Another Tri-State City looking at Pet Owner Law
By: Import User
Updated: June 20, 2007
Madisonville wants to tighten the leash on pet owners who neglect and abuse their animals, but a comprehensive ordinance has some dog owners nervous about losing their pets.
Joe Kimbrew has more than ten dogs in pens his back yard.
The proposed law would limit people living on less than an half acre of land to just three outdoor dogs.
Kimbrew says he uses the money from the puppies he sells to help fund a fledgling fish care company.
He worries the ordinance might put him out of business.
"Im just trying to start out, trying to have something good for me, and my dogs aint hurting nobody... Wont bite or nothing. City officials are asking for public comment on the bill," Kimbrew said.
But city leaders say Madisonville needs a comprehensive law to give police and animal care officials guidance in determining when pets are being mistreated.
"We never have addressed the vicious or dangerous dogs, and we never have done a good job of setting out what kind of care youre supposed to give animals." said Mayor Will Cox.
The ordinance also addresses what constitutes a dangerous dog, and how dog owners are liable for injury or damage done by their pets, and identifies what qualifies as a nuisance animal.
The final reading is set for July 16th, when it could become law.
