FORT SMITH — An amended animal-control ordinance will become effective in 30 days after its passage Thursday night by Fort Smith city directors.
The ordinance, which changes conditions and fines for dogs caught running at large in the city, was approved on its third reading during a special meeting in the Creekmore Park Community Center Rose Room.
The amended ordinance required three readings to pass because only four of the seven directors voted in favor during two prior readings Dec. 18 and Dec. 21. The ordinance required a two-thirds majority, or five votes, to pass with one reading.
An emergency clause wasnot included with the ordinance so the changes go into effect in 30 days, according to the city clerk’s office.
Under the amendment, proposed by City Director Philip Merry, owners with loose dogs that had not been spayed or neutered would be fined but would have the fines waived if they subsequently had the animals altered and provided proof to authorities.
Other changes were made to the ordinance that was presented to directors by the city’s Animal Service Advisory Board.
Sections related to treatment of feral cats, taking photos of owners of dogs caught running at large and banning auctioning of animals were removed for further study.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 11 on 12/29/2012