Vidalia Proposes New Animal Control Ordinance
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The City of Vidalia completed the first reading of a proposed new animal control ordinance during the regular monthly meeting of the Vidalia City Council on Monday, August 11.
This proposed ordinance would replace any previous animal control ordinances, and would set the standard for how the City handles animal complaints and issues. The ordinance reads that its purpose is to “protect public safety by requiring responsible care of dogs, cats, and other pets, as well as preventing dog attacks and ensuring responsible ownership of dogs in the city of Vidalia.” The potential legislation requires all dogs and cats kept within the city to have active rabies vaccinations, and states that all dogs must be kept under restraint at all times within the city to keep them from running throughout the streets or posing a threat to the public. These restraints may be leashes (6 feet long or less) that are controlled by a responsible person when the dog is off the owner’s property, and fences or enclosures on the property.
Animal nuisances are also prohibited in the proposed ordinance – this meaning, no animal can habitually bark, howl, whine, or make other disturbing noises that bother neighbors, especially from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.; cause property damage through digging and scratching; habitually roam and trespass; scatter trash; chase pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles in a threatening manner; or cause unclean conditions that emit offensive odors or attract pests. In addition to this, pet owners cannot have more than 8 dogs or cats if all animals are spayed and neutered, and can have no more than 4 adult dogs or cats if unneutered.
Owners also cannot neglect animals under this ordinance. Examples of this neglect are failure to provide basic needs, such as clean water, sufficient food, sanitary and protective shelter, and necessary medical care; unsanitary and overcrowded conditions; and abandonment of an animal without food, water, or supervision for more than 24 hours without providing reasonable provision for its care. Cruelty and improper tethering are also outlawed by this ordinance.
According to the proposed ordinance, dogs running at-large in the city will be impounded by the city. Upon impoundment, officials will attempt to identify the owner through microchip or tags to notify them of the impoundment. The dog may be reclaimed by providing proof of ownership, paying all impoundment fees, and showing compliance with the ordinance. If an owner is not identified or if the dog is not reclaimed after 20 days, the dog may be put up for adoption or humanely euthanized.
The full ordinance also details guidelines for handling dog attacks, and classifies dogs based on their level of danger to the public. The complete ordinance is available for review by contact Vidalia City Hall at (912) 537-7661.
The Council will listen to public comments, questions, and concerns regarding the legislation during a public forum at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, within the council chambers at the John Raymond Turner Municipal Annex.
