Madison, Wisconsin, Approves Vicious Dog Regulations

By Elizabeth Rhein

Published on September 07, 2006

The new regulations, approved by the Madison City Council on September 5, mostly consist of safety measures that dog owners must take after their pets have been deemed dangerous.

Following a dog-related injury, the animal will be impounded while authorities determine whether to label the dog as dangerous. If city officials find that the dog is indeed dangerous, the owner must prove that safety measures have been taken to prevent another accident.

Most of the new rules are aimed at making people aware that the dog is dangerous, and minimizing the chances of a second attack. For example, owners must post large signs at each entrance to their property warning of the dangerous dogs. The animals must also be kept behind fencing at all times. In addition, when the dogs are not contained behind a fence, they must be muzzled.

The remaining regulations are aimed toward the prevention of knowingly or unknowingly breeding dangerous dogs. Owners must spay or neuter their dogs and have microchips implanted in them for identification purposes.

Though the new precautions are similar to older laws, enforcement is expected to be more stringent, as owners will have to prove they have completed the necessary steps before they can collect their dog from impound.