VALE, Ore. -- A new ordinance in Malheur County will require owners of 10 specific breeds to keep their dogs secured at home and in vehicles, and muzzled in public.

KGW file photo of a pit bull.

A leash or chain won't fit the requirements for restraining the dogs at home. They must be in a secure pen or kennel.

The measure was approved by the county governing body, the County Court, over the objection of Barbara Hutchinson of the Second Chance Animal Shelter.

She said it would punish owners of dogs that are properly supervised and well socialized.

"We do support a vicious dog ordinance, but we do not support any breed-specific legislation," she said at a hearing in Vale.

The breeds named in the ordinance are: American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier; Staffordshire bull terrier; American bulldog; dogo Argentino; Canary dog; presa Mallorquin; tosa, cane Corsa and Brazilian mastiff. It applies to crossbred dogs that display the majority of physical traits of the restricted breeds.

County Counsel Stephanie Williams said several incidents, including one in which an elderly person was attacked, led to the ordinance. She said neighboring towns in Idaho have more rigorous laws, including insurance requirements, and officials believe that some dangerous Idaho dogs are being moved to the Eastern Oregon county.

The ordinance is effective in March. The County Court is the equivalent of the county commission used in most Oregon counties.