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Sheriff outlines implications of new 'Pam Rock' Act for county animal control; commissioners ask staff to publish draft ordinance
Summary
Putnam County Sheriff explained changes in state law known in the meeting as the "Pam Rock Act," including expanded authority to quarantine or take custody of dangerous dogs during investigations and new owner obligations; commissioners asked staff to distribute a draft local ordinance and place it on the next agenda for first reading.
Putnam County Sheriff Deloach briefed the Board of County Commissioners July 22 on the implications of new state legislation discussed in the meeting as the "Pam Rock Act," which took effect July 1. The sheriff described how the statute changes local handling of potentially dangerous dogs and owner responsibilities.
The sheriff said the statute permits animal-control or law-enforcement authorities to take dogs into custody and quarantine during an active dangerous-dog investigation, even without owner consent, and gives authorities additional options when a dog has caused severe injury or a fatality. The law also sets heightened owner requirements and makes certain repeat or severe incidents subject to higher criminal penalties.
County staff and the sheriff noted key operational implications: - During an active investigation of a potentially dangerous dog, county authorities may remove and quarantine the animal to protect public safety. - Owners who knowingly keep a dog that has caused serious injury may face increased criminal penalties; the law places additional obligations on owners if the dog is allowed to remain in private ownership. - The county must document and, where applicable, provide prospective adopters with required disclosures if a dog that previously bit a person is being considered for adoption.
Board direction: Commissioners asked staff and the sheriff's office to circulate a proposed local ordinance that reflects the new state law and to schedule it for a first hearing at the next available BOCC meeting. The county attorney and staff said they would distribute the draft and recommend either a first-reading hearing date or workshop if commissioners prefer additional discussion.
Why it matters: The statutory changes raise the threshold for intervention in dangerous-dog cases and alter enforcement and adoption procedures at public shelters. County staff said they will update existing animal-control policies to align with state law and advise the public about new reporting and owner requirements.
What happens next: Sheriff's staff and county attorneys will circulate a draft ordinance to commissioners for review; staff said they will place the ordinance on the next BOCC agenda for a first reading or hold a workshop if commissioners request it.
