Broward County vice Mayor Barbara Sharief meets with community leaders to focus on aggressive dog solutions
Community leaders meet with Broward County Vice Mayor Barbara Sharief, top center, to discuss measures to reduce aggressive dogs.
Submitted by Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Solutions to the “dangerous dog” problem in Broward County are closer to fruition after the first meeting of Broward residents who came together yesterday to discuss measures to reduce aggressive dog attacks.
“Some very good ideas came out of this meeting and I think everyone has a clearer understanding of the complex problem that we’re facing,” said Vice Mayor Barbara Sharief, who organized the group. “We’re focusing on solutions and we heard from people who are pet owners, behavioral specialists, victims of dog attacks, nonprofit adoption organizations and, overall, a diverse group dedicated to finding fair and reasonable resolutions. This is what democracy is all about.”
Zharel Silva, a Pembroke Pines resident and attendee at the meeting, said, “Vice Mayor Sharief was open-minded, inclusive and truly listened to our ideas. We suggested several solutions and I hope the County Commission will embrace them in the future.”
Wendy Martin, of Best Friends Animal Society, also had positive comments. “I’m very encouraged by today’s meeting and look forward to working together to develop breed neutral dangerous dog/reckless owner ordinances that will lead to safe and humane communities for Broward County,” Martin said.
Vice Mayor Sharief formed the group after a Broward County Commission public hearing in February that focused on pit bulls and related breeds. Sharief asked attendees from that meeting to participate in this group discussion.
The Vice Mayor will hold an additional meeting with the community group to solidify agreed upon solutions. Those ideas will then come before the Broward County Commission for additional dialogue and possible approval.
