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The Domestic Animal Services Advisory Board approved a number of significant changes to the county’s dangerous dog ordinance at its Apr. 15 meeting.

The board is recommending the following changes, which will come before county commissioners in the coming weeks:

-- In addition to the $300 per year dangerous dog registration, a fine of up to $500 for violating any provision of the ordinance.

-- Add a strong definition of “proper enclosure.” This means that while on the owner’s property, a dangerous dog must be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure designed to prevent the animal from escaping.

-- Provide that DAS may impound any dog under investigation if it has reason to believe the owner is unable or unwilling to securely confine the animal during the investigation.

-- Incorporate all provisions of the state dangerous dog statute including penalties, confiscation and destruction as they pertain to dogs that have been previously declared dangerous. In addition to statutory requirements, provide a fine of up to $500 for the owner of any dog that has previously been declared dangerous that commits a “second offense.”

-- Provide a fine of up to $500 for a “first offense,” which causes severe injury, as defined by state statute, or death to a human being or animal.

-- Specifically provide for payment of all costs incurred to care for dangerous dogs, including those costs incurred when dog must be destroyed and enforce payment of fines through a special magistrate.

-- Add a $125 annual licensing fee for an unaltered animal that has been declared dangerous.

-- Require that dangerous dogs wear a muzzle when taken “off property.”

-- Include in the ordinance that failure to comply with all provisions of the ordinance, specifically re-certification, will result in forfeiture of ownership of dog. DAS may consider that after 30 days, the person has failed to re-register, and therefore is in violation.

-- Include a notice provision in the ordinance that dangerous dogs are being identified by name and address on the CCDAS Web site.