New Interactive Map Helps Residents Pinpoint ‘Dangerous Dogs’ In The Neighborhood
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The following information is distributed from the City of Frisco's News
and Information service.
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NEW INTERACTIVE MAP HELPS RESIDENTS PINPOINT
'DANGEROUS DOGS' IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
(March 27, 2008) Frisco residents have a new high tech tool to keep them
informed about dangerous dogs in their neighborhood. An online,
interactive map allows you to find out where the animals - deemed
'dangerous' by a municipal judge - live in the city.
"For us, this is a matter of public safety," said Michael Hansen, Senior
Animal Control Officer. "We wanted residents to have easy access to the
information so they could be on the lookout for dangerous dogs and take
proactive steps to help keep their families safe."
While 'dangerous dog maps' are not new, the interactive feature is.
Animal Control Officers worked with the IT Department to develop the map,
which debuted earlier this month. Using GIS technology, residents can
click on any 'dog house' icon and find the address, description and a
photo of 'dangerous dogs' within Frisco city limits.
The dangerous dog map was developed after the Frisco City Council voted to
amend the city's Animal Control ordinance in January of this year. The
revised ordinance tightens requirements for owners of dangerous dogs.
Under the revised ordinance, within 30 days after a judge determines a dog
'dangerous', the owner must meet several requirements, including but not
limited to:
Register the dog with animal control;
Restrain the dog at all time on a leash (no longer than six feet) or in
a 'secure enclosure'. A 'secure enclosure' is defined as an area being
locked, preventing public entry and escape, and clearly marked as a place
where a 'dangerous dog' is being kept;
Obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000;
Place an orange collar on their pet.
Dangerous animals are generally defined as those which injure someone
following an unprovoked attack that happened outside the place (secure
enclosure) where the animal was being kept. Following an attack, the
animal is sheltered and the matter is referred to municipal court, where a
judge will determine whether the animal is 'dangerous'. Specific breeds
cannot be banned under Texas law.
"If a resident ever sees a dog running loose that matches the dangerous
dog description, they should contact Animal Control immediately through
Police Dispatch," said Michael Hansen. The non emergency number for
Police Dispatch is 972-292-6010.
A link to the 'Dangerous Dog' interactive map can be found on the home
page of Animal Control, which is a division of Planning and Development
Services. Go to http://www.friscotexas.gov , click on Departments and find
'Animal Control' or go to
http://www.friscotexas.gov/departments/Planning_Development.For more information,
call 972-292-5303.
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