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Council weighs lowering dog-at-large fines and backs a June 27 low-cost rabies/registration day for Vernon residents
Summary
Council and staff discussed amending Vernon’s animal-control penalties to align with county practice (written warning then escalating fines) and heard a proposal for a June 27 registration and low-cost rabies clinic ($10 per animal) using city property and donated kennels.
Vernon — Council reviewed Vernon’s animal-control enforcement and a proposed city registration and rabies clinic aimed at increasing compliance and lowering shelter costs.
An animal-control advocate outlined existing county and local penalty structures and argued Vernon’s current first-offense fine (noted in the draft enforcement as $150 for dog-at-large) is excessive. She urged a graduated approach used by Washington County — a written warning followed by escalating fines ($25, $75, $150 and $500) within a rolling three-year period — and recommended adjusting Vernon’s ordinance to match. "I don't wanna hit somebody that hard," she said, arguing smaller fines and warnings improve compliance. (Animal control officer, SEG 1055; SEG 1094)
The advocate proposed a low-cost rabies/registration day on June 27: a licensed veterinarian would offer $10 rabies shots (one-year certificate) and on-site registration for Vernon residents, with donated kennels and city property used to hold animals temporarily. "My goal, my target date is June 27," she said, and staff agreed that the event could be advertised on the water bill and social media if the council approves. (Animal control officer, SEG 1191; SEG 1394)
Staff cautioned that the city can enforce only what is on the municipal books until the ordinance is formally changed and said they have a 2019 Vernon ordinance currently in effect. Staff also proposed adding a claiming fee and impound fee structure to recover costs if animals are kept on city property. (Staff member, SEG 1169; SEG 1297)
Council asked staff to draft ordinance language to reduce the initial monetary burden while preserving collection of costs for impound and care. They also directed staff to coordinate the June 27 registration/clinic logistics, including venue (firehouse or town square), proof of residency requirements (ID and water bill), and veterinarian availability.
No ordinance change was adopted during the workshop; staff will prepare draft ordinance language and logistics for the proposed clinic for a future meeting.
