Decatur pet owners urged to follow city’s ordinances
Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
DECATUR ó Police chief Terry Luker wants to make sure pet owners in Decatur are aware of city ordinances and take preventative measures before their animals get into trouble.
ì A lot of people donít know the details of the ordinance. We want to be sure and give them a heads up, î he said.
Dogs are not allowed to run loose in Decatur. According to the ordinance, dogs should be on their ownerís property unless they are under the control of a ìhuman beingî or properly confined by a fence, chain, rope or leash, or are inside a vehicle.
Any dog found running at large will be impounded for five days, the ordinance states. If the owner does not claim his dog after five days, the city has the right to destroy it.
All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated for rabies annually, not only in the city of Decatur but also in the state of Arkansas. Dogs must wear a collar with their current rabies tag and a tag showing the name and address of their owner.
Each household or business in the city of Decatur may not keep more than four dogs over the age of six months unless they receive permission from the city council to operate a dog hospital or kennel and pay the appropriate fees.
Pet owners who disobey these ordinances can be fined between $ 15 and $ 100 for each animal.
Luker said he recently issued one person five citations for not following the ordinances.
ì This is an ongoing problem and itís getting worse, î he said, adding that pet owners need to be responsible for their animals.
For more information on city laws regarding animals, contact city hall or Chief Luker.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online