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Board moves to draft countywide dog ordinance after deputies report rising 'dog' calls
Summary
Sheriff's deputies told supervisors that dog‑related calls have increased and recommended expanding the county's 'running at large' rules beyond limited residential zones; the board directed staff to draft ordinance language and set a public hearing for consideration.
King William County deputies told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 22 they have seen growing numbers of dog‑related service calls and urged the board to consider restoring or amending local animal‑control ordinances to improve public safety and clarify compensation for livestock or poultry losses.
Deputy Bowles and Deputy Smith presented service data the deputies said showed upward trends (371 dog calls in 2023; 462 in 2024; 306 YTD in 2025). The deputies explained the county’s current loose enforcement applies only to certain residential zoning districts and that other populated areas lack an enforceable 'running at large' standard.
"We're getting less rule, and we're getting more," a deputy said, summarizing field enforcement challenges and urging the board to consider expanded, year‑round enforcement in residential areas while preserving hunting exemptions and allowing deputies discretion on a case‑by‑case basis.
Board members debated a countywide rule versus targeted residential zones and asked staff to collect hotspot data to guide drafting. Several supervisors said they prefer a countywide ordinance with deputies using discretion for isolated incidents; others urged tailoring to areas with concentrated complaints. The board asked Mr. Zhang to draft proposed language using neighboring counties (New Kent and Hanover) as models and to advertise a public hearing (staff suggested Oct. 14 as a target).
Staff also discussed county options for compensation for livestock or poultry killed by dogs. Under state code, a claimant must furnish evidence within 60 days of discovery; the county may, by ordinance, waive the 72‑hour animal‑control notification requirement or the requirement to exhaust legal remedies against an owner before seeking county compensation. The board signaled support for mirroring state code language and bringing the matter to public hearing for public comment.
Next steps: staff will draft ordinance amendments for 'running at large,' dangerous/vicious dog provisions and livestock/poultry compensation that either parallel state code or include county‑specific language; a public hearing will be scheduled for the board to receive public input before any adoption.
