Sandy approves law restricting dangerous dogs

SANDY — The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an animal control ordinance that restricts dangerous dogs based on their behavior rather than their breed.

A similar ordinance that would have banned breeds such as Pit Bulls and Rottweillers was voted down in July after animal lovers showed up in force at a council meeting to protest the ban.

Since then, the city has met weekly with a committee made up of dog bite victims, veterinarians, trainers and animal control officers to craft an ordinance that is expected to make owners more accountable.

The revised proposal was discussed at length last week but not approved until Tuesday, when a last-minute change was made to allow the owners of dangerous dogs to be licensed for only one animal. Other dog owners can have up to two animals or can obtain a special hobby license for more.

The Sandy City Council has pledged to track dog problems over the next six months and revisit the issue at that time.

— Rebecca Palmer