vicious pit bulls, an examination of the
County's animal regulations and responses is necessary to assure public safety.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
❑ RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ❑ RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
❑ APPROVE ❑ OTHER
kid&4
SIGNATURE(S): TWK DeSAUU4M
ACTION OF BOARD ON aDri_1 5.2005
a 1
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED ❑ OTHER
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED ADDENDUM
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS: I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT-V ) ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
AYES: NOES: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTESTED: April 5,2005
Contact: JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
cc: SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
By• 0 Deputy
ADDENDUM TO SD*8
APRIL 5, 2005
On this day the Board CONSIDERED directing the County Administrator and the
Animal Services Director to conduct an investigation of the March 29, 2005 vicious dog
attack on an 11-year old boy in Concord and provide a report to the Board of Supervisors
within two weeks on the attack and incidents leading up to the attack.
The public was invited to address the Board. The following person presented testimony:
Ralph Hoffman(no address given).
Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier presented the report and amended the recommendations to
read:
EXPLORE and work with legislative delegation on the passage of State legislation to
prohibit individuals on parole and probation from owning or maintaining vicious or
potentially dangerous dogs;
DIRECTED the County Administrator and the Director of Animal Services to look at
best practices and other Ordinances of this type around the State to see where we maybe
able to more aggressively enforce in these situations;
REQUESTED recommendations from the County Administrator on increasing the
fines;
DIRECTED the County Administrator and the Director of Animal Services to report
back to the Board in 30 days with potential language for legislation to strengthen the
existing Ordinance;
PROVIDE the County Administrator an opportunity to give a report on the incident to
determine whether the County employed the proper enforcement, opening the possibility
for an evaluation;
Supervisor DeSaulnier said that common sense seems to make it clear that just as
parolees can't own weapons,neither should they be able to own dogs trained to act as
weapons. He proposed working with Senator Torlakson and/or Assemblyman
Canciamilla, in whose districts this occurred.
Supervisor Gioia expressed strong support of the recommendation.
Chair Uilkema suggested looking at proactive measures to address concerns and
complaints about vicious animals.
Glen Howell,Director,Animal Services emphasized that aggressive pit bulls are
currently a statewide problem. Mr. Howell said the time is right at the State level to look
at this issue. He further stated he is working with the District Attorney to seek three
felony charges against the dog owner.
Supervisor Piepho recommended considering additional measures that could be pursued
at the local level to provide educational opportunities to dog owners,particularly owners
of breeds identified as potentially aggressive.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to accept the above amended
recommendations,with Supervisor Glover being absent.