Gilroy City Council Toughens Dog Bite Laws
New measures place tighter restrictions on owners of dangerous dogs.
In an effort to reduce the number of dog bites occurring in Gilroy, city council members unanimously voted to enact stricter dog bite laws.
The council opted to vote in favor of increased penalties for dog bites after hearing stories from residents who say they and their pets have been chased or attacked by dangerous dogs in the area. One resident, Sharon Pepper, detailed how her dog Sammy was attacked and killed by a neighbor's pit bull and bulldog in November. The new measures are supported by Gilroy Police Chief Denise Turner, who said that tougher animal control laws were needed.
Under the new ordinance, owners of dogs who bite people or attack their pets will be subject to strict liability penalties. Dogs that are considered to be a menace will be required to be spayed or neutered and microchipped at the owner's expense.
In addition, council members voted to increase penalties for vicious or aggressive dogs who are not leashed. Dogs that attack and kill other animals may now be subject to euthanization.
Individuals that own a dog that is deemed dangerous or a menace will also be required to carry liability insurance on the animal. Owners may also be subject to a citation from Animal Control if they are unable to provide proof of registration and vaccination if requested.
The council is also contemplating establishing its own animal licensing service. Services are currently provided by the Morgan Hill Police Department's animal control division.
The new measures were passed after staff members conducted a review of a San Francisco pit bull ordinance, which imposes up to a $500 fine on dog owners who do not have their dogs spayed or neutered. In the city of Santa Monica, pit bulls must be muzzled and leashed when on public property.
The council opted to enact the new laws to encompass all breeds, rather than targeting pit bulls or other dogs that have a reputation for aggression. California law currently does not allow laws that focus on a particular breed at the exclusion of others.
The new laws should make it easier for dog bite victims to recover damages from negligent dog owners. If you, a loved one or your pet has been seriously injured after an unprovoked dog attack, state law allows you to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
If you've been the victim of a dog attack, your first priority should be contacting an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case. The law firm of Nadrich & Cohen LLP is available to assist dog bite victims in the Gilroy area and throughout California in proving their injury claims. Call our Injury Hotline today at 1-800-718-4658 to schedule your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless we recover a judgement on your behalf. Don't let a dog bite ruin your life. Contact Nadrich & Cohen today to put our dog bite injury experts to work for you.
