Marion County adopts revised animal ordinance, removes proposed 5‑hour tethering limit

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 4 to adopt a revised animal control ordinance that updates how the county regulates kennels, high‑volume animal ownership, community cat care and dangerous‑dog investigations. Commissioners directed staff to proceed with the ordinance as presented but to remove a proposed provision that would have capped unattended tethering at five hours in 24.

The board and staff described the package as an attempt to balance animal welfare, public safety and property‑use rights. County Attorney Dana Oluski and Animal Services Director Kira Lynch told the board the ordinance contains three main areas of change: clarifying the county’s commitment to a socially conscious/no‑kill approach, creating a voluntary veterinarian licensing channel, and adding…