Wright City officials are considering adopting a stricter animal control law following multiple instances where a dog killed or seriously injured other dogs. At last Thursday's board of aldermen meeting, officials continued to review proposed language that would add language defining a vicious animal and clarify the city's authority should similar attacks occur in the future. It would also include holding the animal's owner liable for an attack. The city began a review of its animal control regulations following an appeal from two dog owners whose animals had been attacked by the same dog. One of the dogs was killed, while the other was seriously injured. A graphic picture forwarded to city officials showed that the dog that died had its skin ripped off and chunks of its flesh chewed during the attack. Police Chief Douglas Saulters said the owner of the dog, a Doberman, was cited for failing to control his dog and appeared at a recent special hearing where it was determined that the dog needed to be euthanized. Saulters said similar attacks won't be tolerated. "We're at the point we're not going to put up with it," Saulters told The Record. "What if an animal gets out and attacks a child. We can't have that. The owners have to take responsibility for their animals. They have to know they will be accountable for what their dogs do." Under the proposed expanded ordinance, a vicious animal may be defined as any animal that has attacked or bitten any person causing physical injury, has attempted to bite any person, or killed or attacked another animal. City officials also are considering language requiring a dog's owner to pay for the impoundment of its animal during a 10-day quarantined period following an attack. Under the existing code, the animals' owners only have to pay the city $1 per day during the quarantine period. City attorney Paul Rost recommended the city review similar regulations that other municipalities in the state have adopted prior to taking any final action. City officials also suggested having the municipal judge and prosecutor review the proposed regulations. "I don't think you guys have to invent it," said Rost, relating to drafting a stricter ordinance. "I think it's going to be tough to fix the one you have without overhauling." Alderman Jim Schuchmann was apologetic to the owners of the dogs that had been involved in the attacks, but feels the city is taking the necessary steps to avoid similar situations in the future. "This will address the entire issue," Schuchmann said. "Our definition for a vicious animal wasn't as definite as it could have been. What we could do with an animal wasn't as definite as it could have been. Unfortunately at times things have to happen to realize you have a shortcoming. Upon realizing it, we are addressing it."