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Boone County takes first step to rewrite animal code; licenses to become voluntary except for dangerous/vicious animals
Summary
First reading of amendments to Chapter 91 would redefine —dangerous— and —vicious— animals, make general dog licensing optional (retaining registration infrastructure), and add a clause making ownership of a court-deemed vicious animal unlawful unless court conditions are met; second reading scheduled June 17.
Boone County commissioners conducted a first reading of proposed amendments to Chapter 91 of the Boone County Code that would revise definitions for dangerous and vicious animals and make standard dog licensing optional while keeping registration infrastructure in place.
County Attorney staff proposed adding a sentence to the ordinance stating that "it shall be unlawful to own or possess a vicious animal," with a specific exception if a court of competent jurisdiction has deemed the animal vicious and the owner complies with court-imposed conditions. The change is intended to incorporate existing penalty provisions in section 91.99 while allowing courts discretion to impose conditions other than euthanasia.
Colleen, the staff presenter on the draft, described most of the revisions as cleanup and said the ordinance adds a new definition for "dangerous animal" to bridge a gap between nuisance/running-at-large behavior and legal "viciousness." She explained that the only classes of animals required to register and license under the proposed draft would be those deemed dangerous or vicious; otherwise, licensure would be optional as a courtesy to residents. Colleen told the court the county's online registration system will remain available and can store photos, breed, microchip and rabies-vaccination data.
Commissioners questioned enforcement and verification of rabies vaccination. Colleen said state statute requirements for proof of rabies vaccination remain in effect and that staff will request proof of vaccination during interactions with animal services. Resident Paul Edgemond objected to removing a mandatory licensing fee and argued fees help cover services such as dog parks; Commissioner Hans said current compliance is estimated at less than 15 percent and revenues are negligible, which motivated making licensing voluntary to try to boost participation without penalty enforcement.
The item is before the court on first reading; staff said a revised second-reading draft will incorporate the county attorney's recommended sentence and that the second reading is scheduled for June 17.
