ANNOUNCEMENT: Aug. 20 Mtg Postponed; City Council hears NEW Dangerous Dog Ordinance

[Jacquie Holm-Smith]

Greetings, everyone!

 

Couple important announcements for Monday, Aug. 20:
 
1) Barktoberfest Planning Mtg postponed

Our previously scheduled Barktoberfest planning meeting for 6pm at Chips will be rescheduled at a later date (TBD) due to a NEW Dangerous/Vicious Animals ordinance being proposed at the City Council meeting.

 

2) City Council hears new Ordinance

At 5:30 p.m., the Ankeny City Council meeting will include the first reading of a new Dangerous/Vicious Animals ordinance to replace the existing Chapter 57. 

 

For some background:

• These changes are being prompted by a series of recent dog bite incidents coming before the Council. Under the current ordinance, owners of dogs deemed Dangerous or Vicious had 2 options - rehome outside city limits or euthanize.
• In addition to creating a Review Panel to hear appeals, the new ordinance provides greater distinction between Dangerous and Vicious offenders as well as provisions for keeping Dangerous/Vicious dogs provided certain conditions are met. (attached in link: http://publicagenda.ankenyiowa.gov/bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=6437&MeetingID=175)
• An additional stipulation yet to be added is a mandatory behavior modification component for dogs deemed Dangerous or Vicious. The purpose is to help owners prevent repeat offenses and/or the escalation of offenses through education and training. (Yes!)
• Other provisions pending legal review: minimum handler age of 18, microchip requirement for tracking, and prohibition of vicious dogs from obtaining a Dog Park pass.

 

These revisions promote public safety and pet responsibility, and I encourage concerned dog-lovers to attend the Council meeting to demonstrate support! 

It's SO important to let our City leaders know that citizens care about laws that affect our canine community, and we applaud proactive, common sense, dog-friendly efforts :)  

 

For additional info, here's the Register's article: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120816/COMM/308160019/Proposal-creates-panel-to-deal-with-dog-issues?Ankeny&community=Ankeny

 

Any Questions?

Let me know by email or phone!

Thank you, Jacquie Holm-Smith

H: 964-1616; C: 419-3148

P.S. On a lighter note, if you haven't visited our Facebook page lately, we've pix posted from Ankeny's Pooch Paddle last week, and Tractor Supply's Pet Appreciation event - check it out: http://www.facebook.com/AnkenyDogPark !!