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Lakeview resident urges fines and dedicated animal control to address dog nuisances
Summary
During public comment, resident Rhonda Dial urged the Board to enforce the animal nuisance ordinance, consider fines to prompt compliance, and budget for a half‑time animal control position, saying veterinary clinics are bearing the cost of impounded animals.
During the March 18 public comment period, Lakeview resident Rhonda Dial urged the Board of Commissioners to strengthen enforcement of the county’s animal nuisance ordinance and to consider fines for violators. Dial said animals picked up by law enforcement were being taken to Lakeview Animal Hospital and that the process was expensive and burdensome to veterinarians.
"If it started hitting people in their pocketbooks, they would do a better job of confining their dogs," Dial said, arguing fines would change behavior. She also said she has been in contact with Congressman Cliff Benz and other officials about animal‑control concerns and urged the county to budget for at least a half‑time animal control officer.
Chair Mark Albertson thanked Dial for raising the issue. Vice‑Chair Barry Shullanberger said commissioners heard her request and that they would follow up with Sheriff Tague and District Attorney Charas. No formal action or vote was taken on the matter at the work session.
Next steps: commissioners indicated staff would follow up with the sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office about enforcement practices and potential staffing needs.
