Perry County moves to publish proposed countywide animal-control ordinance

Charles Baumaster, speaking for the Perry County Animal Welfare Board, urged the Perry County Board of Commissioners on July 7 to adopt a countywide animal-control ordinance that city governments could mirror.

"This would be all one ordinance for the whole county," said Charles Baumaster, representing the Perry County Animal welfare board, describing efforts to align county and municipal rules and enforcement.

The board discussed changes to the draft's definitions to reflect that enforcement could be handled by either an animal-control officer or law enforcement, since the county currently has no dedicated animal-control officer. County staff member Andrew advised that because the ordinance would impose fines it must be published before final action and suggested publishing for consideration, with either single-reading passage (if unanimous) or a first reading followed by a second.

Commissioners voted to publish the draft ordinance for public notice and to consider it at the Aug. 4 meeting. The motion to publish was made and seconded on the record; the board took a voice vote in favor.

Baumaster said local cities and towns including Tell City, Troy and Cannelton have discussed the draft and generally favor the enforcement alignment but expect cities to tailor provisions that are specific to municipal operations. The board and staff also discussed that fines could be waived by the county board under language in the draft.

The commissioners directed staff to publish the ordinance in accordance with statutory publication requirements and schedule final consideration for the August meeting.

The county also received a proposal for a part-time animal-control officer; Baumaster said he would provide the board and staff with copies and a letter describing funding considerations.