Council debates stronger measures for repeat aggressive animals, seeks county cooperation

A council member urged the Central Pacolet council to pursue stronger enforcement for animals at large, citing repeated neighborhood incidents and a recent mauling that residents say involved a dog previously reported as violent.

"We need something so that we can prevent further problems when there's already been…an owner that consistently is not keeping their aggressive animals up," the council member said, arguing that repeat offenders should be required to surrender problem animals to prevent further harm.

Council members and staff said the town’s police department lacks equipment and sheltering capacity to impound and care for animals and that the county provides much of the animal-control service. The council discussed plans to meet county officials — including Paul Abbott and Cole Alverson, who were named in the discussion — to clarify obligations and to seek better cooperation for enforcement.

Council members noted the town’s current ordinance carries misdemeanor fines (the ordinance references a $500 misdemeanor fine), but they said enforcement and disposal options are limited without county coordination and sheltering arrangements. One councilor suggested a committee discussion on public safety to craft options such as graduated penalties or surrender requirements for repeat or aggressive animals.

What happens next: Staff were asked to coordinate discussions with county officials and to report back to council on options, including potential ordinance language and operational requirements (veterinary support, sheltering, or county agreements) to make new enforcement practical.