One of the benefits of living in a relatively small city is residents have a close relationship to their government. While we on the City Council do not know every resident, every resident has an opportunity to see us or meet with us on City business. Because of this close relationship the City Council is responsive to the needs of our residents. An example of this dynamic is the recently introduced revision to our Foster City Municipal Code (FCMC) regarding dangerous animals.
The City Council received a petition from the residents of Flying Mist Island complaining of dogs running free and threatening residents and their property. We received a report from a citizen of Foster City who was held at bay by two off leash dogs.
Residents in other neighborhoods have spoken to me of dogs off leash on both public and private property in violation of our existing municipal code.
As a result of increasing complaints of aggressive actions by identified dogs, the City Council requested the City Attorney review the Foster City Municipal Code and make necessary changes to better protect our residents from aggressive dogs. At the September 17th City Council meeting, small but very significant changes were approved to the FCMC that precludes an owner from keeping an animal in Foster City that has been declared ?dangerous? as a result of an attack on a person. The definition of ?dangerous animal? is unchanged, as is the process by which an animal is designated ?dangerous.?
After any animal is properly declared ?dangerous? the owner must obtain a permit to ?keep, have, maintain, sell, trade or let for hire? the animal in Foster City. These words have existed in our municipal code for many years. Words added to Section 6.26.010 of the FCMC are:
?Animals declared dangerous because of an attack, without provocation which requires a defensive action to prevent bodily injury or that results in an injury to a person shall be prohibited from remaining within the city. Additionally, no such ?dangerous animal? shall be transferred into the city from another jurisdiction.
Changes to the municipal code require a second reading. Therefore a second reading will be given at the next City Council meeting October 7, 2002. This allows adequate time for residents to express their opinion regarding this code change. Furthermore, the ordinance will not take effect until 30 days after the second reading.
I believe you will agree that these changes protect and benefit all residents, including all responsible dog owners in Foster City.
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