A number of Middletown residents are growling over a proposed law in the city requiring insurance for their pets. Our Christian Farrell more.

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MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. -- Some local residents are barking loudly over a proposed law in the city of Middletown they say has no bite. They packed City Hall Tuesday evening for a public hearing on the proposed "dog law." It's a law requiring owners of dogs weighing more than 50 pounds to have liability insurance of at least $100,000 for their pooches.

The proposed law targets renters in the city. Virginia Cannizzo proudly displayed her dog, Samantha, on her t-shirt.

"Why go after a tenant that's responsible? That's it. Why would you make them pay more. It doesn't make any sense,"said Cannizzo.

Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano said the proposed legislation is in response to an increase of dog bites in the city.

"We live in an area where we need to control things. We view it as a problem in our community," said DeStefano.

City officials said landlords would be responsible for making sure tenants were insured.
Failing to do so could result in fines and rental permits being withheld. If the city council does approve the law, Virginia said she would have no choice but to leave.

"I will move out of the city after living in the city most of my life - being a tenant for the past 40 to 45 years," said Cannizzo.

A vote on the big dog law is expected soon.