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

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Story Published: Nov 4, 2009 at 6:02 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2009 at 7:00 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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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.

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