Provo, Utah, Considers Tighter Rules for Dangerous Dogs

City officials in Provo, Utah, may put bad dogs — and their owners — on a shorter leash.

The Municipal Council is considering an ordinance that would classify some dogs as “at risk” or “dangerous’ and require their owners to take certain steps to protect the public.

Owners could be required to carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance in case someone is attacked. They also could be required to muzzle the animals in public and provide photos for police files.

Councilwoman Midge Johnson, who is pushing the changes, says she’s responding to a rash of incidents in the Provost neighborhood.

The Provo Police Department says 24 people have been bitten by animals this year.

The council is expected to discuss the proposal at their meeting on July 15, 2008.