The proposal for a new Vicious Dogs Strike Force isn’t just about dogs; it’s about dog owners.

When a person or animal is the victim of a dog attack, the blame usually is placed on the attacking dog. Sometimes, it even is generalized to that dog’s entire breed. In most cases, however, neither the individual animal nor the breed probably is as responsible as the person who owned or trained the dog.

County Commissioner Charles Jones wants to attack the root of the problem by giving local law officers the ability to seek and seize animals that have been trained to fight. In some cases, that search may lead them to homes where other, more serious, illegal activity is occurring. At the very least, it may reduce the number of animals being subjected to cruel training as fighting dogs.

Local humane society and law enforcement personnel say they have strong evidence of vicious dogs being linked to gang activity in Douglas County. The dogs are used to fight, they say, but also as a symbol of gang superiority. They also may provide protection for other illegal activities such as gambling and drugs.

Jones contends that clamping down on vicious dogs will send an important message to the dogs’ owners that Douglas County won’t tolerate their behavior. It may not stop their brutal treatment of animals or other criminal activity, but it might at least make them take their activities elsewhere.

One of the best aspects of Jones’ proposal is that it targets the real problem of vicious dogs: the owners. It doesn’t outlaw any specific breed but makes owners responsible for their dangerous animals. In some cases, these people may be prosecuted for having dangerous dogs or some other crime. Simply driving these people out of the county isn’t sufficient punishment for the cruelty they inflict on dogs, but it would make Douglas County a safer, more pleasant place.

Jones is estimating that increased enforcement would cost less than $50,000 next year. It seems like little enough for the benefits the county would receive, but in such a tight budget year, funding for even worthy projects will face heightened scrutiny.

Even if the county can’t afford to establish a formal strike force this year, law enforcement officials should give as much priority as possible to dealing with the individuals who purposely contribute to the number of vicious dogs residing in Douglas County.