http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/story.asp?id=5B03D269-F1C7-4832-9C5D-9F6F76D6751D

Victoria eyes beefing up animal bylaws
Tougher laws, steeper fines designed to make owners of vicious dogs accountable for actions

Malcolm Curtis
Times Colonist

Friday, March 26, 2004
Victoria is considering tougher animal-control regulations and other possible legal remedies after this week's attack by pit bulls on a guide dog.

"I think we should put some real stringent fines in there and make dog owners realize they should be responsible," Mayor Alan Lowe said Thursday after council asked staff for a report on the issue. "We have to look at all the options."

Hillie, a Labrador guide dog owned by Oriano Belusic, who is blind, underwent surgery for bruises and lacerations after she was bitten Monday by two pit bulls on a Victoria street. Hillie continued to recover at home Thursday. One of the attacking dogs has been destroyed, but the owner of the other pit bull does not want her dog put down.

The city bylaw provides a fine of $50 for nuisance dogs. All dogs in public areas of the city, except for a few parks, are supposed to be on a leash.

Lowe and other members of council believe the fine needs to be increased. "I don't think $500 is out of line," the mayor said.

Coun. Charlayne Thornton-Joe said the root problem of vicious dog attacks is "irresponsible owners" and any measures taken should penalize the owner.

Thornton-Joe supports higher fines and the possibility of removing the legal right of owners of "repeat offender" animals to continue to have a dog.

People whose dogs are destroyed because of vicious behaviour can simply go out and buy another one now, she said.

Thornton-Joe was concerned about the targeting of certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, whose behaviour can differ, depending on their owners.

"I know many families with pit bulls that are friendly family pets," Thornton-Joe said.

The Allstate insurance company has reportedly changed its home-insurance policies to deny coverage to owners of certain dogs-- such as pit bulls -- with a record of attacking people. A spokeswoman for the insurance industry said insurers are becoming less willing to risk potential lawsuits related to dog bites.

Coun. Helen Hughes said she wants to know if the city can take legal measures against a dog owner over a vicious attack. "I would like an opinion on whether we can successfully go to court."

Council has asked city solicitor Jack Basey to look at potential solutions