Patterson council delays action on pit bull insurance

PATTERSON — Mayor Rodney Grogan and the City Council decided Tuesday to table amendments to the ordinance governing pit bulls and vicious dogs.
The amendment would require Patterson residents owning dogs found to be vicious to have at least $100,000 in liability insurance. They could avoid the insurance requirement if they agree, in writing, not to hold the Patterson city government or its officials responsible for an incident involving a vicious dog.
In St. Mary Parish, only Patterson and Franklin have not banned pit bulls and Rottweilers. Franklin already requires owners of those dogs to have insurance.
Grogan said he has received calls from dog owners who say they can’t find an agent who will sell them insurance at a reasonable rate.
“We passed this law in 2011. The actual homeowner’s insurance covered the dog at $100,000. It will no longer cover it,” Grogan said.
“The animal warden has spoken with his contacts in Baton Rouge, around the state and local,” Grogan said. “One company will insure at $300 per dog to get the $100,000 insurance policy that Patterson requires.”
According to parish law, in order for a dog to be declared vicious, it must first attack.
Vicious dogs are not limited to pit bulls and Rottweilers.
“Labradors with rabies are a serious problem in Patterson,” said Marvin “Joe” Lewis, city of Patterson animal warden.
The liability insurance is to protect the public, said Russell Cremaldi, city attorney.
“We have an underwriter in Patterson,” said Lewis. “Verdun’s Agency is the only one we could find here.”
When residents inquire about insurance and express the difficulties of the process, many ask the mayor, “Can’t you just waive the insurance?”
His response to them is, “I can’t do that.”
“I’m going to table (amending ordinance) simply for council to entertain it,” Grogan said, “so that we can let the public know.
“We — mayor, council, along with the chief and support — will abide by what law we have. We also need to identify where all the dogs are. Some people have five dogs to register. This will cost $1,500 to get them insured,” Grogan said.
Property owners housing tenants with dogs will also be held liable for a dog’s actions.
From roundtable discussions, it appears more pit bulls are in the area due to the prohibitions of surrounding cities and unlawful breeding practices in Patterson.
The city of Patterson is offering free pet registration at the Mobile Animal Clinic event on Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. Shots, microchips, and heartworm testing will also be available for a fee.
In other news, the council approved entering a contract with Pelican Waste and Debris LLC for garbage pickup and disposal.
The video surveillance ordinance was approved by the council without opposition. After official public notice is given to the community, business establishments as defined in the ordinance will have 30 days to comply.
Some businesses, including bars, check-cashing stores, pharmacies, and pawn shops, would be required to have video surveillance between midnight and 4 a.m.

This story was written by Shea Drake of The Daily Review staff. Reach her at sdrake@daily-review.com