The definition of “dangerous” dogs in Prince William County will be left to judges starting Tuesday.
The Board of Supervisors passed legislation last week that will allow county judges greater discretion in labeling dogs “dangerous,” currently defined as having attacked, bitten or hurt a person, dog or cat, or having killed a dog or cat in some cases.
No revisions were made to the definition of “vicious” dogs, which have killed or seriously injured a person.
The move was made to conform to a change in Virginia law.
Owners are required to pay a $100 fee and get a special certificate from the animal warden if their dog is labeled “dangerous.” It is against the law to own a dog defined as “vicious” in Prince William County; the district court orders those dogs to be euthanized.
Karen Peak, a dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant from Woodbridge, sees several potential problems with the legislation.
“My concern is that the judge will not confer with canine professionals who know what’s going on,” she said. “Many people see a Lab and assume all Labs are safe, or see a pit bull and assume all pit bulls are dangerous. Will they use professionals who do not have breed prejudices, who can look beyond what’s on the other end of the leash?”
In addition to the “dangerous dog” revisions, the board also altered the law that deals with the burial or cremation of animals and birds. The maximum $75 fee paid to the animal control officer who cremates or buries an animal was changed to a more vaguely defined “reasonable fee.”
County residents will have to pay what animal control officials deem appropriate — or find a way to get rid of their dead animals themselves — starting Tuesday.
