The City of Union City is restricting dogs who are a physical threat to people. An ordinance was introduced at the Sept. 22 city council meeting that allows the city to revoke or deny a dog license if the dog is considered “vicious and potentially dangerous.” The ordinance is expected to be voted on during the Oct. 13 meeting.
California law requires all owners to get a license from their local city for dogs who are four months or older. No recent dog attacks in Union City were reported, but city staff said there have been multiple cases of dogs who are considered vicious in other cities being rehomed in Union City.
A dog is considered vicious if they are involved in an unprovoked attack that could have caused injuries or caused an injury to a person, or if a dog’s behavior is considered a “threat of bodily harm.”
The city can revoke or deny a dog license if there was a previous history of a dog being vicious and when the city receives at least one complaint about a dog running loose or escaping.
If the dog is considered vicious and the owner wants to keep the dog, they have to follow a list of requirements. These include getting insurance, having certain measurements for the dog’s cage or backyard fence, and requiring a muzzle when the dog is outside. The owner also has to register their dog in a vicious dog registration. In a worst case scenario, a dog can be sent to an animal shelter.
