Residents press Soddy‑Daisy over persistent barking, police say proving nuisance is difficult

Several residents raised ongoing problems with persistent dog barking near Hatlin Drive during the public comment period on Aug. 6.

Tammy Meeks, who lives on Hatlin Drive, told the board she has repeatedly discussed the issue with City Manager Johnson and Police Chief Petty and said she has video evidence from Ring cameras and phone recordings. "She said she has ring cameras and phone videos of them barking," she said during public comment. Her husband, Ondel Meeks, expressed skepticism that documenting 15 minutes of continuous barking — a threshold referenced in the draft ordinance — would be practical from a neighbor's perspective.

Police Chief Petty acknowledged enforcement challenges, saying officers "cannot always sit for 15 minutes to confirm that the dog barked continuously," and said responsibility for addressing nuisance animals ultimately rests with owners and the local court. City Attorney Elliott noted the municipal code penalty is $50 per day for a municipal code offense. City Manager Johnson said the Humane Society has checked on dog welfare in at least some cases and that the city will post information about the new ordinance on its website.