Lynn dog rules scrap on tap

LYNN – The City Council will debate and vote on proposed changes to the city ordinance for vicious dogs and animal regulations in August.Ward 1 City Councilor Wayne Lozzi reiterated the two pending amendments of the ordinance Tuesday, and stressed the importance of it being passed.”These changes are for public safety and include a total required liability insurance policy of $250,000 with the city listed as a co-insurer, and $300 for each offense punishable by fine,” he said. “The amount couldn’t be any higher because of state law.”Lozzi originally proposed the controversial idea several months back to require owners of vicious dogs and landlords who house them to take out an insurance policy for the benefit of public safety.In addition, Lozzi requested the dangerous dogs be fitted with a microchip at $35-$40 apiece to eliminate a guessing game of who the dog belongs to and where it lives.The idea stemmed from a brutal attack on then-pregnant Lynn schoolteacher Julie Potter, who was mauled by a pit bull while out for a jog last October.Potter submitted a letter to Lozzi, thanking him and city officials for their efforts in making the ordinance a stronger one.”My journey to recovery is coming to a full circle,” she wrote. “I recently gave birth to the newest addition to our family. He is true miracle.”Potter went on to say that dog owners have the responsibility to be in control of their animals at all times, and if they are unable or unwilling to do so, the city has a responsibility to take over.Lynn resident and dog trainer Karin Statkun sided with Potter and said the public needs to be educated on the dangers of certain dogs.”I totally agree with the changes and I think the city absolutely needs more dog officers,” she said. “I also think there should be a mandatory spayed and neuter law for dogs in the city.”Lozzi said he would investigate the state-by-state charge for microchips for the August hearing.