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Manila work session proposes leash rules, quiet hours and rabbit limits in animal ordinance update
Summary
Mayor Kathi Knight presented clarifications to the town's animal ordinance focusing on dogs — mandatory leash and vaccination requirements, quiet hours (10 p.m.–6 a.m.), a neighbor complaint process and a $50/$100 fine schedule — and reiterated a two‑rabbit outdoor limit per residential lot.
Mayor Kathi Knight outlined proposed updates and clarifications to Manila’s animal ordinance with a particular emphasis on dogs and nuisance enforcement.
Knight said the draft would require dogs to be on a leash to address problems with loose dogs, particularly on Dry Creek Lane, and would require dogs to be vaccinated. She said town staff obtained permission from the Utah Department of Transportation to place "All Dogs Must Be Leashed" signs around town.
The draft establishes quiet hours for dogs from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and sets a complaint process in which neighbors should contact town council members; the town will then try to identify an owner and send a warning letter citing the ordinance. Knight said the proposed fine schedule is $50 for a first offense and $100 for a second offense, with enforcement handled through mailed letters.
On rabbits, Knight reiterated the existing limit of two rabbits per residential lot when rabbits are kept outdoors and visible; she said indoor rabbits would not be inspected or enforced. "If rabbits are outside and visible, the limit of two applies, even if caged," Knight said, adding the intent is to avoid large numbers of outdoor rabbits.
Why it matters: the changes aim to reduce nuisance complaints, clarify enforcement procedures, and provide notice to residents and visitors — including short‑term rental operators — about expected behavior and penalties. The ordinance will go through public hearing procedures before adoption.
