County Amending Dangerous Dog Ordinance

The county supervisors took steps this week to strike the word “dangerous” from Santa Barbara’s so-called dangerous dog ordinance. Current law requires such dogs to be euthanized. Last year, Animal Services put down 300 dogs (without request). The number has steadily decreased since 2011, when 939 dogs were euthanized. (Santa Maria had the highest percentage.) The law will instead classify ill-behaving dogs as either “restricted” (could be muzzled or trained) or “vicious” (sent to a sanctuary or put down). In addition, people who do not pick up dog waste in unincorporated areas could be subject to fines.