Lincoln, Nebraska: Addressing Dog Bites Reasonably and Responsibly
July 2009: Lincoln officials are considering changes to a city ordinance to put more teeth into the consequences for owners whose dogs bite.
Officials are not targeting particular breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls. They are, instead, looking to crack down on careless dog owners.
Bruce Dart with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department says his department is considering a number of proposed changes, including citing owners if their dogs run loose and aggressively approach people. Animals would be impounded if they or their owners violate the ordinance three times within 24 months.
Other proposals would cite owners the first time their dogs bite and increase fines for letting their dogs run loose, menacing or biting.
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Focus on Owner: Lawmakers Stiffen Dangerous Dog Law
May 18, 2009
Nebraska lawmakers have given final approval to stiffer penalties for owners of some dangerous dogs.
Under the bill (LB494) sent to Gov. Dave Heineman for his approval, the owner of a dog deemed dangerous because of a previous attack could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine if the dog attacked again and injured someone.
After a third attack by the dog, the owner could face a felony penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The current maximum penalty for owners of dangerous dogs is up to a week in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The bill would also require veterinarians to report cases of possible animal abuse.
National Canine Research Council