Friday, May 16, 2008

City outs dangerous dog owner in North Dallas

By Pegasus News wire

DALLAS — On two separate occasions, dog bite incidents occurred on March 30 and May 4, 2008. The incidents took place in the Preston Hollow neighborhood on Royalton Drive and Royal Crest and involved two Pit Bulls owned by Mr. John Harris.

A Dangerous Dog hearing was held on May 6, 2008. As a result of this hearing, both dogs were deemed “dangerous”. According to City Code, once a dog is deemed “dangerous”, the owner of the dangerous dog must comply with the following guidelines within 30 days of notification:

Photo not provided by City of Dallas

There are times when the dog bites you and other times when you just have to bite the dog.

• Vaccinate the dogs
• Register the dogs with Dallas Animal Services - $30 if unaltered, $7 if altered
• Register the dogs as dangerous dogs with Dallas Animal Services - $50 each
• Restrain the dangerous dog at all times on a leash or in a secure enclosure
• A microchip must be implanted and registered on the dogs
• Post “Beware of Dog” warning signs on all fence gates and notify people not to approach as the dog has been deemed dangerous
• Obtain liability insurance coverage or show financial responsibility in an amount of at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person
• Items 4, 6, and 7 must be maintained at all properties where the dog may be taken
• Notify Animal Services prior to the move, if your dog is moved to another location within the City of Dallas or out of the city

Although he was not required to do so, Mr. Harris voluntarily stated that he would not bring the dogs back to his residence.

On May 14, 2008, Mr. Harris brought the dogs back to his residence.

City of Dallas Code Compliance staff contacted Mr. John Harris today regarding the two dangerous dogs in his possession. Mr. Harris assured Code Compliance that he would comply with his statement during the hearing to remove the dogs from the neighborhood within the next 48 hours.

Source: City of Dallas

Related stories

• Dallas couple sues realtor and victim after their Pit Bulls attacked two people (and a dog) (May 24, 2008)

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• Pets > Dogs
• Crime