Definitions of vicious and dangerous dogs and animal control issues were discussed at a special meeting of the DeKalb City Council Monday.

A vicious dog is defined by the State Animal Control Act as a dog that bites or attacks a person or another animal unprovoked, and any dog found to be a dangerous dog on three separarte occasions.

A dangerous dog is defined as one that when unrestrained or unattended approaches a person with an apparent intent to attack on streets, sidewalks, or public grounds or places.

DeKalb City Attorney Ron Matekaitis said the act does not allow due process of law because a dog owner cannot dispute claims against their dogs.

There is also “no severity attached to the (dog) bite,” Matekaitis said.

Several aldermen suggested reinstating an Animal Control Officer position which the city once had to deal with animal complaints. The police department is currently responsible for animal control.

Chief of Police Don Berke reported 40 animal control calls within a 57-day period starting Sept. 9. The largest number of calls, 18, were of barking dogs; followed by nine calls of dogs running loose.

DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow said the amount of calls for dogs running loose are “not a lot” compared to about the 2,700 dogs in the city.