PALOS VERDES ESTATES : Dangerous-Animal Ordinance Adopted
Residents, police and animals have been given a new code to live by.
The Palos Verdes Estates City Council voted 5 to 0 on Nov. 22 to enact a dangerous-animal ordinance.
The city’s Police Department took over animal regulation from the Los Angeles chapter of the Humane Society last year, but existing city codes did not offer police any guidance.
Police Chief Gary Johansen said the department received about six calls last year of dogs biting, and in some cases killing, other animals.
Animals that seriously injure or kill people or pets are considered dangerous, as are dogs maintained for the purpose of fighting, according to the ordinance.
Violating the ordinance is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for the owner, said City Atty. Stephanie Scher.
Dangerous animals may be put to sleep or allowed to stay in the city as long as they are properly contained and identified.
Owners who disagree with police that their animals are dangerous may take their case to the Humane Society pound master.
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