Trouble dogs

THE ISSUE

The Tuscumbia City Council is considering adopting an ordinance that strengthens enforcement of the leash law regarding vicious and potentially vicious dogs.

City officials have heard several complaints about unleashed dogs, including one involving a woman who was bitten. In response, the city council is working on a new ordinance that would give them a bigger set of teeth to deal with the problems.

The council could vote next week on an ordinance that broadens not only the definition of vicious dogs but of "potentially" vicious dogs.

If adopted, the new ordinance would require all dogs deemed vicious to be confined in a pen that has a roof. The pen would have to be constructed in a way that prevents escape, and would have to be kept sanitary and free of offensive smells.

The definition of vicious would include dogs that show a tendency, disposition or propensity toward attack. An example would be if an unprovoked dog snaps at people.

Of special note is a clause that targets those who raise and keep dogs for the purpose of fighting or training dogs to fight. This is an important addition that should help authorities stamp out this cruel and inhumane "sport."

The city council is taking an important step for public safety and in preventing cruelty to dogs. Other Shoals cities should study what Tuscumbia is doing on this front and work to create uniform ordinances that not only better protect the public but help put an end to the cruelty of dog fighting.