Pit bulls and other potentially dangerous dogs must now have insurance coverage in case of a violent attack, officials in Newport, Ky., say.

New city regulations passed by the city council require such dogs' owners to obtain insurance coverage, as well have microchips implanted in their pets to provide the owner's personal information, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Sunday.

Brian Steffen, division manager for Newport's code enforcement department, said the new regulations are meant to increase owner responsibility and reduce the number of dog attacks.

I hope we can see some responsibility by the owners, the Newport official said. I hope there will be a great reduction in the numbers of vicious dogs.

The Enquirer said a vicious dog will be determined either by breed, with pit bulls or pit bull mixes automatically selected, or through any past violent actions by the animal.

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