The Granville Village Council voted to table consideration of a proposed change to the village leash law and set a public hearing for the council's next meeting.

Council members moved to table the leash-law item during tonight's meeting. The motion to table was seconded and carried with those present voting yes: Council member Keith Lerbaum, Council member Lanehauser, Council member Mickelson and Mayor Hartfield. Council members Johnson, Oliver and Demarest were excused.

The issue drew questions and suggestions from council and residents during council matters and public comment. Council member Laura suggested the council consider expanding any leash requirement beyond the village business district to include the elementary school and village sidewalks and pathways, citing concerns about children and dog waste on lawns. Resident Sarah Lee, speaking for a neighbor, asked the council to consider extending the area of coverage to school grounds and more village sidewalks. A resident identified as Gary Hall reported a recent dog bite that required emergency care and suggested language requiring dogs to be both on a leash and “under control.”

Council members and residents also discussed practical measures the village could take if the law were expanded, including placing additional village-owned trash or pet-waste receptacles along popular walking routes so runners and dog walkers would have a place to discard waste.

The council did not take a final vote on any amendment language tonight. The motion on the leash-law item was tabled; the council indicated the matter will be the subject of a public hearing at the next council meeting where council and members of the public can comment further before any vote.

Details that remain to be set include the exact geographic boundaries under consideration (village business district, elementary school grounds, or all village sidewalks and pathways), any specific leash wording such as “under control,” and whether the village will install additional receptacles along pathways. Those specifics will be part of the public hearing record when the item returns to the council for further consideration.