They attack other animals and sometimes even humans. Dogs that roam our streets pose a potential danger to themselves, other animals, children and adults. Grand Island is no exception to those potential problems, and the area animal advisory board has put forth an ordinance addressing the problem of dangerous dogs. Specifically, the ordinance would allow the Central Nebraska Humane Society to hold dogs deemed dangerous and destroy them if the director believes the dog's owner can't control it. It's a good proposal and one that should be enforced.
Loose dogs are a potentially serious liability for owners and the city.
Yet, while the ordinance goes after the dogs, we think it important that dog owners realize their responsibility as well. Fido can bite, even if he's always been harmless and would never hurt a flea. Owners have a responsibility, and we'd like to see the city go after owners who don't control their pets. Pet owners are just as responsible as their dogs for their animals' actions. It only takes one tragic incident where a child is mauled.