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Lowndes County adopts 'Responsible Dog Ownership' ordinance, moves challenge process to probate court
Summary
The commission adopted an ordinance that transfers appeals of dangerous or vicious dog determinations from a citizen review board to probate court; commissioners said affected owners retain due-process rights through the court system.
The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners adopted the Lowndes County Responsible Dog Ownership Ordinance, which changes the forum for challenging county animal-services determinations about dangerous or vicious dogs.
County staff explained the ordinance removes the citizen review board from the post-incident challenge process and directs appeals to the probate court. Staff emphasized that owners retain due-process rights and may still challenge an animal-services determination, but the challenge would proceed through the judicial probate process rather than a county-appointed review board.
A commissioner moved to approve the ordinance; the motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote.
No public speakers were recorded on this item at the county meeting. County officials thanked staff and counsel for work on the ordinance and noted coordination with the city on a parallel ordinance remained pending.
