RISON - With the Cruisin' Cleveland County Bike Ride set for this Saturday, mayors of both Kingsland and Rison are encouraging residents to keep their dogs confined to protect riders and stay in compliance with city ordinances.Kingsland Mayor Sharon Crosby said a dog she described as a pit bull recently knocked over a cyclist who was riding through Kingsland, causing major damage the professionalgrade bicycle and nearly hurting the rider as well.Meanwhile, Crosby also reported that Kingsland City Council member Karen Wiscaver had a dog go under her car while it was chasing her and ended up doing some serious damage. While the dog was not seriously injured, Crosby said Wiscaver's three-month-old vehicle suffered about $6,500 in damages since the car's computer system had to be replaced Both Kingsland and Rison have city ordinances requiring dog owners to keep their pets confined, either within a fence, inside a house or on a lease. Violations of these ordinances can result in fines. For Kingsland, there is a $75 fine for the first offense and a $125 fine for the second offense. For Rison, the fine can range from $25 to $100 for each day the dog is loose. Crosby said she will approach her city council later this month about increasing the fines for loose dogs.In addition, Arkansas law can hold the dog's owner responsible for any medical bills or property damage related to a dog attack.Crosby said she plans to file an affidavit with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department this week against a resident for violating the city's dog ordinance. She said she was chased away three times by a dog while trying to visit the owner about the city ordinance.In addition for setting the fines, Kingsland City Ordinance 2007-4 also requires all dogs owners within the city limits to license their dog with the city, and also requires dogs to be vaccinated. Under that ordinance, an owner is defined as "every person, firm or partnership or corporatio...
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