THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509070545
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CURRITUCK LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Hoping to take a bite out of a growing problem with prowling and predatory dogs, Currituck County officials are considering a countywide leash law.
The Currituck County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night directed the county staff to look into an ordinance requiring all pets be confined to a property or properly restrained when off the premises.
An exception to the rule would be hunting dogs.
``Most hunters are responsible for their animals,'' said Commissioner Owen Etheridge after a woman in the audience complained about hunting dogs being mistreated.
Animal Control Officer Joann Snowden supported Etheridge's claim. ``We don't have that much of a problem with the hunting dogs in the county,'' she said.
Instead, the problem appears to be with stray, vicious and annoying dogs that tear up property and terrorize children, joggers and strollers.
Residents of Knotts Island brought up the issue at a recent town meeting, and Commissioner Eldon Miller Jr. of Moyock Township spoke of similar concerns from people in his district.
``It seems to me there is a need to have a reasonable leash law that would provide safety for women and children within a subdivision and (similar) communities,'' Miller said.
The commissioners also considered setting up leash districts, like the one at Colington Island in Dare County. State legislation would be required.
``I, very frankly, see a problem establishing districts on the mainland, where you don't have a clearly defined boundary,'' said Ernie Bowden, chairman of the board.
Commissioner Paul O'Neal also suggested homeowners associations experiencing an animal problem in their subdivisions may amend covenants to include something similar to a leash law.
Snowden told commissioners that a majority of the county animal control department's calls involve dogs damaging property or biting children.
``The people are just letting the dogs run,'' she said. ``They're not taking care of them. They're not feeding them. And they're getting into people's trash.''
The panel also considered ``upping the ante'' when it came to punishing violators. Currently, those who fail to contain or restrain troublesome pets can be fined up to $500 and jailed for 30 days.
But that rarely, if ever, happens.
``I think the courts have looked at these as lower priorities, and I think, as a result, enforcement has suffered,'' County Manager Bill Richardson said.
Currituck County officials' previous attempt to establish a leash law a few years ago met with massive resistance.
``If past experience is anything, we'll have this courtroom jammed,'' Bowden said of a possible public hearing after a proposed ordinance is drafted. by CNB