LANSING (WWJ) -- A state senator from Kalamazoo wants a crack down on dangerous dogs.
Under a package of bills proposed by State Senator Sean McCann (D), reports of concerns about dogs' behavior would be investigated by local animal control agencies.
If the investigation finds that the reported dogs are a threat to the community, the issue would then be reviewed by a judge.
At that point, the owners would be required to keep the pet locked up, and issue warnings to mail carriers and utility workers. Failure to take action would result in a felony.
The bills will focus specifically on a dog’s behavior, not its breed, which animal activists say is a more effective way to measure any possible threat.
“To judge an animal by their behavior, rather than the breed is so much more pragmatic,” Detroit Dog Rescue Executive Director Kristina Millman-Rinaldi told WDIV.
However, Millman-Rinaldi also adds that the bill needs to include what exactly constitutes "dangerous behavior," and make sure animal control employees are properly trained to recognize it.
“I think when you have bills like this, you need to make sure you have enforcement for it,” she said.
The legislation is being discussed on Thursday in Lansing.