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Sewell's Point moves to strengthen penalties for menacing and attacking dogs
Summary
The commission directed the town attorney to draft an ordinance strengthening penalties for menacing or unprovoked dog attacks, adding class C/D violations and codifying county enforcement authority after recent aggressive-dog incidents.
Sewell's Point commissioners on Aug. 13 directed the town attorney to draft proposed ordinance language that would strengthen penalties for menacing or unprovoked dog attacks and clarify enforcement authority.
Commissioner Burrell described several recent incidents in which dogs ran loose and threatened or injured people and animals, and proposed two additions: a provision making it unlawful for a dog to be menacing or threatening regardless of whether it was leashed (class C violation), and a provision making unprovoked attacks that cause physical contact a class D violation. Police and staff described cases where an off-leash dog chased pedestrians and a stroller, causing distress even when no bite occurred.
The proposed changes would also codify Martin County's existing animal-control enforcement within town limits to ensure the county can respond under the town ordinance. The police chief and staff supported the additions, saying they would give local authorities stronger tools for repeat and serious incidents.
The commission asked the town attorney to put the proposed language into ordinance form and return with a draft for the next meeting.
