BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Editor’s Note: See link at bottom of article for all ordinances, resolutions discussed in Tuesday’s meeting.
The Prattville City Council Tuesday night discussed adding “teeth” to an existing ordinance that would add additional regulations concerning dogs that are chained or tethered outdoors.
No action was taken as council members agreed more work was needed on the wording, to make it clear what enforcement officers can do in the event there is an animal in danger or in distress. They would also like more input from the public, and allow time to review the proposed ordinance before it is passed.
During the open to the floor section of the council meeting, some did stand to speak in favor of the revised ordinance, but stressed there may be more work needed.
Prattville resident Angie Hayden said she has had several issues of seeing animals she feels are neglected. She said that she believes that current animal welfare laws are lacking and has dealt with situations she reported where she was not satisfied with the outcome.
“It was not that authorities didn’t want to do the right thing, it was that their hands were a little bit tied. More recently this summer we had a dog in Prattville die on a chain in the sun. The neighbors had seen this happening, were horrified and tried to call. Unfortunately, again, officers went out and I am sure it was killing them, they wanted to do the right thing but their hands were tied,” she said.
She said that passing a stricter ordinance is an opportunity to do the right thing. She contacted Councilman Strichik concerning a recent dog problem, and credited him for wanting to do the right thing and making changes to the current animal welfare laws.
“We have an ordinance before us that I think is a really good start. I know it may need some fine tuning as we move forward and I think that is great to take what (Strichik) has started and make it better. Clarify it for our officials and officers so they have clarity. Ultimately what I would like to see is a well-crafted ordinance that would untie the hands of officers when they go into these situations – when they can see it is evident that an animal is neglected and needs help.”
Lia Muir also approves the essence of making a stricter ordinance for neglected animals, but also would like to work on the wording and clarity.
“I see multiple dogs chained up all day long during the worst of the weather.” She said there are some that are literally dying, but some people can’t afford a fence. Others chain their dog only during the day while they go to work, and let the dogs inside at night. But there are “horrible” incidents that need to be addressed with a stiffer ordinance. “I appreciate you doing this.”
Strichik said he would like to hear more from residents that have concerns about animals, but said the council will be looking at the wording of any changes to the ordinance. It remains a work in progress.
The proposed ordinance reads in part, “Needs include the prohibition of inhumane treatment of dogs, and a prohibition on dog chaining or tethering.”
The suggested amendments include:
Inhumane treatment of dogs prohibited. It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to keep such dog in any enclosure or on any leash or other restraint unless the restraint shall be so arranged that such dog shall at all times have available water, shade and proper shelter, or to treat any dog in any other inhumane manner.
Dogs are required to be restrained or within a fence in the city limits. The main goal of the new wordage is to make sure it is done in a safe and humane manner.
The methods used to contain a dog on a premises is within the discretion of the owner. However, they cannot present a hazard to the dog. Direct point chaining, tethering and trolly chaining of dogs to any object, stationary or otherwise, is prohibited. However, a dog may be tethered while actively participating in or attending an organized show, field trial, agility event, etc. conducted outdoors for a limited duration. Regardless, the animal must be tethered in a way that prevents injury, strangulation, entanglement or neglect.
The ordinance also speaks of filthy and dirty confinement conditions. This includes exposure to excessive animal waste, garbage, dirty water, noxious odors, dangerous objects or a circumstance that could cause harm.
The full proposed ordinance can be found on the City’s Website under the package for the Aug. 17 meeting within all ordinances and resolutions discussed last night. You can follow this link for that package of ordinances, resolutions. The one specific to this article is found at the bottom.
https://weblink.prattvilleal.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=282633&dbid=0&repo=Prattville
