Mesa County pet owners could soon be abiding by some new rules when it comes to their dogs.

Over the past few years, Mesa County animal services have seen an increase in dogs coming to the area. Many of those dogs have been deemed dangerous by other courts.

The new proposal will improve the ability to enforce the dangerous dog ordinance, and allow animal services to hold dog owners responsible and providing the proper level of confinement for the habitual offenders.

“Basically, if a dog is deemed dangerous, whether its here in Mesa County or if its from Lakewood, once the dog has been found to be dangerous by the court, when they move here they're also help to that same level of confinement. So if they are ordered to keep their dog muzzled or if they're ordered to keep their dog in an escape proof kennel, that we'll be able to enforce that component”, explained Penny McCarty, Director of Mesa County Animal Services.

There have also been several incidents recently with dogs running out onto traffic and causing accidents. The ordinance wants to make sure that situations like this are avoided, to protect both the dogs and the public.

The ordinance was proposed to the city council today. A final draft will be brought forth in the next few weeks for a final vote.