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Resident’s complaint prompts commission to schedule kennel-license hearing at April work session
Summary
After a resident presented photos and video alleging kennel violations, the county attorney explained the separate paths for criminal prosecution and civil license revocation; commissioners agreed to set a hearing at the April 8 work session and to provide written notice to the license holders.
Resident George Kovacich presented photographs and video to the commission alleging animals-at-large and other violations tied to a kennel license and business license previously restored by the commission.
Kovacich said he filed complaints with animal control and the justice court and asked the commission to honor earlier minutes that suggested the kennel license could be revoked if further complaints occurred. "If we are to continue to grant this, it should be conditional about us receiving no further complaints," he said.
County Attorney Smith explained the distinction between criminal prosecution and the civil license process. She said a citizen can initiate a complaint under county ordinance, but criminal charges require prosecutorial action from the county attorney’s office and law-enforcement investigation. Smith said the request for prosecution had been referred to a deputy prosecutor and that her office could provide status updates without jeopardizing any potential investigation.
Commissioners agreed the licensing matter and any revocation should follow the county’s notice-and-hearing procedures. The commission instructed staff to place the kennel-license matter on the next work session agenda and the county attorney’s office to issue the required written notices so the license holders have an opportunity to be heard.
The commission did not revoke the license during the work session; it scheduled the matter for further consideration at the April 8 work session.
