After a rash of dog attacks in southern Dallas, the City Council voted 13-1 on Wednesday to reinforce the city ordinance regarding dangerous dogs.

The amendment to an existing ordinance establishes a criminal penalty for dog bites, clearly defines an “aggressive dog” and outlines requirements owners must follow.

The vote comes just over a week after a man was attacked in far southern Dallas by three dogs.

Family members say Ronald Bell, 57, could have his arm amputated as a result. The dogs, which have since been euthanized, apparently rushed out of an open gate in the neighborhood, where dogs have historically roamed freely.

Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, who represents the area, said he once saw more than 100 stray dogs on a late-night ride along with Dallas Animal Services. He suggested that the agency put out a stronger force at night, when dog attacks tend to happen.

Antoinette Brown, who died a week after she was attacked by a pack of loose dogs in 2016, was bitten more than 100 times at around 4 a.m. In April, a woman was hospitalized after four dogs attacked her at around 2 a.m., just over a mile from the site where Brown was mauled.

“It’s a major problem in an area that I represent,” Caraway said. “These dogs roam at night, looking for food.”

Some breeders in the competitive dog community argued against mandatory sterilization of dogs and cats impounded by the city. Spaying and neutering show dogs disqualifies them from competition and breeding. If show dog gets impounded after an accident or theft, these owners said they fear the city will spay or neuter the pet.

These types of scenarios are one-off situations that can be addressed, Dallas Animal Services director Edward Jamison said.

“You try to have ordinances that are the most encompassing, that will try to help the most people,” he said. “There are some really valid points on individual situations, situations that don’t happen often at all. Those can be up for more discussion.”

Omar Narvaez was the only council member to vote against amending the ordinance. He said the changes gave him "great pause,” and brought up a constituent who was never contacted by Dallas Animal Services after her lost dogs were picked up by the agency and put in a shelter.

The council plans to take up the topic again in the fall, to address the rest of the ordinance. Jamison said he hopes to address more concerns surrounding cleanup, licensing and permits.

On Tuesday, the Fort Worth City Council approved similar adjustments to their own animal laws in an 8-0 vote.

The new policies include collar license fees and mandatory leashing.

Staff writer Hannah Ortega contributed to this report.