Salem council to rethink dog laws

The chief said there have been five dog attacks in the city this year.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

SALEM — City officials will consider strengthening ordinances regarding dangerous dogs.

Marycaye Bixler of Salem told council Tuesday that her grandson had been attacked earlier this year by a dog.

The boy, Brandon Bixler, 7, had to have six stitches in his back after the attack.

She told council the dog was a Rottweiler “with a history of violent attacks.”

She said the dog was not quarantined properly after the attack and was allowed to run while tied to a rope.

She added that she has heard of other dog attacks in the city.

“These dogs had a lot more protection than these children,” she said.

Bixler suggested that lawmakers pass legislation so action could be taken against the owner of a dangerous dog’s homeowner’s insurance.

The boy’s mother, Brittany Bixler, said she believed the owner had been given a citation after the attack.

She said her son, and her daughter, Heather, who witnessed the attack, were still wary.

Police Chief Robert Floor said that dog attacks are up in the city. “There have been five cases so far this year,” Floor said. “That’s unusual.”

There were no major injuries because of the attacks, the chief added.

Other business

Councilman Clyde Brown called a meeting of the rules and ordinances committee at 7 p.m. July 24 to discuss the issue.

Brown said he had recently received several calls about dog problems.

During the meeting, council approved legislation to make city laws conform with state laws for a variety of charges ranging from traffic charges to murder.

In other action, with no presentation of financial information, council approved a new contract between the street department workers who are members of Local 560 of the Utility Workers of America AFL-CIO.

The three-year pact covering 12 positions is retroactive to July 1.

Each worker will get a 2.5 percent raise each year. The mechanic’s position, the highest paid in the department, will get $16.92 an hour in the first year, $17.35 in the second and $17.78 in the third.

Each worker also gets a $400 signing bonus each year.

wilkinson@vindy.com