I think this is an interesting idea but I do believe the jail time is a little steep.

Associated Press
Jul. 27, 2004 08:45 AM


ROGERS, Ark. - City officials are considering a proposal to fine pet owners up to $1,000 and jail them for a year if they fail to pick up their stray dogs or cats after six days - the same penalties as someone convicted of negligent homicide.

While the city says the suggested ordinance tracks with state law, pet owners fear the proposal is excessive.

"I think jail time may be a little severe. What if you're on vacation and someone else is taking care of your dog when it leaves?" said Kathy Jones, who owns a dog named Toby.

Under the ordinance scheduled for discussion Tuesday, pet owners could be cited for animal abandonment on the seventh day of impoundment.

James Willett, director of code enforcement for the city, said the proposed ordinance mirrors the state's law against cruelty to animals regarding animal abandonment. He said fines would likely be lower.

"The judge is going to make the determining factor; nothing is set in stone. It's like shoplifting or driving while intoxicated. People who get DWIs get less than the maximum fine," Willett said.

I fear that proposal is excessive as well. It'll just encourage new pet owners not to register their pets.

I know they need to find a solution, but I don't think this is it (although I may be wrong). Just my $.02

Something definately needs to be done. most people now don't "license" or tag their dogs. The laws currently on the books if enforced, would make a big difference. Out here it costs $5.00 to lic. a dog("fixed" or not,) but folks still don't .If you are going to Make a law you must have the "means" to enforce that law or it is a joke. The laws pretaining to the"Breeding" of animals needs changes & enforcement. People do need to be held accountable. Enforcement of animal waste littering, abandonment, leash laws,inhumane treatment & cruelity laws NEEDS BIG HELP! BUT, there are more creative ways to utilize the fines & confinement imposed by the courts on violators. Joe Arpaio, Sheriff in Maricopa County(Phx area) has some wonderfully creative ideas on the matter. Filling up our jails & prisons with these folks is a waste of space & creates other problems. Having a pet is a privilege, it should not be considered a
right. Just as having a driver's lic. is a privilege not a right. I've always said folks should have to possess a license.and a"owner's basic knowledge test" to be taken,to own a dog(cats too). In some cases a child too. But now a days dogs are becoming weapons(in some folks hands)and the cruelity to pets is becoming horribly gruesome!