Elizabeth Bailey
Greensburg Daily News
Greensburg —
The Decatur County Commissioners approved a new Animal Control Ordinance for the county during their regular meeting Tuesday morning.
Animal Shelter Manager Laura Johnston explained that the ordinance focuses on owner responsibilities and seeks to address animal problems in a proactive fashion. It outlines basic animal needs, requires that animals in heat be contained in a building or secure enclosure and not tied out and cracks down on animals running at large, she explained. This summer, the shelter has seen record numbers of animals coming in - with a peak in June of 212 animals. The state fine for animals running at large - not contained on their owner's property - is set at $25. The new ordinance increases this fine to $100. In most cases, Johnston explained, a warning would be given and corrective measures suggested before a fine would be written.
Keeping animals on their own property is important because it prevents unintentional breeding, livestock damage, potential vehicle accidents and animals becoming a nuisance to the neighborhood, Johnston explained.
"It really is coming from a preventative standpoint rather than a crisis management standpoint, which is where we are now with the number of animals coming into the shelter," she said.
Animals that are found running at large more than three times in a 365-day period would put their owners at risk for increased action, up to a $250 ordinance violation notice. The ordinance also addresses the regulation of kennels.
"We will be supporting what the area plan commission already has in place and working with them to regulate kennels on a complaint basis," Johnston said.
Appeals to any action of the department or animal control officer may be made in writing to the Animal Control Board via certified mail and a hearing will be set. Commissioner Rick Nobbe asked about the policy for taking an animal that is running at large to the shelter versus returning it to its owner's property. Johnston explained that unless the owner is present, all animals running at large will be taken to the shelter and will be subject to the fees associated for the pickup and other actions.
The commissioners passed the ordinance, and it will be published in full in an upcoming edition of the Daily News, at which point it will take effect.
The commissioners also heard a request from Kelly Miller, Community Church of Greensburg, and Tiffany Coleman, First Christian Church, for the use of the inner parking spaces of the courthouse square for this year's Trunk or Treat Halloween event. With proof of insurance, the use was approved later in the day. The American Legion Post 129, represented by Bud Ryle and Don Bultman, requested the county's support in paving their parking lot and making the doorway more accessible for Veterans with disabilities. The organization is accepting donations for the project and will return to the Commissioners with a specific amount needed at a later date. The Commissioners also discussed the county's personell policy, which will be examined and potentially rewritten, as well as the policy relating to take-home county vehicles. They learned that the movie "Cars" will be played on the courthouse lawn on Friday in conjunction with the attendance of a car club at 6 p.m.
The next meeting of the Decatur County Commissioners will be held at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 20.
