Juneau animal control officials will have new tools to deal with dangerous pets beginning in mid-January, including a microchipping requirement.
The Juneau Assembly adopted the dangerous pets ordinance Monday night in a 6-2 vote.
Animal control officials requested the changes, which apply to about 16 dogs in Juneau.
The microchipping requirement was nearly dropped. Assemblyman Jerry Nankervis wanted it struck, but his motion failed in 4-4 vote. He said he didn’t think it was the city’s business.
Other new requirements include:
- Handlers who take dangerous animals off-premises now must be at least 18 years old,
- signs warning of dangerous animals will now be issued at the owners’ expense, and
- language that gives owners an out to avoid a $100,000 insurance policy has been struck.
William Quayle Jr. was the only one person to weigh in during the public hearing on the ordinance that preceded the vote. His comments were largely off-topic.
