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Lubbock Cracks Down on Leash Law

Too Little, Too Late for Livestock Owners
Lubbock, TX - If your dog is without a leash in Lubbock, you could end up paying for it. Mayor David Miller is cracking the whip on off-leash dogs. The mayor hopes this will reduce the number of dangerous dog attacks.

This comes just a day after a grand jury indicted Javance Lamar Johnson. His two pit bulls attacked 77-year-old William Cox last September. The dogs broke his arm, and killed his rat terrier dog. Both pit bulls have been euthanized. If convicted, Johnson could face up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

The mayor says the city plans to hire a commissioned peace officer to oversee animal services field operations. Lubbock plans to promote responsible pet ownership and will continue to work with state legislators to strengthen law related to animal attacks.

When asked if city council members would support a pit bull ban, councilman Floyd Price and John Leonard said they would. Councilman Jim Gilbreath says he has a problem with irresponsible dog owners in general. Council members Todd Klein or Phyllis Jones could not be reached for comment.

Related article:
03/21/08: Pit Bull Epidemic in Lubbock, Texas (Jan-Mar 2008)