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Council amends animal-control code to clarify off-leash and —direct control— language
Summary
The council approved an amendment to Title 5 (section 5.04.010) clarifying that dogs must be under direct visual control of their owner, with narrow exceptions for organized obedience classes, field trials and law enforcement. The change aims to reduce confusion over off-leash behavior and enforcement.
Interlaken's Town Council voted June 2 to add clarifying language to its animal control code (Title 5, section 5.04.010) that specifies dogs may be off leash only when under direct visual control of the owner; organizers' exceptions such as sanctioned obedience classes, field trials and peace officers were listed.
Council members said the amendment is intended to give animal-control personnel clear standards for enforcement and to reduce disputes when a resident reports an off-leash dog. One councilor questioned how the town would verify a claim that a dog was in organized training; staff said enforcement remains with contracted animal control and that photographic evidence and calls to dispatch can be used.
Following a motion to add the clause and a second, the council approved the amendment by voice vote. Council members noted that littering, construction-site trash and other civil nuisances remain separate enforcement issues handled under existing civil codes.
The ordinance language will be published and enforced through the town's animal-control contractor and the sheriff's dispatch number listed on the town website.
