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Whitfield County hears first reading of animal tethering ordinance amendment; public urges enforcement
Summary
At first reading the board introduced amendments to Chapter 4 of the county code to clarify definitions of adequate food, water and shelter and to create updated tethering requirements; no action was taken and several public commenters urged enforceability when enacted.
Whitfield County commissioners received a first reading Feb. 16 for proposed amendments to the animal tethering ordinance in Chapter 4 of the Whitfield County Code of Ordinances.
The proposed amendments would revise definitions of “adequate food and water” and “trolley system (or running cable line),” and add definitions for “adequate shelter” and “unsanitary conditions.” The draft replaces section 4-30 with a new section prescribing shelter and tethering requirements; the first reading introduced those changes but the board took no action.
During public comment later in the meeting, residents urged strong enforcement when the ordinance is adopted. Debbie Barton and Rita Burrows asked the board to ensure enforcement measures are in place and noted concerns about how tethering would be administered. Chairman Jensen noted the draft ordinance is posted on the county website for public review.
Animal Shelter Director Diane Franklin accepted a proclamation recognizing Spay & Neuter Awareness Month and told commissioners the shelter is offering spay and neuter services to Whitfield County residents for $20 per procedure.
The board did not schedule a vote on the ordinance at this meeting; residents seeking to influence the ordinance or inquire about enforcement were advised to review the draft on the county website and contact county administration or the animal shelter for further details.
