National Animal Control Association Policy Statement

Extended Animal Control Concerns - Dangerous/Vicious Animals

POLICY STATEMENT

Dangerous and/or vicious animals should be labeled as such as a result of their actions or behavior and not because of their breed.

BASIS FOR POLICY

Any animal may exhibit aggressive behavior regard-less of breed. Accurately identifying a specific animal's lineage for prosecution

purposes may be extremely difficult. Additionally, breed specific legislation may create an undue burden to owners who otherwise

have demonstrated proper pet management and responsibility.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Agencies should encourage enactment and stringent enforcement of dangerous/vicious dog laws. When
applicable, agencies should not hesitate to prosecute owners for murder, manslaughter, or similar violations
resulting from their animal's actions, and their owner lack of responsibility. Laws should clearly define
"dangerous" or "vicious", and provide for established penalties. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment,
and/or the relinquishing of total privileges to pet ownership. If a dangerous/vicious animal is allowed to be
kept, laws should specify methods of secure confinement and control. A dangerous/vicious animal when
kept outside should be confined in an escape-proof enclosure which is locked and secured on all six sides.
Signs should be posted at property entrances and be visible from the nearest sidewalk or street. The
licensing record could include a notation which will immediately identify an animal which has been deemed
dangerous or vicious.