Waterbury Considers Cracking Down on Dangerous Dogs

The plan stems from the violent attack of an 88-year-old woman.

The city of Waterbury is considering making changes to its ordinance for dangerous dogs after pit bulls mauled an 88-year-old woman on March 20.

Lina Poidomani was taking out her garbage when two pit bulls somehow escaped from their cage next door and attacked, police said.

The dogs bit Poidomani’s arms and legs and she suffered several broken bones.

Police said the dogs were so aggressive that they had to shoot and kill them.

Alderman Ernest Brunelli wants to require pet owners to buy pet insurance and install multiple enclosures to keep dogs contained.

He said he does not want to ban pit bulls, but wants to weed out the bad dog owners from the good.

"We're talking about people who have something to hide, who have these dogs protecting what's going on in their property, and they're a loaded weapon," Brunelli said.

He said this will protect pets and the citizens.

Hannah Kenny, who runs Rose Hope Animal Rescue, a pit bull rescue shelter, said the extra costs will hurt good dog owners.

"It hurts me, it hurts good pet owners. It's already bad enough; a lot of home owners’ policy don't let you have a pit bull. A lot of landlords are cracking down," Kenny said.

She said the problem is lack of neutering pit bulls and that neutering would help fix the problem.

Brunelli said he also wants to hire more animal control officers to enforce these new ordinances and charge hefty fines for those who break the law.
 

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