WATSONVILLE - The City Council tightened the leash on big dog owners Tuesday.

In a 5-1 vote, the council modified a 4-month-old vicious dog ordinance to restrict dog ownership by felons, give authorities the right to seize unaltered dogs weighing more than 20 pounds and increase fees for keeping dogs that are not spayed or neutered from $100 to $300.

The action was prompted by a pit bull attack on an elderly woman New Year's Day.

"There was a very tragic incident," said Mayor Luis Alejo. "We all know it could have been worse. It could have been worse if there were children involved. This provides the tools for our police officers and our animal control officers to take action."

Officials said the Jan. 1 attack on the woman who was walking on Virginia Street could have been prevented if the new rules had been in place because the owner previously had been cited for having unaltered dogs but authorities couldn't seize them.

City and county rules require dogs to be altered with few exceptions.

Councilman Greg Caput voted against the change. He argued for a delay to give more time for the community to weigh in.

"We have a tendency to overreact," Caput said. "I do want to do something.... A Christmas turkey can weigh 20 pounds or more so I have a problem with that."

Deputy Police Chief Robert Knill said dogs under 20 pounds are less likely to pose a threat to residents, and it's a weight limit used in other jurisdictions, such as Contra Costa County.

Resident Steve Dufour urged the council to move forward.

"Why postpone this decision and have the possibility of another dog attack tomorrow?" he said.

Councilman Emilio Martinez said the rules weren't a "cure-all" but they would give authorities more discretion in responding to problem dogs.

"We're not singling out dogs," said Administrative Services Director Marc Pimentel. "We're going after negligent dog owners."

Councilwoman Kimberly Petersen was not at the meeting. She gave birth to a baby boy, Benjamin Carter, April 7.