ALABAMA -- The city of Clay tonight passed a "vicious dog" ordinance modeled after one in Center Point after Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale last week was approached by four dogs and shot and grazed one of the animals.
The incident happened Tuesday afternoon, said Chief Deputy Randy Christian, when Hale was confronted in his front yard by four dogs "described as acting aggressive and looking like pit bull breeds.
"He fired a warning shot in the ground and then a second shot containing "bird shot" that grazed one dog. That turned them away. Animal control was called to the scene and took control of the dogs that at the time were still roaming the neighborhood. The owner was identified and is facing a charge of allowing dogs to run at large," Christian said tonight. The dog Hale shot survived, Christian said.
That incident prompted city officials tonight to pass an ordinance banning pit bulls and other "vicious" or "dangerous" dogs in Clay. Such dogs already kept in the city limits are grandfathered in but must be registered with the city in the next 60 days.
"This is just a precautionary measure to protect the children and the citizens. It's not anything against Pit Bulls. I love dogs," Mayor Charles Webster said.
Those dogs must be kept indoors and owners must keep a "beware of dog" sign prominently displayed and must have $50,000 in liability insurance.
Violations can be punished with a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
Webster says he had an incident himself when his Yorkie was attacked by a Pit Bull.
(blog.al.com - June 4, 2013)
