Delaware Has A Balanced Dangerous Dog Board
One of the most important things to provide fairness to any Dangerous Dog hearing is to have an intelligent, dog knowledgable fact finder. Thus far we have seen the Code Enforcement Board, Hearing officers, Fire Chiefs and the head of Animal Control itself. Marion County has created a dog classification board, but it is simply the old Code Enforcment Board with the same members, none of whom have any specialized knowledge regarding dog behavior.
Delaware has created a Dangerous Dog Board. The statute governing the Dog Board can be read here. The Board consists of the following members:
1. A member of the American Kennel Club for at least five years;
2. An Animal behaviorist specializing in the treatment of canine behavior disorders, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or a professional obedience trainer with no less than five years experience in the handling of canines;
3. A liciensed veterinarian with no less than five years experience in the treatment of canines;
4. A police officer who is a member of the Delaware State Police;
5. A representative of the Delaware SPCA.
This would be my choice for the trier of fact in a model dangerous dog law.
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