ORD-2008-069 - Proposed Animal Ordinance Amendment on the Tethering of Dogs

Browse Search

`fil Most people comply with the law by putting up a pen. The Humane Society has provided some pens to those who cannot afford it. Those that do not comply and have their dogs impounded must pay shelter fee, vaccinations, etc. to get the dog back. Sometimes the shelter fee is waived. About 25 % reclaim their dog and the rest are better off anyway. PHASE IN: The city had a one -year education period before enforcement began. They educated the community through fact sheets, newspaper, radio, posters, etc. RESULTS OF ORDINANCE: Overall decrease in cruelty cases, cut down on pit bull problems, decreased dog bites, and helped with overpopulation (penned dogs are not as easy to get pregnant). Prior to the law, 50% of bites before were from chained dogs. No dramatic increase.in surrenders and no real problems with people turning their dogs loose. PUBLIC REACTION: Positive— most people think chaining is cruel. Those that do not agree are those whose dogs are not well taken care of anyway. Joaine McKeel, Shelter Manager, Catawba County Animal Care and Control, Catawba County THE LAW: Catawba does not have a ban, just requirements on conditions for tethering. ENFORCMENT: They do not receive complaints very often. When they do, it is because of length of chain. They educate people as to why they have the requirements, and will write citations for violators. Eyeballing the situation assesses the ten percent of body weight requirement. Some officers feel comfortable and some do not with having to make judgments on the situations. No citations have been challenged RESULTS OF LAW: More chaining occurs in the rural area. Approximately 90 — 95% of people are compliant. They have not seen an increase in animals being surrendered. More animals are surrendered under the nuisance ordinance than the tethering ordinance.