FAST FACTS:
It also includes any dog that has been used in any aggressive activity like dog fighting. Steve Mulroy sponsored the ordinance after hearing from several animal welfare groups.
“We wanted the law to be clear and comprehensive and expand the definition of what a dangerous dog is, and give the animal control officers greater authority to declare a dog dangerous,” said Mulroy.
This ordinance affects people in Millington, Lakeland, and unincorporated Shelby County, but not Memphis because they have their own dog laws.
Mulroy says right now if your dog is declared vicious you have to keep it penned, and put up a sign. But, the new ordinance requirements are more involved.
“My ordinance adds to that by saying if it is a dangerous dog you not only have to do everything already provided for in law, but you have to put an electronic chip in it to identify it and you also have to have it spayed and neutered,” said Mulroy.
Dog owners who violate the requirement could be fined $50 per violation.
The ordinance also says officers must first investigate all complaints before a dog owner can be fined.
- A new Shelby County ordinance redefines what a vicious dog is
- The ordinance also changes requirements for how to deal with vicious dogs
- If owners do not meet the requirements they will be fined $50 per violation
It also includes any dog that has been used in any aggressive activity like dog fighting. Steve Mulroy sponsored the ordinance after hearing from several animal welfare groups.
“We wanted the law to be clear and comprehensive and expand the definition of what a dangerous dog is, and give the animal control officers greater authority to declare a dog dangerous,” said Mulroy.
This ordinance affects people in Millington, Lakeland, and unincorporated Shelby County, but not Memphis because they have their own dog laws.
Mulroy says right now if your dog is declared vicious you have to keep it penned, and put up a sign. But, the new ordinance requirements are more involved.
“My ordinance adds to that by saying if it is a dangerous dog you not only have to do everything already provided for in law, but you have to put an electronic chip in it to identify it and you also have to have it spayed and neutered,” said Mulroy.
Dog owners who violate the requirement could be fined $50 per violation.
The ordinance also says officers must first investigate all complaints before a dog owner can be fined.
