What to do about dogs?

I read that a pack (to me, a pack is 3+) of dogs attacked two people yesterday in Orem and two of the three dogs were pit bulls. I also learned from the news report that there have been 25 pit bull attacks in Orem in last year and a half. In March, my neighbor's leashed dog was attacked by another neighbor's at-large pit bull. It took my 6'3" 200+ lb neighbor's choking it to pull it off his dog. The leashed dog has recovered and the pit bull's owner had his dog euthanized.

Pit bulls aren't the only problem. Yes, they are a breed that can be aggressive, but other types of dogs attack too. My mother was attacked by a pack of dogs while on her exercise walk in her neighborhood (not in Orem) and sustained bites to her legs. Did the rottweiler in the group do the biting? No. A lab did the biting.

KSL stated Orem is looking at banning pit bulls. I think a more accurate, yet less sensational headline would read the Orem City Council will be discussing an aggressive/at-large dog ordinance. On August 12th, the City Council will be having a work session (at 4 or 5 pm, check http://www.orem.org/ closer to the date to see when it is on the agenda) to discuss a "dog ordinance" (for lack of a better title). It has been in the works for months and I am very interested in what staff has developed. I do not know if the proposed ordinance specifically bans pit bulls. (AUG. 5TH-I LEARNED THE MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED)

I am also concerned about at-large dogs. I am an avid cyclist and have been chased by a number of dogs. This is dangerous for both me and the dog (it can get caught in my bike). I will avoid neighborhoods where I know loose dogs roam.

While I am open to discuss any options, I am interested in an ordinance that places responsibility where I believe it belongs-with the owner. Yes, certain breeds may have genetic predispositions for aggressive behavior, but it is the owner's responsibility to train and properly care for the dogs.
As I have visited with residents about this I have received a number of suggestions:
1. Ban certain breeds.
2. Require dog owners to have breed specific training.
3. Require a dog owner to have a large bond in order to own certain breeds.
4. Implement a large "transfer tax" each time certain breeds are sold, akin to what the Federal government does with machine guns.
5. Have proof of liability insurance.
6. Increase penalties for "at-large" dogs.
7. Implement a "no bite is free" policy.
8. Ban all dogs.
9. Require all dogs to have some type of training.

So you know, I have never owned a dog. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing as the city council enters into this discussion. Maybe it doesn't make any difference.

Orem Library Report

I love the Orem Library and it had a fantastic year last year!

Here is some information from its annual report:

Total Collection Size: 295,029
Reference Questions Answered: 183,309
Total Number of Programs: 755
Total Attendance at Programs: 32,821
Circulation Per Capita: 12.98
Total Volunteer Hours Donated (including the Storytelling Festival): 11,448
Donations Received: $32,361
Donated Items Added to Collection: 4492
Total Grants: $295,450

While books are in and of itself a wonderful reason to visit the library, go "check out" the movies, speakers, storytellers and discussions.