City of Wheeling Outlines New Dog Ordinance Guidelines

On April 1, 2006, a new ordinance for the City of Wheeling will go
into effect. The ordinance, Article 508, references Dangerous and
Vicious Dogs. The changes in the ordinance do not affect the vast
majority of dog owners in the City.
City residents who own a Pit Bull Terrier, Canary Dog, or an American
Bulldog will be required to show proof of liability insurance for a
minimum of $100,000. A normal home owners' Insurance policy with
liability amounts equal to or greater than $100,000 will meet the
requirement of the ordinance. Renters' policies in which liability
insurance is equal or greater to $100,000 will also meet the
requirement.

Owners of such dogs will be required to register their dogs beginning
April 1 with the City of Wheeling Finance Department, Room 115 of the
City County Building. Current applicable dog owners can register
between April 1 and April 15. A tag will be issued, to be worn on
the dog at all times. The cost to register such dogs will be $5.00
annually. The owner must, at that time, provide proof of
insurance. The annual registration will then be renewed in 2007 in
the City Finance Department when applicable dog owners complete their
annual registration of their animals with the Ohio County Assessor's
Office. After April 15, alleged violation of the ordinance can be
reported to the City Manager's Office or the Wheeling Police
Department. This requirement for registration only pertains to
owners of Pit Bull Terriers, Canary Dogs, and American Bulldogs.

The above referenced dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. The
dogs must also be properly fitted with a muzzle, should the dog be
outside its proper enclosure. Except when leashed and muzzled, a
dangerous dog shall be securely confined indoors or confined in a
locked pen or other secure enclosure, such as a fenced in yard.

Dogs that are not identified as dangerous by their breed, but show
signs of being a dangerous or vicious dog can be investigated. Any
adult person may request under oath that a dog be classified as
dangerous or vicious by submitting a sworn, written complaint. If
just cause exists, a fair investigation will occur into the
incident. Should the dog be found dangerous or vicious, following
the investigation, the dog owner must comply with the ordinance in
having the dog registered and have insurance. This provision is
designed to promote responsible dog ownership by clearly defining the
enforcement in the event a dog becomes dangerous as defined. An
example of this would be a dog owner permitting his dog to run at
large and the dog intimidates or attacks a person or another pet.

The purpose of this article is to promote the public health, safety,
and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Wheeling by
clearly defining enforcement actions against owners and their dogs
whose behavior is dangerous and inconsistent with that of a normal
pet. According to the ordinance, fines from $100.00 - $500.00 and up
to 30 days imprisonment could be imposed for failure to comply with
the ordinance and for repeat offenses. Current leash laws for all
dogs are still in effect.

Additional information is included in the ordinance, which can be
seen by any member of the public during regular business hours at the
City Clerk's Office in the City-County Building.

 

that is so sad. what state is this in???

 

According to the friend who sent the article to me, it's West Virginia.

 

Yes, Wheeling WV.