The City of Porterdale has decided to not let sleeping dogs lie.

During its work session Thursday, the council discussed options for controlling dangerous dog breeds.
A revised animal control ordinance went into effect for Porterdale March 2009, and the council has decided to tighten up on the restrictions as specified in the ordinance.
Points of interest in the ordinance include the restraint of dogs both on and off an owner's property, and the registration and restraint of vicious dogs.
Vicious dogs are defined by the ordinance as "any dog that inflicts a severe injury that results in broken bones, disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery, or a physical injury that results in death."
The council discussed revisions of the ordinance, including a definition of who can legally walk a dog weighing more than 25 pounds and a requirement of owners to spay and neuter their dogs that are of a breed traditionally considered dangerous.
Jerry Goldsmith, a Porterdale resident at the session, noted that 92 percent of pit bull attacks involve a male dog, most of which were unneutered.
Gail LaBerge, president of the Georgia Canine Coalition, wrote to Mayor Bobby Hamby stating that "all dog owners should be help responsible for their pets regardless of the type or breed of dog."
Along with her letter, she sent flyers and worksheets that gave information about the American Kennel Club's program that encourages governments to target the deed, not the breed.
Hamby professed interest in setting up a meeting to discuss the issue further with the Coalition.