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Posted by The King on October 22, 2008, 11:31 pm
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Council approves new animal ordinance

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, October 20, 2008 at 11:13 p.m.
TUSCUMBIA - The city council took action Monday that gives Tuscumbia more authority when the city receives a complaint about a vicious animal.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance, which would require more secure confinement for a dog or other animal that is deemed vicious.

It also sets definitions of a vicious animal.

Council President Robert Mitchell said the law comes on the heels of recent complaints about dog bites.

Councilman Steve Finch said he spoke this week with several residents in a neighborhood where one attack occurred.

"These families have children who are in the neighborhood, and they don't want them in danger," Finch said.

Mitchell said the ordinance also has instructions on how police can give notice to owners of a vicious animal and allows five days to comply with the notice. It also describes a process that would allow the city to impound the dog if needed.

A dog is considered vicious if it bites or attacks someone without adequate cause, according to the ordinance.

It also applies to an animal that consistently chases, snaps or barks at people or other animals without reason.

If a dog is deemed vicious, it must be confined in a house or within a kennel in the yard. That kennel must have a roof or secure chain-link fence along the top and a floor so the dog can't dig out, the ordinance states.

If the animal is on a chain, the chain can't reach past the owner's property.

If the owner walks the dog, the pet must be muzzled.

Mitchell points out the ordinance does not supersede other laws regarding pets, such as rules having to do with cruelty, sanitary conditions and the amount of pets allowed at a residence.

There was concern from some residents at Monday's meeting as to whether the county's animal control officers would be able to respond to all calls immediately. Police Chief Tony Logan said the police and animal control department have a good working relationship and a system that would assure the officers would respond immediately in the event of a vicious-animal incident.

In another matter Monday, the council set a 5 p.m. Oct. 27 date for a called meeting to discuss proposed changes to the noise ordinance.

The council also announced that a reception will take place at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3 for the new administration followed by a 5 p.m. work session and 6 p.m. meeting, during which members of the new administration will take their oaths.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.

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