Animal Control and leash law gets some bite with its bark

The Gordon County Board of Commissioners heard the first reading of a policy amendment that would put some bite behind the leash law’s bark. The move, if passed, will give animal control more authority over owners whose dogs and cats roam.

The amendment would allow the county to fine owners up to $1,000 and/or up to 60-days in jail for violating the county’s leash law.

“It’s not the intent to find people to get onto,” said James Ledbetter, the county administrator. “This is the standard penalty code for other offenses.”

The ordinance dictates that dogs and cats must have a valid rabies tag on, kept on the owner’s property or under the control of the owner, by a leash or other physical restraint or the animal can be impounded. Female dogs or cats in heat and off the property of the owner can also be impounded. Livestock is also required to be kept on the owner’s property or under the owner’s control.

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Failing to do so can result in a fine and/or jail. Ledbetter said the judges would decide the fine, but the more stringent punishments would be available if a vicious dog attacks someone.

To read the entire ordinance, click here.

The second reading will be at the next Board of Commissioners meeting on July 7 at 6 p.m. where it will be voted on.

In other Gordon County news, the Board of Commissioners:

• Met Craig Sparks, the new Director of Parks and Recreation.
• Approved a rezoning request from Jerry M. Gurley from A-1 to RA-1.
• Approved declaring the service firearm, a Glock Model 17 9-mm, as surplus so it can be presented to James Shaw, who carried it and is retiring from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Department. See the request here.
• Approved the declaration of surplus property for an upcoming auction. View the list here.