SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) Sioux Falls Animal Control wants City Council to make it easier to execute vicious dogs.
Animal Control Director Julie DeJong explains the situation:
"Right now our vicious dog ordinance doesn't allow us to euthanize an animal that we believe is very dangerous. If a person complies with all the vicious dog stipulations in the ordinance, they can bring that dog home." The long list of stipulations include getting $100,00 worth of liability insurance and keeping a muzzle on the dog in public.
DeJong says the change would allow animal control to put the dog down without the automatic probation, although the owner could appeal.
DeJong admits that a dangerous dog released to its owner under the existing stipulations has never been vicious again, but Sioux Falls wants a vicious dog ordinance similar to other cities of the same size.
The proposed changes would also give the city police chief the authority to order a dog be put down, and require improved signs with clearer messages of a dangerous animal on a property.
City Council's Public Services Committee on Tuesday was getting the first official look at the proposed ordinance changes.