Oroville may take `vicious' pets away

Council considering changes to animal control

OROVILLE >> An ordinance designed to expand the definition for “potentially dangerous, dangerous, or vicious animals,” which will allow animal control to confiscate animals through a formal process, will be considered Tuesday during a regular City Council meeting.

Oroville's current code doesn't allow for immediate removal of animals; the change would enable animal control to take custody of an animal if deemed dangerous or vicious, according to a staff report by Police Chief Bill LaGrone.

The animal control duties of Oroville Police Department are currently contracted to Northwest Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who made aware of the necessity of adding authority to Oroville's city code, the report said.

Definitions of “vicious” and “dangerous” animals will allow animal control to either assume custody of the animal, remove the animal from the city or better confine the animal to ensure safety, according to the report.

According to the proposed ordinance, a “dangerous” animal is one observed approaching people with a menacing fashion by growling or snarling when outside the owner's property; showing behavior that requires defensive action by people; unprovoked biting of a person causing a minor injury; or unprovoked bite or kill toward an animal outside the owner's property.

A “vicious” animal is one that inflicts unprovoked severe injury or killing of a person, given the person is peaceful; an animal trained or owned for fighting; or an animal previously determined to be dangerous.

A removal process starts with complaints made by an animal control officer or by a sworn witness. Then, an owner will receive a formal complaint with a hearing date set five to 10 days from the send date.

An owner may waive their right to the hearing, then animal control will then apply a penalty.

Otherwise, the owner may appeal the decision at a hearing with the decision made within 15 days.

If an animal is determined as “dangerous” various penalties may apply including keeping them enclosed or confined to a leash no longer than 3 feet; adding “dangerous animal” to licensing records; mandatory spay or neuter within 30 days; require insurance and others.

Animals determined as “vicious” may also be ordered to be humanely killed if reasoning is found that the animal poses threat to public safety, the ordinance states.

The proposed ordinance may also ban ownership of animals of like species for five years if a finding of good cause is provided by animal control.

Other Business

The council will consider requesting proposals to promote and market Oroville to attract businesses, tourism and to build “community pride.”

Having been tabled at the Dec. 5 meeting, the council will consider a modified contract with JenCo Aviation to fund the cost of a fuel truck — and will revisit Feather River Recreation and Park District developer fee increases.

The Oroville City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the Oroville City Council Chambers at 1735 Montgomery St. Closed session starts at 3:30 this time. Meetings are free, open to the public and are also streamed on Zoom and YouTube. The council agenda and links to live feeds can be found at cityoforoville.org.