WINSTON-SALEM – Owners who have what's considered a dangerous dog could soon face tighter restrictions.

Forsyth County Animal Control officials are hoping to make the current ordinance more specific regarding dangerous dogs. Proposed changes better define such an animal and the requirements of owning one.

"We are seeking something to keep the public safe and to more define what is a dangerous dog," said one animal control officials.

They hope changes to the current ordinance help, while making it clear that this isn't an assault on pit bulls or rottweilers.

"It could be a chihuahua that's one of those little biting chihuahua's and he needs to wear one of those little muzzles if he's walking," explained Kelly Nash, outreach coordinator with the Forsyth County Department of Animal Control.

The county's animal control advisory board will soon vote on several amendments, but highlighted a definition of what makes a dangerous dog dangerous.

The ordinance says: Any dog that causes serious injury to human beings without provocation, or is “escaping constantly and maybe biting somebody, killing a domestic animal, killing livestock off of their property," Nash added, would be considered a dangerous dog.

Kenneth Wray, Sr. of Rural Hall says his dog actually protects his livestock. Wray, who's been cited for having a dangerous dog before, is frustrated with the ordinance. He says his dog simply chased off someone who came on his property.

"The dog simply alerts to danger," Wray stated.

According to the proposed ordinance, owners of dogs deemed dangerous will also be required to get a $100,000 homeowner's insurance policy. It will cover any injuries caused by that dog.

It also says owners must have specialized kennels for outside pets, or special flooring for inside ones.

"And I reject the fact that I've got 56-acres and cannot let my dogs live at home, but it's against the law to let him roam at large," Wray argued.

Animal control officials say people are free to own dangerous dogs, "but here are the parameters to keep the public safe, as well as your own family," Nash said of the ordinance

The Forsyth County Animal Control Advisory Board will hear comments from the public when it votes on the proposed ordinance Thursday, April 17. County commissioners will then have the final vote.

The meeting will be at the shelter, at 5570 Sturmer Park Circle in Winston-Salem.

People wanting to send comments about the ordinance can also send a letter, give the shelter a call at 336-703-2480 and leave a message, or drop a letter off at the shelter at the address above.

To see a copy of the proposed dangerous dog ordinance, CLICK HERE.