Dangerous dog website approved

MIAMI (WSVN) -- City officials have approved a new website for dangerous dogs around South Florida.

The Miami-Dade County Commission approved a new law which will allow the county to issue big fines and post your address online if your dog is not well behaved.

Whether your pet is big or small, if it bites a person or another pet, it could end up with a mugshot posted on-line. "This is all about being responsible for your animal. I don't believe in bad dogs, I believe in bad owners," said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose Diaz.

Miami-Dade County commissioners passed an ordinance that will require Animal Services to start a website where people can search for dangerous dogs. "This is the way that the general public can know in their neighborhood. They can check on-line and say, 'Oh, there is a dangerous dog that has bit a person twice or done something,'" said

The website is similar to the Florida sexual offender page, but with pets instead of people being featured.

Commissioner Diaz said people should be able to have instant online access to whether there is a dangerous dog in their neighborhood.

Some commissioners were concerned about the violation of privacy of dog owners. "I just see so many potential problems for abuse in this legislation. I really appreciate the intent but I have to say that I appreciate the intent," Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell

Animal Services director Alex Munoz said people will have a chance to fight any dangerous dog citations. "Any action taken can be appealed to a hearing officer," said Munoz.

The commission has voted to raise the fine for viscous dogs from $500 to $1,000. It will double again after every attack.

The board has also approved a measure that would allow police officers to take any dog it determines is viscous.

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