County Animal Control Wants Pepper Spray, Batons for Officers

Collapsible batons, pepper spray and ballistic vests are among the equipment that the County Department of Animal Control is recommending that each officer carry in the field going forward.

The recommendations come in the form of a report that will be discussed at Tuesday's County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The county department services Montrose-La Crescenta and is responsible for handling responses to any dog attacks or wild animal sightings.

The county report was requested in the wake of the fatal pit bull attack of a woman in May in the unincorporated Antelope Valley.

"This tragedy underscores the important public safety role played by an animal control agency," reads the report.

In addition to the extra equipment, the department is requesting the Board fund five new positions and six new trucks, a total of $773,000 in new funding.  

Montrose-La Crescenta Patch readers have discussed the issue of aggressive dogs before - in an article from last August about a pit bull shot by the police in Montrose, one reader lamented how common the breed is in Southern California:

 I'm sure they were wonderful dogs in the old days, but all this breeding for aggression has ruined them. They need to be banned!

Another reader pointed out that pit bulls are not the only breed to attack:
I assure you, in the right home and environment they make great pets. ANY dog is capable of aggression, and it's just too bad that the pit bull gets reported on, while other breeds get a pass.


Do you think the county needs more animal control officers?  How about more equipment like pepper spray and batons?  What other changes would you like to see from the department?  Tell us in the comments.