Keep man’s best friend a lovable, safe companion
This is sound advice.
Depending on various media accounts, there have been four attacks in four months and a half-dozen cases of dangerous dog complaints filed in Burnet’s Municipal Court since Sept. 1.
Either way, that’s far too many.
Even though the recent dog attacks did not result in any life-threatening injuries, there was a report of one woman who was attacked and three incidents of dogs going after other animals.
Residents of Burnet are urged to heed the city’s advice: Register pets, and aggressive animals and maintain their health records.
This is really not much to ask.
Officials have said the cases involve breeds ranging from pitbull-terriers to small dogs.
The city’s animal control ordinance defines a “dangerous animal” as one that hurts people without provocation.
A dog is also deemed dangerous if it chases or confronts a person on the streets, sidewalks or any public or private property or if the dog has killed or seriously injured a domestic animal without provocation while off its owner’s property.
In short, the policy is that if a dog gets out of a yard and attacks or threatens someone, the owner has a problem.
The city also requires an owner to file a permit with the city if the animal shows a capacity to cause harm.
The registrable dangerous dog permit fee is $50 an animal per year. The dog must also wear a dangerous-dog tag, which costs $25 per year.
Owners who want to file for a registrable dangerous-dog permit must meet certain requirements.
First, the dog must be confined in an appropriate enclosure with a posted warning sign.
Second, the canine must be microchipped, spayed and/or neutered and the owner must show proof of having a minimum $100,000 insurance policy to cover potential damages.
That registration and the insurance could really save an owner a lot of money if something happens.
Meanwhile, the city’s pet registration fee is $5 per animal per year.
Burnet officials are serious about curbing dangerous dogs.
Anyone violating the provisions of the ordinance can be liable for a fine, depending upon the type of offense, of up to $2,000 and/or a penalty of up to $10,000, officials said.
To learn more, the animal ordinance can be viewed online at www.cityofburnet.com.
Click on Code of Ordinances and navigate to Chapter 14.
In addition, code violations should be reported to the animal control officer at (830) 798-3971 or by calling the Burnet Police Department at (512) 756-6404. To report dangerous animals, call 911 and have an officer sent over.
The message is simple: Burnet residents should do their part to keep man’s best friend a lovable, loyal and safe companion.