Residents will have the opportunity to discuss ways to protect themselves from dangerous dogs today, but it appears the city will no longer consider banning any type of canine.

The Dangerous Dog Input Group on Wednesday announced it will recommend there be no breed ban for dogs in Fort Wayne. According to a release from the group, the unanimous recommendation came after receiving numerous concerns about the possibility.

Belinda Lewis, director of Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control, said a breed ban was just one recommendation the group examined, but no one believed it was appropriate.

“I feel you need to address the activity of owners who are causing problems without causing undue hardship on responsible pet owners,” she said.

Lewis said the group is still looking at whether to create a pet classification for “potentially dangerous” animals. It would apply to dogs that have escaped and bitten a human or other dog. This wouldn’t require the animal be killed, but it would require increased responsibility from the pet owner. One example the group is weighing is requiring potentially dangerous animals to be spayed or neutered, Lewis said.

She said the group is looking to hear from residents on whether this classification is needed and how strict it should be. The point of the committee was to examine whether a new law is needed before a tragic event prompts reactionary legislation, Lewis said.

The public hearing will be at 5 p.m. today in the City Council Chamber, Room 126 of the City-County Building.

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