Watch CBS News

New Minneapolis Database To Find Dangerous Dogs

By Caroline Lowe, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO)
-- Nineteen dogs declared dangerous by the city of Minneapolis now have their photos, names, home addresses and offenses posted on a public website.

Those dogs, along with 177 other dogs declared "potentially dangerous," get compliance visits from city animal control officers. These animals are in trouble for having bit someone or acted very aggressively.

The dogs live by some pretty tight rules. They must have muzzles on them and be on a leash that is no longer than three feet and controlled by an adult.

Annie Piper, a lead animal control officer, makes home visits to check on the animals.

She says it is a misconception that any one breed gets singled out for checks and restrictions.

"We don't single out pit bulls. We have little, tiny white dogs, little Malteses that have been allowed to bite repeatedly," said Piper.

She took a WCCO-TV crew along with her when she made her rounds.

"We have to protect people from a dog acting out so aggressively," she said. "So, it doesn't matter if you are an ankle biter or a very big dog that can knock me down or hurt me."

Piper says one simple guideline can keep your dog off the animal control officials' radar.

"If a dog is not allowed to go out and hurt someone, we are not going to visit them," she said.

If you want to see learn more about Minneapolis' rules for dangerous dogs, click on their website.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.