Dangerous Dog Hearings Invite Public Input

Santa Barbara County Animal Services officers have proposed changes to an animal ordinance that involves the handling of potentially dangerous dogs.

A petition drive followed the impounding of two dogs blamed for killing cats in Santa Maria and the death of rescue dog accused of killing a smaller dog in Santa Barbara.

Supporters of revisions want dangerous dogs to be given a second change.

They said dogs are put on death row without timely hearings.

A majority of the people attending the hearing support the changes. People that like the status quo sent emails to the county saying they were afraid to walk their dogs in their own neighborhoods.

Another hearing will be held on at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Santa Maria Animal Center on Foster Road in Santa Maria.

The proposed ordinance will be presented to Santa Barbara County Supervisors later this month. Health officers would like a new ordinance approved by the end of the year.

For more information go to, ww.sbcphd.org