From The Daily Herald:

“A recent pit bull attack on two men in Orem has led to talk of new regulations on the reputedly vicious dogs. But by the time the attack occurred, several Utah County cities had been quietly considering such laws for several months.

Provo and Orem city staffs are studying the issue and working on potential ordinances, while a proposal may go before the Mapleton City Council within a month. The cities have examples they can turn to, including Springville, which has strictly regulated pit bull ownership for more than 20 years.”This is something that’s been in research for a long time. It’s almost ironic that the pit bull attack has come during this period of time,” said Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn.

…For cities that are considering enacting new laws, several questions arise, including whether to implement tougher regulations on dog owners across the board; specifically regulate pit bulls; or ban the dogs altogether. South Jordan, for example, does not allow residents to own pit bulls, while Springville permits the dogs, but only after certain conditions have been met.

In Springville, pit bull owners are required to have six-foot-high fences that go 18 inches below the ground. The owners must also have at least $50,000 in liability coverage for their dogs, either through a bond or insurance.

Since most people do not have $50,000 on hand for a bond, and most insurance companies won’t provide coverage for pit bulls, getting a permit in Springville can be difficult. According to Jim Barker, the city’s animal control officer, only one Springville resident has a pit bull permit.

Mapleton city manager Bob Bradshaw said a proposal will likely be put before the City Council for a vote in early September, or possibly late August. The proposal would include the same fencing requirement as in Springville, plus a roof for the animal’s enclosure. Pit bull owners would need $100,000 in liability coverage for their dogs.

Orem is looking at a number of possibilities, including breed-specific regulations for pit bulls, or tougher laws for dogs in general. City manager Jim Reams said no decisions have been made about when or if any proposed ordinance will go before the City Council.

…Provo’s Municipal Council has spent much of the year considering a proposal that would regulate all dogs that are considered vicious. The proposal being considered would create classifications that describe dogs as “at risk” or “dangerous.” If approved, the proposal would require owners of at-risk dogs — those that menace or threaten people — to keep their dogs fenced while at home and on a four-foot leash while on a walk. Owners would have to implant microchips in their dogs and provide a photo of the animal to the Provo Police Department.”

Read this article in its entirety here.

Please contact Provo city officials here, Orem city officials here, and Mapleton city officials at the following addresses and politely inform them that breed-specific legislation is ineffective and unenforceable:

Mapleton City Officials (Requests to forward e-mails to the Mapleton City Council can be made to Camille Brown, Executive Secretary)

Mayor Laurel Brady
489-5655, ext 105
mayor@mapleton.org

Robert P. Bradshaw, MPA
City Administrator
(801) 489-5655 ext 104
rbradshaw@mapleton.org

Camille Brown
City Recorder/Executive Secretary
(801) 489-5655 ext 106
cbrown@mapleton.org