Animal attacks on the rise?

Because that might explain a new town ordinance.

Mayor Gardner signed a new ordinance prohibiting pets at town events. The ordinance, Section 90-25, is available here.

Here's the ordinance, ripped from the PDF file:

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING DOMESTIC ANIMALS AT TOWN EVENTS

In pursuance of authority conferred by G.S. §§ 160A-174 to 175 and 160A-186 to 187,
and for the purpose of protecting the health, safety or welfare of the people from attacks of
animals and the peace and dignity of the Town of Waxhaw.

Now, Therefore, the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Waxhaw does ordain that
the Code of Ordinances, Waxhaw, North Carolina, is hereby amended by adding a section, to
be numbered 90-25, which section shall read as follows:

§ 90-25 Prohibition of Animals at Town-Sponsored Events

(A) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any animal to take that animal, whether on a leash or not on a leash, into or allow the animal to enter the boundaries of any Town-sponsored public event unless such event is specifically designated as exempt from this section as set forth in subsection C. The
boundaries of a Town-sponsored event shall consist of any area that is part of the event
including any public open space, parking area, street, sidewalk or other publicly controlled,
owned or maintained area.

(B) Town-Sponsored Event. As used herein, Town-sponsored event shall mean and refer to
any specific event sponsored (full or partial through financial or in-kind contributions) by the
Town and open to the public utilizing property that is controlled, owned or maintained by the
Town.

(C) Exceptions. This section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Those animals that are part of an authorized event or exhibit. The event coordinator or
designee shall have the authority to specify the conditions for having such animals for the
protection of the public and for the well-being of the animals.
(2) Service dogs.

Effective Date: This ordinance shall be effective on this 1st day of October 2010.

I've got an email out to Town Manager Mike McLaurin and the Mayor asking for some clarification and trying to determine the impetus behind the new regulations. I'll update if and when someone gets back to me.