ORD-2008-102a - Animal Control Ordinance - Tethering of Dogs

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2 2 amendment stipulates only warnings would be issued for lack of compr'rance with the tethering restrictions during the six -month period following the date the ordinance actually becomes effective. - ' In response to direction received from the BOCC at its fag work session, Animal Services staff sought to ensure broad awareness of the proposed tethering ordinance. In preparation for a public hearing at the May 20°i, 2008, BOCC meeting, staff issued media advisories and posted flyers to ensure interested parties were aware of and invited to participate in the public hearing. In addition, a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) was developed and posted on the Animal Services website ao://www.co.oraLige.nc.usfanim , along with the proposed amendment, the Tethering Comm'ittee's full report, and the staff document recommending kennel sizes. At the May 2& BOCC public hearing, over twenty-five citizens spoke, offering diverse and varied opinions. It was clear there were very strong feelings on both sides of the issue. Many of the issues expressed at the meeting had been previously heard by the Tethering Committee during public input meetings. Exceptions for'escaps ariisY' doge and hunting or sporting dogs were considered, but ultimately decided against by the Tethering Committee because they were believed to be unworkable. For hunting and sporting dogs, the Tethering Committee decided against a full exception, but did allow for an exception during actual sporting or hunting events. At the end of the May 20"'public hearing, the BOCC decided to reschedule tethering as an agenda item for their June 3 meeting so there would be ample opportunity for them to consider and reflect upon different viewpoints, as well as. the work of the Tethering Committee and ASAB. In many respects, the June 3'd BOCC meeting mirrored the public hearing itself. No fewer members of the public spoke than at the public hearing and again they expressed strong and contradictory' views. As a result of the sheer volume of testimony, the Board was not able to discuss the agenda item heft At the and of testimony presented at the June 3'd meeting, the BOCC indicated the issue of tethering would be brought back in September. Thus tethering is again being scheduled as an agenda item with the expectation the BOCC will have the internal discussion that is an essential step in its decision - raking process. In this way, the BOCC will be able to consider the proposed tethering ordinance, Its critical elements and their justification, opinions heard from members of the public as well as the recommendation of the ASAB and Tethering Committee. To facilitate preparation for BOCC discussion, Animal Services staff has summarized the concerns expressed by individuals who spoke for and against tethering at the May 2& and June 3'd BOCC meetings. In addition to the proposed ordinance itself, this summary, and the documents upon which it is based, are provided as attachments. Additional supporting documents are available in hard copy at the Clerk's Office or at. the Animal Services website ( hW:// www. co .oranae.nc.ustanimalservices). These include the Abstracts for May -2e, 2008 BOCC Public Hearing and June 3, BOCC Meeting; the Tethering Committee's Rna/ Report & Recommendations; an Animal Services Staff Memorandum Recommending Minimum Kennel Size Requirements; Tethering Committee Meeting Summaries; and ASAB Minutes from Meetings with Discussion on Tethering. Related recent developments in Durham County deserve summary in this abstract On September e, 2008, Durham's Board of County Commissioner adopted an amendment to the County's animal control ordinances that limits tethering effective January 1, 2010. Under the