City Commission OKs Ethics Changes, Dangerous Dog Ordinance

The Royal Oak City Commission worked quickly through its agenda at Monday night’s regular meeting.

Ethics ordinance changes

Commissioners voted 5-0 (Commissioners Jim Rasor and Peggy Goodwin were absent) to approve changes to the Ethics Ordinance, based on recommendations from members of the Rules Committee, on the first reading.

New language includes the specific process for the investigation of an alleged violation of the standards and expands the term "public official" to include members of an authority, board, commission or committee that is established by resolution.

There was no discussion.

Dog ordinance amendment

Commissioners voted unanimously to have the city attorney draft an ordinance involving vicious dogs.

City Attorney David Gillam outlined recommendations to Royal Oak's dog ordinance that would have a tiered approach that requires an evaluation of an animal to make a determination as to whether or not a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous.

A dangerous dog would be one that has bitten or attacked a person or another animal. In such cases, if the police department and animal control officer deem there is not an adequate way to protect the public, they may seek a court order to have the animal put down, Gillam said.

If the animal control officer deems the public can be protected from a dog classified as dangerous, the owner would be required to build a proper outdoor enclosure, post signage, complete obedience classes and carry $1,000,000 liability insurance.

A potentially dangerous dog would be one that has acted in a highly aggressive manner. Owners would be required to build a proper outdoor enclosure, post signage and complete obedience classes.

Owners who fail to comply with any of the requirements face having their dog confiscated.

The police chief and animal control officer do not support breed-specific legislation, Gillam said.

Also on the agenda

• Request for non-profit status Fibromyalgia Association of Michigan was adopted unanimously
• Downtown Plan Committee recommendations also approved

RELATED:

• Commissioners Approve Report Looking into Ethics Violations