Vidalia Passes New Animal Control Ordinance
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During their regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 8, the Vidalia City Council officially passed a new animal control ordinance that they hope will help to alleviate some of the animal-related issues within the City.
This new ordinance was first introduced during the August meeting of the Council, when the first reading was completed. A public hearing was held on August 26 regarding the legislation, and many animal rescue volunteers and an animal control officer informed the Council of their perspective on the new ordinance. These comments and concerns were reflected on by the Council, and changes were made to the ordinance before it was passed during the September meeting. This ordinance replaces any previous animal control ordinances, and sets 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 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 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 4 adult dogs or 8 animals total.
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 ordinance, dogs running atlarge 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 10 days, the dog may be put up for adoption or humanely euthanized.
It will be up to the discretion of the Vidalia Animal Control officials whether the dogs must be spayed or neutered upon release.
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 contacting Vidalia City Hall at (912) 537-7661.
Other Action Items
The Council authorized three purchases to be made for the Vidalia Police Department.
One of these purchases was 26 new computers with hardware, user licenses, and a 36-month subscription-licensing fee, which will allow officers to file reports and paperwork from their patrol vehicles. The computers and hardware will cost $104,600, and will be paid through the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) fund, which budgeted for the item earlier in the year. Additional charges of $26,450 for the subscription and other charges will be paid for through the Vidalia Police Department Fund, which was previously budgeted for the item.
The second purchase that the Council approved was for the usage of i3 – Software and Services, LLC, for court management services and EZ CourtPay for collection of fines. The initial upfront cost for these services is $20,000, and EZ CourtPay will charge $10 per paid citation. These costs were included in the Police Department’s budget and will be paid through their fund.
The last purchase that was authorized for the Vidalia Police Department was the purchase of new bodycams and car camera systems. These new cameras will cost $403,350, and was previously budgeted for in the Police Department’s budget.
Downtown Vidalia will receive some landscaping upgrades, as the Montfort Group was approved to install and maintain new landscaping within the area. The initial $60,608.65 installation fee will be paid through SPLOST funds, while the $6,000 yearly maintenance cost will be covered through budgeted funds. The Montfort Group assured that they can complete the installation by the end of October.
Council members approved the closure of Durden Street between U.S. Highway 280 East and West on Friday, September 19, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for the Vidalia City Schools Community Pep Rally, which will be held at Ronnie A. Dixon City Park.
The Council also authorized the full annexation of the properties at Stanley Farms and Musgrove Holdings into the City.
