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

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42 2 following the date that the ordinance actually becomes effective. Thus, the amendment itself would actually not be fully enforced until January 1, 2010. In preparation for a public hearing at the May 20, 2008 BOCC meeting, Animal Services staff conducted extensive public outreach to ensure that interested parties and the community as a whole were aware of and invited to participate in the public hearing. The Tethering Committee's full report, the staff recommended kennel sizes, the proposed amendmerd, and a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) remain posted in full form on the Animal Services website at httpJ/ www. co.orange.nc.us/animalservk;es. . At the May 201' BOCC public hearing, over twenty five citizens spoke, offering diverse and varied opinions, and expressed strong feelings on both sides of the issue. Many of the significant issues expressed at the meeting had been previously heard by the Tethering Committee during its public input meetings and were discussed at length in the course of the Committee's deliberation. Exceptions for `escape artist" dogs and hunting or sporting dogs were considered, but ultimately decided against by the Tethering Committee because the exceptions were believed to be unworkable. For hunting and 'sporting dogs, the Tethering Commiittee-decided against a full exception, but did allow for an exception during actual sporting or hunting events. Given the diverse opinions represented at the May 2& hearing, the BOCC decided to continue discussion of and possible decision regarding the proposed amendment for its June 3"s meeting so that there would be ample opportunity for consideration and reflection upon those viewpoints and the work of the Tethering Committee and the Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB). FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct cost - associated with the review and consideration of the proposed ordinance amendment. The costs of administering and enforcing the new tethering provisions, if enacted, are believed to be readily absorbed within the Animal Services departmental budget and staffing complement. This expectation is based upon discussions with animal control authorities in other jurisdictions with similar tethering regulations and the belief that effective public relations and outreach can facilitate a transition in standards of animal care. Costs will be incurred during the twelve -month period of public education and outreach. Staff expects that the total costs will not exceed $1,500, and that these monies will largely be used for display advertisements. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the proposed ordinance amendment on the tethering of dogs and provide any feedback and direction to staff.