Knoxville (WVLT) - Knoxville's dangerous dog laws just got harsher, but the changes don't bring as much bite as city animal control wanted.

Officers hoped to spay and neuter dangerous dogs earlier. Now that won't happen in city limits.

Volunteer TV's Mike McCarthy has more on why.

There's two levels of dangerous dogs. Your dog becomes level one if it attacks someone unprovoked and causes minor injury. Officers wanted dogs spayed or neutered after that type of attack. They say most level one dogs eventually commit more serious attacks.

That brings a level two label, and for now, the only mandatory spay and neuter restriction.

A leash and training keeps Justin Stober's two puppy pals in line.

"It would have to be an extreme scenario. I think for either one of them to act out," Stober said.

Stober wants that to be the case for every K-nine in K-town.

"Owners should have more responsibility for what their pets do," Stober said.

So does Knoxville City Council. Council members unanimously passed a beefed up dog ordinance tonight, but without the possible new spay and neuter requirement.

"Many times a level one dog, just since I've been with animal control has escalated to a level two," animal control officer Christine Wilson said.

That's why City Animal Control Officers wanted dogs deemed level one dangerous to get fixed. It's already part of Knox County's ordinance.

"Any kind of spaying or neutering of an animal is going to lower it's aggression level as well as the other health benefits for the dog," Wilson said.

But any dog deemed level one has 18 months to shape up. Animal control says if the owner follows all the restrictions...the dog gets a clean slate.

"I'm not sure that's the way to go when we can't control what's already existing," animal control officer Keith Bailey said.

"It's too extreme. It's too extreme to do this at level one," animal control officer Roberta Galante said.

Council agreed. Still, the passed ordinance gives city animal control the power to euthanize dangerous dogs deemed abandoned. Those are seized dogs not repossessed by owners within 10 days. Also, dangerous dogs owners now must pay all vet costs and other fees before they can repossess their animal.

"I really like it. It's really going to help us in our jobs as far as what to do with the animals," Wilson said.

Stober says the new ordinance's message is clear.

"You've just got to be responsible for what your pets do," Stober said.

Much of this dangerous dog discussion comes after pitbulls mauled 21-year-old Jennifer Lowe to death in Knox County. That attack happened back in November.
Those dogs had been deemed dangerous.

Level two dangerous dogs still have to be spayed or neutered. The new city ordinance doesn't target any certain breeds. It takes effect in 30 days.