County attorney proposes ordinance change to let private citizens seek magistrate enforcement for dogs running at large

The Louisa County Board of Supervisors heard a proposed amendment on July 7 that would let private citizens initiate enforcement for dogs running at large by applying to a magistrate with evidence, County Attorney Miss Smith told the board.

Why it matters: The county attorney said the change would reduce pressure on animal-control officers by allowing citizens who capture photo or video evidence to request magistrate action rather than relying solely on animal-control responses that sometimes arrive after an animal has left the scene.

Miss Smith told the board the text would amend "section 14-28" of the county code and "allow the citizen the private citizen to go in and apply to the magistrate for the issuance of a subpoena or warrant if necessary. And that way, animal control does not have to go out and chase down every animal that's running wild in the neighborhood." She added that the amendment would exclude hunting dogs, which are covered by separate provisions.

Board members noted the change is intended for recurring or serious incidents, not for occasional escapes from a properly fenced yard. Supervisors agreed to send the proposed ordinance language to the planning commission for public hearing and return to the board for further action.

Next steps: The proposal will go to the planning commission for its formal public hearing and recommendation; any final ordinance change would return to the board for adoption following the commission and public review.