ICSOA recent local case involving a wolf-dog hybrid animal caught the attention of Inyo Sheriff Bill Lutze. He has focused on the possibility of a new ordinance.

An incident in Lone Pine drew attention to the possibility of a wolf-dog which attacked another dog. State law says that first generation wolf-dog hybrids are regulated and permitted through the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Second generation hybrids are permitted, but cities and counties have the right to set up their own regulations. Sheriff Lutze said the case in Lone Pine involved checking the DNA of the animal. Reports of possible wolf-dogs in Independence were unfounded, according to the Sheriff.

As a result, Sheriff Lutze and others are looking into other counties’ “Vicious Dog” ordinances. State code does include a “Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Dogs” law. That statute defines dangerous and vicious dogs and says any dog, when unprovoked, on two separate occasions within a prior 36-month period is defined as potentially dangerous.

The process laid out in state law gives authority to the animal control officer or law enforcement officer to take action with problem animals and, if necessary, take the issue through the court process.

Sheriff Lutze will check out other cities and counties local laws for potentially proposing an ordinance here. Sheriff Lutze said in addition to wolf-dogs, some cities have banned pit bulls.

Discover more from Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading