**ALERT** Forsyth County, North Carolina

Forsyth County, North Carolina

Board of Commissioners
201 N. Chestnut St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-2020
(336) 727-8446 FAX
Contact Form: http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/commissioners/contactus.aspx


Forsyth County
Government Center
201 North Chestnut Street
Winston Salem NC, 27101

County Manager
201 N. Chestnut St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-2020
(336) 727-8446 FAX


Forsyth to study problem of aggressive dogs
Aggressive breeds draw residents' complaints

Forsyth to study problem of aggressive dogs
Aggressive breeds draw residents' complaints

By Blair Goldstein
JOURNAL REPORTER
Give your opinion on this story
Becky Hutchinson said last night that three dead cats were enough to send her neighbors into a panic.
Hutchinson, an eight-year veteran of the neighborhood watch at Gordon Manor off Country Club Road, said that the pets were killed this summer by two pit bulls who have been wandering the streets around her house.
After hearing from Hutchinson, Forsyth County commissioners asked the county’s Animal Control Advisory Board to research the extent of aggressive dogs in the county and to come up with potential solutions.
The animal-control board started that discussion at a public meeting. The commissioners will consider any of its recommendations.
“Every time the dogs appeared, dead cats were left behind,” Hutchinson said. “We are so concerned for seniors and children. I have hundreds of people that are afraid to walk right now.”
Tim Jennings, the director of the county’s animal-control department, said that the board will debate many different solutions, from banning certain aggressive dog breeds to imposing higher licensing fees for certain dogs.
Jennings said that there are 11 breeds of dogs that insurance companies commonly label as aggressive, including pit bulls, Doberman pinschers and Rottweilers.
He said that these aggressive dogs can cause public-safety issues and consume public resources.
For example, the county’s animal shelter took in about 780 pit bulls last year. Of those dogs, 82 percent were euthanized.
“To a certain extent, yes, this is a problem,” Jennings said.
“People have the right to use public sidewalks without having to worry, ‘Is this dog dangerous?
Hutchinson and several of her neighbors told the animal-control board about their problems with aggressive dogs.
Some told stories about how their cats were killed in their backyards by pit bulls. Another woman said she was knocked down by a Rottweiler that was attacking her Yorkie.
“I certainly don’t think they are the only ones that are having this problem,” said Jennifer Tierney, a member of the animal-control board. “I think there is just a real issue about aggressive animals in this community, and animals running at large.”
Forsyth County’s ordinances are based on a complaint system, Jennings said. Dogs are assumed harmless unless evidence can prove otherwise.
Though some animals, such as lions or venomous snakes, are banned, no breed of dog is singled out for special rules.
Board members were given copies of other states’ laws to learn how other communities have dealt with problems with aggressive dogs.
Jennings said that many proponents of these breed-specific laws argue that they help improve public safety. Opponents, he said, argue that they penalize dogs and responsible dog owners rather than penalizing irresponsible dog owners.
The animal-control board will continue debating the issue until it has a recommendation to pass on to commissioners.
Gloria Whisenhunt, the chairwoman of the board of commissioners, said she is looking forward to receiving the group’s suggestions.
“To me, it’s just a public-safety issue,” Whisenhunt said. “I just believe people should feel safe in their neighborhoods.”
http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ/MGArticle/WSJ_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173353171725