Number
030887
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to regulations for pit bull and rottweiler dogs and prohibited dangerous animals.
Sections
78-22 rc
78-25-2-b am
Analysis
This ordinance makes the following changes to the city's regulations for pit bull and rottweiler dogs:
1. The required fence around the yard or kennel area shall be of a height approved by the commissioner of neighborhood services as sufficient to contain the dog. Previously, the commissioner's approval was not required, but the fence had to be set back at least 3 feet from any public street, sidewalk or alley.
2. The required dog behavior or training class must only be taken once, not once per year. Also, the Cudahy Kennel Club will no longer be mentioned as a source of recommendations for dog trainers, since it does not provide this service.
3. A dog owner will no longer be able to present proof of a dog's breeding as a defense for failure to comply with the pit bull/rottweiler regulations, since absolute proof of breed is impossible (short of DNA testing).
This ordinance also changes the composition of the 3-person dangerous animal panel to consist of an environmental health professional, a humane officer and a veterinarian. Previously, the panel included a representative of the city clerk's office who worked in community services. Panel members shall be appointed by the commissioner of neighborhood services.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 78-22 of the code is repealed and recreated to read:
78-22. Pit-Bull and Rottweiler Dogs. The owner of any pit bull dog, as defined in s. 78-1-21, or any rottweiler dog, as defined in s. 78-1-23, shall comply with all of the following:
1. While leashed, the leash shall be held by a person 16 years of age or older, who is competent to govern the animal. The leash may be held by a ...
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