From The Mercury News:

“Dogs aren’t the problem. People are.

That was the conclusion of the Watsonville City Council on Tuesday, when they rejected enacting regulations targeting specific breeds of dogs.

Instead, the council directed staff to stiffen existing rules, develop an educational outreach program and explore having city or civil court authorities oversee vicious dog hearings.

Specific proposals will be brought back to the council at a later date.

City leaders decided to explore their options after two pit bulls escaped from a yard in June and killed five cats and frightened neighbors. Pit bulls also were involved in two other conflicts in 2007.

‘In many cases it’s not the dog, it’s the owner,’ said Councilman Manuel Bersamin.

…Several people spoke out against adopting specific regulations for pit bulls, Rottweilers or other large breeds.

City Finance Director Marc Pimental, who helped prepare the report to the council, said while targeting breeds was an option, he didn’t recommend it.

Cities that have adopted such legislation have found themselves fighting court battles.

‘It’s far too risky for the city to consider,’ Pimental said.”

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