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PUBLIC SAFETY: HANDLING INCIDENTS WITH AGGRESSIVE DOGS

tags Neighborhood News, safety
date
November 15 2007

Hello everyone,

I have been reading the emails since last night [11/12/07] and I am very glad that there does not seem to be any lasting physical damage [in an incident in which a neighbor\'s dog was attacked on S. Graham by an unleashed pit bull in the temporary care of another neighbor]. 

In order to address this issue, the following steps are appropriate:

1. Please contact your Vet, as mentioned, and follow their advice.  This will also assist you when contacting the other party, and Animal Control.

2. Contact Animal Control 412-255-2036 to report the incident.

3. Contact the pet owners, not the young man, beyond obtaining owners information. My concern is based on the emails referencing the \"dog-sitter\" as a young man, so he might be a juvenile. (Or I may be getting a little older, so I am misinterpreting the term.) If so, adults need to be involved.

4. Your family can come to Zone 5 and make an \"Incident Report.\"  This report will serve to track that incident and for possible follow-up by Animal Control.

I have also attached the City\'s rules regarding pet ownership, particularly dogs. You can also obtain these from the city website.

Dogs:  

  • Your dog must have a City license when it reaches 3 months of age.  Dog licenses may be obtained from the City Treasurer\'s office. Licensing fees are much cheaper for \"fixed\" dogs (male or female).
  • You must have proof of your dog\'s current rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccinations are required by PA state law at 3 months of age.
  • Dogs are not permitted to run unleashed on public streets, sidewalks, other public places or other people\'s property.
  • If you are walking your dog, it must be on a leash or chain not more than 6 feet in length.
  • Any female dog \"in heat\" (the times during the year when the female is able to breed and have a litter) must be kept inside. 
  • Refer to \"Nuisance Violations\" section regarding barking, defecation and digging.

This is an unfortunate incident, however, it is one that can be remedied with education and responsible pet ownership.  I hope that helps.  Take care, stay safe and thanks for being involved.

Cmdr

RaShall M. Brackney, Commander
Zone Five Station
Penn Circle West and Ansley
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206
(412) 665-3605
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