Little Flock To Crack Down On Dogs Running Loose
Last updated Friday, January 26, 2007 9:37 PM CST in News
By John Henley Jr.
The Morning News
LITTLE FLOCK -- The days when dogs roamed freely through the streets of Little Flock is coming to an end.
The Little Flock City Council approved an animal control ordinance last month. Dogs must have a city-issued license beginning March 1. The ordinance requires dogs to be under their owner's control at all times.
Mayor Dick Schoettle said it is time to put a leash on dogs.
"We have dogs running across people's property chasing their kids," Schoettle said, adding he sat in City Hall and watched a pack of dogs stop traffic because they wouldn't move out of the street.
There have been incidents in the past year where wild dogs attacked pigs, cows and deer, Schoettle said.
To get the $4 license for male and spayed female dogs, owners must provide proof the dog has received a rabies vaccination. The license fee is $10 for a female that has not been spayed.
The ordinance also addresses hazardous, dangerous and vicious animals. The ordinance specifies the type of pen in which vicious animals must be kept. Owners of vicious dogs must also have proof of $100,000 liability insurance. No one is allowed to own more than four dogs, unless they operate a kennel, animal hospital, veterinary clinic or pet shop.
However, Chief Justin McCarver, Little Flock Police, said enforcement of the ordinance will be complaint-driven. He and Schoettle agree no one will be investigating animals on their owner's property unless a complaint is lodged.
Little Flock does not have an animal control officer. Gary Thomas and Wes Seay, with the Little Flock Street Department, will share the duties of animal control. Schoettle said some of the equipment has arrived and other pieces are on the way. The city spent between $1,000 and $1,300 for the equipment, which includes catch poles and a tranquilizer gun.
Animals picked up will be taken to the Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic. Animals with a city license will be held for 10 days before they are adopted out or destroyed. Animals without a city license will be held for five days. If an animal is picked up, the owner will have to go to City Hall and receive a citation as well as a release so they can claim their animals from the veterinary clinic.
Pet owners are responsible for boarding charges and euthanization, Schoettle said. Citations will be written by the police department. Fines for violating the ordinance range between $25 and $100, and will be determined by the judge.
Details of the ordinance will be in this month's edition of the Little Flock newsletter, which will be mailed to residents next week.
Ouch, that Hurt!
The Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic will host a rabies clinic at Little Flock City Hall from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 10, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 24. Rabies shots will cost $7. Pet owners can also license their pets during the clinics.
Source: Staff Reports
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