Howard Knauf Webboard User Reg: 09-24-2003
Posts: 1555
Loc: Melbourne, Florida
Offline
About a month ago our county advertised in the local newspaper that they were taking applications for prospective animal behaviorists'/traners to fill a vacant position on the Dangerous dog hearing board. I submitted my application and was notified today that the council voted unanimously to elect me as a new member to the board.
I have a general idea what to expect in these hearings but I need to hear from anyone that has experience in this venue in their own local government before my first appearance.
The council did not wish to receive applications from individuals with an agenda or tied to certain organizations ie; rescue groups or breed specific legislative types. I informed them that I call em like I see em and if they wanted additional input from me in my expertise I would be happy to oblige them. Other than that, I'm in the dark.
Can anyone here give me a heads up on how things usually run. I've never been to one of these hearings. Thanks
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
I would ask for the mission statement in advance. (It may be just a sentence or two, but it also may outline hearing protocol and rights to appeal*.)
How it runs IME is that A/C and the owner make statements and also answer board questions, and the board confers and decides on how the animal must be handled (always on leash, for example, on and off the owner's property: that's one decision that can be handed down; another can be euthanizing; another might be a requirement to buy liability insurance as well as keep the dog confined). An owner's statement might include such circumstances as a dog protecting her puppies, or a dog in pain.
All JMO, and every board in every locale will be different.
*
There have been charges of unconstitutionality against some boards that violated a dog owner’s right to due process by not providing owners with appeal opportunity.
Howard Knauf Webboard User Reg: 09-24-2003
Posts: 1555
Loc: Melbourne, Florida
Offline
Hi Connie,
Thanks for the input. all common sense I suppose. This is actually an appeals board. This board was assembled so that dog owners who had discipline already meted out can have a hearing. Giving out a final verdict will not be easy.
The mission statement is a good idea. Don't know why I didn't think of it. Will email the county and obtain it.
BTW, Roscoe is doing much better. About 65% of the elephant skin has receded. Thank you for your help.
Lynne Barrows Webboard User Reg: 09-22-2007
Posts: 2531
Loc: S. Florida
Offline
Howard, I just wanted to say that I am continually impressed with your dedication to dogs and dog issues, on top of what must be a very demanding career...
Howard Knauf Webboard User Reg: 09-24-2003
Posts: 1555
Loc: Melbourne, Florida
Offline
Was glad to read this statement in the county ordinance concerning what is'/isn't considered a dangerous dog....
"6) No dog may be declared dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault."
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: howard knauf
Was glad to read this statement in the county ordinance concerning what is'/isn't considered a dangerous dog....
"6) No dog may be declared dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault."
Nice...
Howard
If it had not been included, you could have been the influencing factor to get it written in. Is there stuff about protecting puppies, being in pain, and self-defense?
Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
Posts: 3389
Loc: Richmond Va
Offline
how would a trespassing incident be interpreted? ie your not home and fluffy tears up a burglar or a utility or contractor ignores or "No Comprende"s a warning sign?
Howard Knauf Webboard User Reg: 09-24-2003
Posts: 1555
Loc: Melbourne, Florida
Offline
Connie,
Yes, those issues are specifically addressed. You're on the ball as usual.
Dennis,
There is a stipulation that if a subject is on the property commiting a crime, or without permission then the dog and owner may not be penalized. That is not to say some skell wont try and sue you.
If I remember correctly, Florida passed a law a few years ago that absolves homeowners of any civil litigation should something unfortunate happen to a dirtbag who is committing a crime on your property. That may well be the comeback of the proverbial junkyard dog.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Dangerous Dog Hearing Council
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
