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Residents press county on dogs at large; sheriff cites state law for livestock response
Summary
Public commenters urged Linn County to address dogs at large after residents reported aggressive strays; the sheriff said state statute requires response for cattle at large but dogs fall under county codes, which the county currently lacks.
Two residents urged the Linn County Board of Commissioners to address dogs at large after neighbors reported aggressive animals in populated areas.
Jim Hendershot said residents were told by the sheriff’s office to bring the issue to the commissioners after field responses. “When residents call in dogs at large in highly populated areas… the response that we get from the sheriff’s office is ‘you’re more than welcome to talk to your county commissioners,’” Hendershot said.
Kim Hendershot, a former animal control officer, described dogs running through yards and growling at people and children, and said she had been told by a sheriff’s deputy to transport animals to a nearby city facility — a suggestion she said was impractical given capacity concerns.
Richard (Sheriff) responded that state law mandates sheriff response for cattle at large and detailed the statutory process for livestock. “When it comes to dogs, there is no state statute that dictates dogs, and the sheriff’s office works under state statutes,” Richard said. He said the county could adopt a resolution or ordinance to create county‑level authority and rely on county code enforcement officers to enforce it.
Commissioners asked staff to look into options and to follow up with the residents. The county also noted it has hired a new code officer who may assist with animal‑related enforcement under county code.
