An Alabama city tightens its animal rules after a series of dog attacks
CARROLLTON, Ala. (WBRC) - City officials enacted stronger laws when it comes to strays in Carrollton after several dog attacks and reports of aggressive dogs.
It got to the point where the mayor and the council felt they had to strengthen their own animal ordinance just to help protect you.
The problem was driven home when the supervisor of Carrollton's street and sanitation department was attacked. John Stepp required stitches to patch up his wounds and even now, he has trouble using part of his left hand.
John Stepp will never forget that day. It was a regular trash pick-up day in January that turned out to be a nightmare.
"Me and the dog ended up on the ground," said Stepp.
A large dog - a pit bull, according to Stepp - that began chewing and clawing at his hands and forearms.
Stepp's coworker saw the dog first."One of the guys on the truck said he had seen the dog. I never saw him. He hid out behind the garbage can. When I went around the truck to pick up the can, he came over and attacked me," Stepp said.
An ambulance ride and several stitches later, Stepp says there is no doubt had his colleague and the owner not been there, we might be talking about a different outcome altogether.
"Yes, sir. It could have," Stepp recalled."Just in the city of Carrollton, we've had three dog attacks," said Carrollton Mayor Mickey Walker.
Walker says he knew then they had to do something. A much stronger animal ordinance law, including a fine up to $500, is now part of the city code and that's not all.
"You have to keep your dog confined to your yard or you will be issued a citation. Once we deem that dog vicious, you're going to show proof of liability insurance for $1 million. We are very firm on this," said Mayor Walker.
So far, the new ordinance seems to be working. Pet owners have gotten the message, with no additional reports of dog attacks, according to Walker.
As for Stepp, he's continuing his therapy, but may have to have surgery on his left hand.
"I don't have use of my two fingers right now," said Stepp.
The dog that attacked him was put down.Walker says of the three dog attacks, two involved severe bites to the victims. The other involved an aggressive dog and a child, but someone close by was able to fight off the animal before the child was injured.
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