The Volusia County Council has approved a new ordinance requiring owners of dogs classified as dangerous to maintain a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance coverage. This regulation applies to dog owners in unincorporated areas, as well as the towns of Pierson and Oak Hill.
The council’s decision aims to enhance public safety and promote responsible dog ownership. According to the county’s release, dogs are classified as dangerous based on their behavior, not breed, following investigations by Volusia County Animal Services. To be considered dangerous, a dog must have:
- Aggressively bitten or attacked a person without provocation
- Inflicted severe injury on a person
- Killed or seriously injured another animal off its owner’s property more than once
- Approached a person in a menacing manner that threatens safety
Owners of dogs deemed dangerous must comply with several requirements, including:
- Obtaining a certificate of registration
- Ensuring secure confinement of the animal
- Posting warning signs
- Providing permanent identification for the dog
- Maintaining the required liability insurance coverage
Failure to meet these requirements will result in a $500 fine per violation. The new ordinance is expected to take effect in the coming weeks, marking a significant step in the county’s efforts to reduce risk and hold dog owners accountable for animals with a history of aggression.
