Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey reveals a proposal that would establish a "potentially dangerous dog" designation. In his view, it's stronger than an all out ban because authorities will be able to identify dangerous dogs before they bite.

The Nebraska Humane Society would determine which dogs have a propensity to attack when unprovoked. Pit bulls owners would have to follower stricter rules. The pit bull would not be allowed outside, unless it was in a securely fenced yard. If outside the yard, pit bulls must be leashed, muzzled, and under the control of someone over 19.

If an owner has three violations in two years, the dog would be taken away and the owner must surrender all pets. They would also be prohibited from owning any others for two years.

The Mayor's proposal would also increase pet licensing fees next year. He says the extra money would be used to enforce the ordinance.

This all came about after 15-month-old Charlotte Blevins was attacked by a pit bull back in June. The little girl has since undergone several surgeries to repair damage to her scalp. Her family says she still has a long road ahead.

If approved by the Omaha City Council, the ordinance could take effect October 1st.

Here's the mayor's summary of the proposed ordinance:

Cruelty to Animals
• Anti Tethering – No dog can be tethered outdoors in excess of 15 minutes at any one time unless a trolley system is utilized. Tethering using a trolley system cannot exceed one hour.

Potentially Dangerous Animals
• Establishes “Potentially Dangerous Dog” designation – Under the proposed amendment, the Nebraska Humane Society can designate specific dogs, based on their behavior, as “potentially dangerous”.

• Definition of “Potentially Dangerous Dog” - Any animal that when unprovoked: (i) inflicts injury on a human being that does not require medical treatment, (ii) injures a domestic animal, or (iii) chases or approaches a person upon streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack. In addition, any specific animal with a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack when unprovoked, to cause injury, or to threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.

• Spaying or Neutering and Microchip Identification Required - Mandatory Spaying or Neutering and Microchip Identification of potentially dangerous dogs within 30 days of designation.

• Classes Required - Owners of dogs designated as potentially dangerous must attend a responsible pet ownership class approved by the animal control authority within 90 days of designation. At the discretion of the animal control authority, a dog designated as potentially dangerous may be required to attend a dog behavior class approved by the authority within 90 days of designation.

• Leash and Muzzle Required - It is unlawful for any person to permit a potentially dangerous dog to go beyond the property of such person unless the animal is under the control of a person 19 years of age or older, restrained securely by a leash and properly muzzled.

Reckless Owner
• Dog owners convicted of any provision of Chapter 6 on three separate occasions within 24 months is deemed a reckless owner, they must surrender all pets and are prohibited from owning a pet for 2 years of the designation.

Leash and Muzzle Requirement for Pit Bulls
• It is unlawful for any person to permit a pit bull outdoors unless confined in a securely fenced yard or unless the animal is under the control of a person 19 years of age or older, restrained securely by a leash and properly muzzled.

• A pit bull is defined as any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentina, Presa Canario or Cane Corso, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits/characteristics of any one or more of the mentioned breeds.

Records
• To increase licensing requirements, animal dealers are required to provide the animal control authority the records of the dates of sale, identification and sex of each pet sold, and the name and address of the purchaser of each pet sold.

Fees
• Each neutered male or spayed female dog license will increase from $15 to $20 in 2009 and to $25 in 2011.

• Each sterilized cat license will increase from $12 to $15 in 2009.

• Each intact male or female dog/cat will increase from $30 to $50 in 2009.

• The cost of recovering an unaltered dog that has been impounded by the animal control authority will be increased.