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City tackles dog problems |
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Tuesday, 17 June 2008 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — Members of a city committee Monday made progress on revamping current ordinances regarding dog control.
The St. Marys City Safety Committee heard concerns from two residents regarding vicious dogs and dogs-at-large during its meeting. Beech Street resident Randy Detillian said he attended the meeting to make sure committee members took into consideration the safety of children when crafting legislation.
“I am here just to try to make sure no child gets injured,” Detillian told The Evening Leader. “I don’t want to see that happen.”
During the meeting, Detillian stressed the importance of responsible pet owners in regards to dog control. Detillian encouraged committee members to consider raising the possible fines for owners found guilty of allowing their animals to roam around.
“There are some people who shouldn’t have pets,” Detillian said.
Mayor Greg Freewalt commended Detillian for bringing the matter to safety committee members. Freewalt said he plans to talk with Police Chief Greg Foxhoven, City Law Director Kraig Noble and Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock on a proposal to present to safety committee members at a later date.
“What we want to do is take care of the major issues,” Freewalt said. “I’m trying to get the categories and see what we can refine. (This) gives us direction.”
During previous safety committee meetings, residents voiced concerns about vicious dogs and owners allowing their animals to run at-large. Hitchcock said to his knowledge, there are 20 pit bulls in the city and all except one are in compliance with the law. Hitchcock said the other dog owner is in the process of coming into compliance.
Any pit bull must be kept in a locked pen, with a top, while on the premise. The owner also must carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance.
Hitchcock said during the past 26 days, police officers investigated 22 dog-at-large complaints, four vicious dog complaints, five barking dog complaints and seven miscellaneous complaints regarding dogs. Under current legislation, the fine for a dog-at-large is $150 fine for a first offense and a maximum of a $250 fine and 30 days in jail for a second offense.
“We need responsible pet owners,” Hitchcock said. “If we have issues with other things besides pit bulls, we could do stiffer penalties.”
Another possible policy discussed during the meeting included requiring pit bull owners to show proof of liability insurance periodically throughout the year. Residents also suggested keeping a list of all vicious dogs and their addresses within the city.
During last week’s city council meeting, Noble presented councilors with current legislation regarding dog control.
Ordinances contained in the correspondence included proper disposal of dog waste, barking dogs and dogs in city parks. Penalties ranged from a $150 fine to a 30 days in jail for multiple offenses. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 20 June 2008 )
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