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Township Solicitor Tom Hogan on Monday said Tredyffrin has instructed its animal control officer to be on call 24/7 and has reached an agreement with neighboring Upper Merion that stipulates both municipalities will back up each other's animal-control efforts.
Also, Hogan said Tredyffrin will train three of its police officers in animal-control techniques.
But Brett Bailey, whose dog was killed last month by two pit bulls that have been harassing neighbors for years, said he wishes the township had acted sooner.
"These pit bulls have been loose on and off for six years," Bailey said. "I think the township is taking a step in the right direction, but that doesn't do us any good. Our dog is already dead."
Bailey was walking Molly, his 13-year-old dog, on June 8 when two roving pit bulls approached. The pit bulls, owned by Bailey's neighbor Joel Harden, mortally wounded Molly and repeatedly bit Bailey.
Tredyffrin's animal control officer was on vacation at the time, and although the SPCA responded to the attack, its officers could do little because the township lacks a SPCA contract.
Tredyffrin police also responded and later filed charges against Harden in Devon District Court. Harden is tentatively scheduled to appear in court next month.
Court records show Harden and his pit bulls have a long legal history. He was found guilty in 2007 of failing to keep his dogs contained and confined properly. He also pleaded guilty to animal abuse in 2004 and was issued a string of dog-nuisance violations from 2004 to 2005.
Harden has not responded to voice-mail messages requesting comment.
Following the most recent attack, Harden complied with the Tredyffrin Police Department's request that the pit bulls be kept at a local animal hospital for 10 days for rabies observation.
The dogs have since been returned to Harden.
