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~~~. August 2, 2005 The Mooresville Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 2, 2005, at 6:30 P. M. at the Mooresville Town Hall. Council members present were: Council President Tam Worthen, John L. Clark, Toby Dolen, and Eric Shields. Council member Troy Bryant was absent. Attorney Tim Currens was present. Tam Worthen gave the prayer. First on the agenda was Caroljean G. Ferrante, 116 Karrington Blvd, addressing the council concerning a dog attack while she was walking her two dogs and a baby? Two rottweilers came out from a yard at 114 Karrington Blvd. and attacked one of her dogs and bit her on the back calf of her leg. This was on June 22, 2005. She had reviewed the town ordinances and was concerned the fines were too low at $0 to $500. Plus the town ordinance states up to five dogs are allowed per household which she thought were too many dogs. The two rottweilers had not had rabies shots far three years and the fine for this was $0-$500. She cited 20% of dog bites per year are fatal bites and cost per dog bite was $1200 not including the vet bills. Her information came from the CDC website and 50% of dogs involved were Rottweilers. She was scared that children would have to go thru these tragic dog bites. She wanted to commend the thirteen year old girl living at 114 Karrington Blvd. for pulling the dogs off her and her dog. She listed some possible solutions: Proof of vaccinations on a yearly basis, dog contained in a yard with a high fence, one dog per house of a high risk dog, and a full time animal control officer or a police officer that could take his place if he is not available. Council President Tom Worthen state a full time animal control officer couldn't have stopped this and a police officer does work with the animal control. Jamie Weaver, 114 Karrington Blvd., owner of the two Rottweilers said she does agree na mare than two dogs per household. She told the cvuncil the dogs had never bitten anyone before. She felt this was an unfortunate accident that happened that day and that you should have the dogs you want. She is a single mother with children. Buffy Crater, a certif ed dog trainer and groomer told the council Rottweilers make good service dogs, Pit Bulls are bred for fighting: She said this is not a breed problem but a people problem. She is all for dangerous dog laws but not telling people what kind of dog to have. She said most dogs are fear biters due to people not socializing and training them. Thomas Toke, 198 N. Jefferson St. told the council if you start regulating what kind of dog people could have, next it would be what kind of vehicle you could have. There were many options that should be explored. Many other citizens spoke an not singling out a breed. Veterinarian Dr. Reyman told the council he enjoys all breeds; he would not want to see a certain breed singled out. He said the larger the dog the more serious the bite. Some places have picked a size not a breed. He suggested possible a citation like a traffic ticket for misbehavior. He said every dog bites. It is a law to vaccinate but you can't make someone vaccinate. He felt the problem was not addressed when it first begins. Mary Statser, President of Hoosier Rottweiler Assn, spoke about this being a people problem. Rottweilers are not bred wisely because of their popularity and puppies are not p1 ace wisely. She said people must be responsible and they need time to adequately train the dog and she told the council September 17~' was Responsible Dog Ownership Day. At this point Council President Worthen thanked the gentleman from WISH TV and said he asked Tam for his opinion on what would happen at the meeting. Council President Worthen said he was proud to have every one in the audience this evening that brought something to the council's attention, focused on looking far options and offered assistance to help. He asked the council to give Attorney Tim Currens permission to look at this and see what needed to be done. He appreciated the manner in which everyone conducted theirselves. Councilman Shields agreed. He was bitten as a child and it takes a lot of strength to be present at the meeting. He thanked them for their ideas anal willingness to be at the meeting. Attorney Currens told the council and the audience you couldn't create an ordinance to prevent dog bites. The town ordinance allows for a citizen to file a complaint against a dog and allows for a part time animal control officer with a place to quarantine animal. He said they may want to look and the fine per violation. The quality thing to come out