Vicious Dogs

What more will it take to rally around Councilman Howard Finn’s proposal to pass legislation that will require, among other safeguards, “special registration of specific breeds.” The catalyst for this long overdue proposal is the blood of three Sylmar residents who were viciously attacked by a “pit bull type” beast. Two of these victims were a 2-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl. If it wasn’t for a brave man, they easily could have been killed.

The Los Angeles County area, especially the San Fernando Valley, has thousands of canine time bombs waiting to go off. A day doesn’t go by when pit bull, German shepherd or Doberman doesn’t glide out into the street by accident. Talk about loaded guns. Most of these animals are capable of killing people, especially children. We must have legislation that stipulates exactly how this kind of animal must be controlled in relation to the public. There must not be accidents that end up with a little boy getting 28 stitches in his face.

Heavy fines and the elimination of those dogs whose sociopathic tendencies cannot be controlled must be enforced. Right this minute an 8-year-old boy can chase his ball into countless backyards. Backyards from which he will never return.

This legislation is needed now. The time bombs are sitting there and the ticks on the clock sound a lot like snarls.

NOEL J. GORMAN

Canoga Park