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55� Mr. Laws, resident of Eno stated that dogs killed two of his cattle last year, and asked that something be done to control the dogs. He presented pictures to the Board. Frances Stagg, member of the Orange County Animal Shelter stated that education and legislation are the two most valuable aids toward responsible ownership. Because dog problems are the same everywhere, rural taxpayers should have the same rights and protections as taxpayers in urban areas. Ms. Cole stated that she is a resident of the County, and feels that the Ordinance is needed because of population growth in the County. Bill Rump, Chair of the North Carolina Humane Federation, which is an organization of all the humane societies in North Carolina, stated that the problem is not just in Orange County, but a statewide problem and is extremely complex. The national average for shelters handling pets is $15 per pet, and animal shelters are presently handling between 4,000 and 5,000 pets per year; somebody has to bite the bullet and force irresponsible pet owners to take responsibility for the actions of their animals. Dr. Robert Greenberg noted that this Ordinance will pose no problem for the owner who has dogs that happen to wander from the owner's property onto another. But, it will take care of the vast problems in the northern and southern parts of the County. Dr. Vanstee, a veterinarian, noted that people have rights to own animals and dogs have rights to be exercised, but others who take daily walks also should have the right not to be injured by dogs. Animal owners have a responsibility to provide human care to animals. Commissioner Willhoit gave to the Clerk two letters received from residents of the County in support of the Animal Control Ordinance. Commissioner Willhoit moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, a committee, to include the County Attorney, Health Director, and a representative from the Animal Protection Society (possibly Dr. Greenberg) , to consider the proposed changes and comments heard at the two public hearings and -bring back a document to consider for action at the first meeting in October. VOTE: Ayes, 5; Noes, 0. There was discussion regarding possible conflict 'of State laws relative to hunting dogs. Commissioner Whitted noted- that the Ordinance, if adopted, will be applied countywide. D-2 One-Half Cent- Sa1ps_T�a.X Commissioner Whitted noted that the Board has received a resolution from the Town of Chapel Hill and correspondence from Carrboro and the Orange County Schools as well as having had communication with Dr. Mayor and Mr. Caldwell of _._ the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School District in reference to the one-half cent sales tax option that was passed in the last session of the General Assembly. Commissioner Marshall stated that sales taxes should be a part of the considerations of the task force being set up by the Board to address capital needs; she believes it necessary to put any new sales taxes to the vote of the citizens. Commissioner Whitted stated that if the task farce recommends the one-half cent sales tax and the needs are identified, this item should be considered at the next county-wide election -- the May primary. Commissioner Lloyd stated that the County is overdue for some relief of the property tax due to the drastic increases over the past several years; a short range relief of the County's problem is a sales tax of some kind.