Pasco County, Florida

[JonandMichelle]

Tougher dog laws for Pasco County


NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco County is considering tougher rules to deal with owners of aggressive or vicious animals.

Families with dogs that bite or become vicious could find themselves legally liable for an attack after just one incident.

Current ordinances do not hold pet owners legally responsible for an attack unless there is a documented case of past bites or aggression. The proposed new rules would make pet owners legally responsible for the first bite.

Some dog owners like the idea.

Tracy Tarrab says he often goes to a dog park in Holiday. He says when pit bulls or chows show up he "...gets apprehensive and I get my leash and leave the area when ever I see any unusual behavior."

But others complain tough new animal ordinances often target just one breed, the pit bull.
Beth Lockwood is the executive director the SPCA of Tampa Bay. She acknowledges that pit bulls have a tough reputation.

"They can be loving and gentle. Its the public that must be educated," she said.

Wednesday night, Pasco County leaders listened to public opinion on the proposed new rules. They could come before the entire county commission early next year.



MyFox Tampa Bay | Tougher dog laws for Pasco County

[LORHEL]

Thanks for the link guys. Unfortunately this is too close. I am considering moving when lease is up. Maybe I should stay put in my county. Or at least away from Pasco.