Animal Control Proposal Jumps Committee Hurdle
Posted: November 24, 2009 at 4:16 a.m.
Washington County may soon require microchips be implanted in dogs picked up in unincorporated area without collars.
In addition, any stray dog picked up for a second time by a county animal control officer will be spayed or neutered at the owner’s expense, under an animal control ordinance supported by the county’s Animal Concerns Advisory Board.
The County Services Committee voted unanimously on Monday to recommend this ordinance to the full Quorum Court for consideration next month.
Claudette Cardwell, chairman of the advisory board, told justices of the peace that requiring microchips will save money and trouble because when the owner is identified, the pet can be returned immediately without the cost of the Fayetteville Animal Shelter.
“That’s to give the animal a ticket home,” she said.
Cardwell explained the microchips proposed for stray animals are not tracking devices. They allow animal control officers and shelters to identify pet owners, who can then be contacted.
The chips work better than collars because they stay on, Caldwell said.
“It’s like the tags you have attached to their collar, except that it’s under the skin,” she said earlier.
When asked about enforcement, Caldwell explained that the county enforces its animal ordinance on a complaint-driven basis.
The animal control officer is not riding the county looking for animals to pick up,” she said.
The committee also recommended a second ordinance to limit to 10 the number of animals one person, entity or organization can put through the county’s low-cost spay and neuter program. It would also prohibit paying to spay and neuter animals that are sold, adopted or released to people who don’t live in the county.
Cardwell told justices of the peace that there were people in the county using up to 80 vouchers, which was causing the programs to run short of funds. Anyone who needs more than 10 vouchers can ask the board for more, she explained.
Justice of the Peace Ann Harbison, D-West Fork, said she believes allowing 10 per family is too generous.
Candy Clark, co-chairwoman of County Service, said that the average family uses between three to five and it’s good have the number a little higher in case someone gets a litter dumped on them.
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It is awesome to see progressive ordinaces being passed with the aim of reducing the animal population, creating owner resposibility, and providing mechanisms to get animals back home. Kudos!
Posted by: CheyGirl
November 24, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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