Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council asks staff to draft dog ordinance after residents report dozens of roaming animals
Summary
Public Safety Committee reported resident complaints about '35 or 40' dogs creating nuisance and safety concerns in the 441 area; the committee asked the council to develop an ordinance to address the problem and no formal action was taken at the committee meeting.
The Sumter County Public Safety Committee told the full council it is continuing to address complaints about large numbers of roaming dogs in parts of the county and has asked council to develop an ordinance to address the problem.
Public Safety Committee chair Mr. Washington reported residents have complained about "essentially 35 or 40 dogs creating mischief for their quality of life" in the 441 area and that the committee expects to present an ordinance for council consideration. He said no formal action was taken by the committee at the meeting.
During public comment, resident Susan Sims thanked deputies for assistance and asked why a new ordinance is needed if existing laws are not being enforced: "Don't we have laws that are supposed to take care of these animals that are roaming at large? I mean, why is there an ordinance needed if we already have laws that are just not being ... enforced?" The council clarified the matter involves multiple dogs operating at night and causing safety concerns for residents.
Next steps: council directed staff to develop ordinance language to address the reported problems and to report back; no vote was taken at the council meeting.
