Dog-attack bill
pushed by couple

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-Bulletin

Jim and Shannon Wood are trying to get the City Council to enact Oreo's Ordinance to punish canines and their owners when dog attacks occur.

The couple, residents of Kailua, say their cat, Oreo, was killed by a neighbor's two pit bulls who entered their yard. Their push for similar restrictions at the state Legislature have so far been stalled.

Supporters of the bill say there aren't any laws on the books that make dog attacks criminal. Nor are there any laws that punish either the dogs or their owners when attacks occur.

Under the bill, introduced by City Council members Jon Yoshimura and John Henry Felix, a complainant could file a report about a vicious dog with authorities and an enforcement officer would then make a determination if a dog is "vicious."

A dog owner could appeal such a ruling.

Enforcement officers would be able to seize and impound a vicious dog if there is evidence that a canine has attacked, bitten or injured a human being or domestic animal.

A dog previously labeled "vicious" may also be confiscated if its owner fails to properly restrain it.

Also under the measure, a vicious dog running in public may be slain by law enforcement officers if deemed a threat to public health and safety.

Maximum penalties for violating provisions of the vicious dog law are a fine of up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail.

The bill is patterned after a Hawaii County ordinance.

"Dogs should be constrained by their owners," Felix said. "Owners should take responsibility for their actions."

Cynthia Keolanui with the Hawaiian Humane Society said the organization supports the intent of the measure but wants to study the specifics before issuing a position.