Benton County supervisors approved a second reading Tuesday of a revised animal protection and control ordinance but agreed to delay the third reading for two weeks after hours of public and official discussion about enforcement, rabies testing and owners' rights. County Attorney Lau and other officials said more drafting is needed on quarantine language, transport and where impounded animals would be housed.

The ordinance update aims to tighten the county's rules on dogs running “at large,” add a clearer definition of animal control officers and create an appeal hearing process that can consider alternatives to destroying animals. “At large means not confined and not under the control of its owner,” County Attorney Lau said, summarizing a revision meant to simplify enforcement. Supervisors and law-enforcement officials said the changes reflect concerns raised at prior meetings.

The debate centered on public-safety and practical enforcement considerations: whether deputies should be expected to transport animals, how to handle unvaccinated or stray animals that bite people or livestock, and how to protect property owners when an animal is on its own land. “We kinda rely on the Humane Society,” Sheriff Dave said, noting the county lacks dedicated transport, holding facilities and equipment to handle animals long-term. Several speakers urged written agreements with shelters and clarified quarantine procedures.

Public-health and animal-care professionals described how other jurisdictions handle bite investigations and quarantines. “If a dog or cat had a current rabies vaccination, they were quarantined at home for 10 days,” Kelly, director of animal care and control (guest speaker), said, describing a process that counties sometimes use while determining exposure risk and advising bite victims to consult their doctors. Officials noted the only definitive rabies test requires euthanasia and laboratory testing of brain tissue, which constrains immediate answers for bite victims.

Supervisors discussed civil penalties and enforcement tools. County staff noted Iowa code limits civil penalties, and county counsel agreed to incorporate statutory maximums into the draft. Law enforcement and staff also requested written forms and checklists so deputies can document impounds, quarantine orders and investigation steps in the field.

The board approved the second reading and a motion to table the third reading for two weeks to allow County Attorney Lau and staff to revise the ordinance language, pursue shelter contracts and draft enforcement forms. The supervisors recorded the motion and moved the ordinance to a later meeting for the required third reading.

Officials said the rewrite will try to balance owners' property rights with protections for bite victims and responders and to avoid overly broad or breed-specific rules that could be hard to enforce. The county will return with updated language and proposed enforcement procedures at the next scheduled meeting after the two-week drafting interval.