Atlanta’s vicious dog ordinance returns to committee

A proposed ordinance to provide more restrictive control and regulation of vicious and dangerous dogs within the city, which was held in committee, was recently returned as held to the public safety and legal administration committee without objection.

The ordinance, by Atlanta city councilmembers Keisha Lance Bottoms, Cleta Winslow, Ivory Lee Young Jr. and Joyce Sheperd, was introduced following the January pit bull attack of two children: Logan Braatz, 6, who died, and Syrai Sanders, 5, who was seriously injured. The mauling in southwest Atlanta occurred when the children were on their way to school.

The proposal would amend the “animals” chapter of the city of Atlanta’s code of ordinances and ensure the city code is consistent with state law reguarding dangerous and vicious dogs.