Twin Lakes is considering changes to its ordinance on vicious dogs that could give animals some leeway in certain defensive situations.
The need to consider changes to the ordinance was brought up by Trustee Thomas Connolly. He felt the ordinance was flawed because a dog that bit someone trespassing on the property where the dog lived could still be designated vicious and possibly removed from the village, he said.
“I felt that was wrong,” Connolly said. “It shouldn’t be written that way.”
Village administrator David Cox and police Chief Dale Racer worked on modifying the ordinance to in effect give some “leeway” to dogs that might have been defending themselves, their owners or property on the property where the dog lives, Cox explained. The ordinance says a dog will not be declared vicious when it bites a trespasser, was teased or was defending a human being. Law enforcement dogs on official duty also are exempt.
An aspect that generated some discussion was the size of warning signs that could be required when a dog is declared vicious. Some trustees were in favor of signs smaller than the 24-inch square sign provided for in the draft ordinance.
The board is expected to vote on the changes at the Jan. 18 regular meeting.