ONTARIO (AP) - The City of Ontario is slapping a $100 fee on dogs considered to be dangerous.

The City Council said the ordinance tries to balance community safety and the rights of pet owners and that deeds, not the breeds, are the determining factors.

However it puts a financial burden on the police department.

Ontario Police Chief Mike Kee designed the ordinance.

He told the council the revenue is to “offset the costs of the city's ordinance officer inspecting the premises to assure compliance of the vicious dog requirements” plus other administrative costs.

Kee estimates as much as $5,000 could result from the annual vicious dog fee.

Owners of dangerous dogs also must pay an additional license fee, leash and muzzle the pet, post a dangerous dog sign, keep the dogs in cages, spay and neuter and train them and implant them with microchips.

The dog law regulating dangerous dogs through their owners followed a monthlong debate, revisions that incorporated community input and finally unanimous council approval.

Dogs can be deemed vicious if they have bitten or attacked people or have attempted to do so; if they are owned to fight or are aggressive or are kept on property for drug trafficking or gang activity.

Gang activity in the area is of increasing concern to authorities.

They also qualify if they display a propensity to attack through threatening behavior even if on leash of while fenced.

Dog owners can appeal the designations

But a city hearings officer could cost $1,500 a year, Kee has said.