Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richland County resident recounts pitbull attack; commissioners approve publication of proposed animal control ordinance
Summary
After a county resident described a severe pitbull attack that required 33 stitches, the Richland County Board unanimously approved required publications for a proposed Animal Control Ordinance that would give courts clear authority to impound animals deemed a public threat and, if ordered by a judge, allow euthanasia.
A Richland County resident told commissioners on June 2 that he was severely injured by a pitbull at Mooreton Pond, and the board voted to publish a proposed Animal Control Ordinance that county attorneys say would give judges explicit authority to order impoundment and, when warranted, euthanasia.
County resident Cory Callenius described the evening attack, saying the dog “ripped his arm apart; requiring 33 stitches” and that although the owner received a citation, the animal was not impounded. Callenius told the board he feared a future attack could be lethal and urged stronger action.
State's Attorney Kummer distributed a draft Animal Control Ordinance and told the board the proposal includes “stricter penalties and gave clear authority to impound any animal that is a threat to the public; followed by euthanization, if determined by the judge to be a threat.” Commissioners voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the required publications for the ordinance; publication is a procedural step to notify the public and begin the formal ordinance process and does not by itself adopt the ordinance.
Commissioners did not set a date for final reading or adoption during the meeting. The motion to publish was moved by Commissioner Nathan Berseth and seconded by Commissioner Tim Campbell (via phone). The vote was recorded as unanimous.
The ordinance language, as described at the meeting, would increase penalties and clarify legal authority for impoundment and court-ordered euthanasia where an animal is found to pose a public threat. The transcript does not record a target adoption date or the text of the final ordinance; members of the public seeking the draft were directed to county offices for the published notice and next steps.
