Police chief and council push for stronger dog licensing, enforcement after fatal attack

Police Chief Mark Bruley told the Brooklyn Park City Council at a July 29 work session that the city has seen a rise in serious dog incidents and enforcement challenges, including two recent episodes involving pit bull‑type dogs — one in which a child died and another that seriously injured a child. "We couldn’t give the dogs back. The owners wouldn’t pay for them," Bruley said, describing cases in which owners declined impound or follow‑up requirements.

Bruley said the department’s animal‑control work showed 288 dogs impounded in 2023 and a substantial number of additional reports where officers were unable to locate the animal callers described; he said the department increased citation activity this year ("17 citations" reported by the chief) after historically low citation rates for loose dogs. He urged a reassessment of the city’s approach to dangerous and potentially dangerous animals, including revisiting licensing and stronger owner accountability.

Council members raised specific enforcement and prevention ideas. Council Member Boyd Morson suggested requiring screen doors or other household barriers to reduce accidental escapes and asked whether owners shown to be negligent could be barred from acquiring additional animals. Council Member Nicole Klonowski focused on trauma support for first responders and recognition for the cadet credited with lifesaving action during a recent attack. Council Member Xp Lee proposed enhanced education, pedestrian safety signage at off‑leash areas, and partnerships with county services when the city’s pound network is at capacity.

City counsel cautioned about targeting specific breeds. "It would be ill advised," Attorney Siobahn told the Council when members asked whether the city could lawfully restrict particular breeds. Bruley agreed that breed‑specific measures raise legal risks and instead recommended licensing and enforcement frameworks that apply to all dogs while giving the city levers to hold owners accountable.

Council members signaled support for a multipronged approach: staff research on reintroducing a general dog license (one Council member noted prior registration fees around $30), targeted regulation for breeders or sellers, clearer enforcement and citation practices, expanded public education, and work with county or regional partners on shelter capacity. The chief said some fines now charged for dangerous dogs have been $200 annually but that staff would bring options that balance equity concerns with public‑safety needs.

No ordinance vote was taken at the meeting. The Council asked staff and the city attorney to return with legal options, proposed language for licensing and breeder/sales regulation, enforcement protocols, and recommended public‑education and communications actions for the city to announce any changes.