After seeing a "distressed dog" locked in a hot car in the parking lot of a local store, Police Chief Press recently proposed to the Council an "un-attended animal" ordinance to give police the authority to take immediate action (including fines, possibly break the window).
Chief Press: "Being an animal lover, I felt the need for a clear ordinance . . . and asked (Animal Control Officer) Jerry Merchant to come up with one . . and the City Attorney enthusiastically approved."
Councilman Ford, saying they are more important than animals, suggested a city ordinance for children (locked in hot cars) be adopted first-- but was informed by the Mayor, Councilman Stankoski, et al-- that existing state child endangerment/protection laws were sufficient.
Councilman Mixon: "Let's stick to dogs for now."
According to Press, the law will include all animals: dogs, cats, birds, snakes, etc.
The Ordinance was approved unanimously; but it was unclear when it will take effect.
After seeing a "distressed dog" locked in a hot car in the parking lot of a local store, Police Chief Press recently proposed to the Council an "un-attended animal" ordinance to give police the authority to take immediate action (including fines, possibly break the window).
Chief Press: "Being an animal lover, I felt the need for a clear ordinance . . . and asked (Animal Control Officer) Jerry Merchant to come up with one . . and the City Attorney enthusiastically approved."
Councilman Ford, saying they are more important than animals, suggested a city ordinance for children (locked in hot cars) be adopted first-- but was informed by the Mayor, Councilman Stankoski, et al-- that existing state child endangerment/protection laws were sufficient.
Councilman Mixon: "Let's stick to dogs for now."
According to Press, the law will include all animals: dogs, cats, birds, snakes, etc.
The Ordinance was approved unanimously; but it was unclear when it will take effect.
Comments