Nearly 100 people turn out for public comment about Pocatello Vicious Animal Ordinance

Tools

Story Published: Nov 4, 2009 at 7:02 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2009 at 8:00 PM MDT

By Wes Horrocks

Video
POCATELLO - About 90 people packed into the Pocatello City Council Chambers for two hours talking about the Vicious Animal Ordinance.

The consensus of Wednesday's meeting is that the ordinance needs to be changed.

Many people who spoke at the hearing want to see fewer dogs deemed vicious, and impounded at the shelter. Ava Tracy, who wants to see changes made said, "I really feel it's very unjust for the animals.

The Pocatello Animal Shelter received thousands of animal control calls last fiscal year.

They issued 52 vicious dog citations, and two St. Bernard's were eventually put down. Tracy said, "What we're trying to do is get the ordinance changed so that they're a little bit more dog friendly, community friendly."

Specifically they want each dog classified as vicious to be reviewed by a professional to make sure the label is accurate.

They would also like to change language stating a vicious dog shall be put down. Emily Mclean, a supporter of changes said, "I think there needs to be some wiggle room there."

No decisions on a new ordinance were made Wednesday, but board members are happy with the progress of the meeting. Barbara Stone, Animal Shelter Advisory Board Chair said, "Now we know where to focus our attention to try and make the changes that protect everybody involved."

Supporters of changes believe this is a people problem not an animal problem.

They ultimately want everyone to be more responsible pet owners. "Animals can't speak, animals can't defend themselves, and they don't give the animals a chance anyway," said Tracy.

If you didn't have a chance to make it to Wednesday's meeting you can submit written comments until December 1.

At the beginning of December, though, the Advisory Board will be meeting in a work session so they can start making changes to the ordinance.

Current Weather

Icon
Current Temp 57.0 °F
Fair
Video
More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected

Viewer Poll

This week Gov. Otter signed a bill requiring Idaho to sue the federal government if Congress passes health care reform. What's your response to this?

  • It's great to see Idaho taking the lead on this. Someone has to stand up to what's happening in Washington.
  • We can't afford to pay for education in Idaho, but we're going to spend tax dollars to sue the feds? Ridiculous.
  • Not sure.

Connect with KIDK