Council Approves Animal Cruelty Law
www.Ledger-Enquirer.com
BY CHUCK WILLIAMS
Aug. 04, 2004, COLUMBUS, GA --It was a win for the dogs Tuesday night.
Columbus Council approved tougher animal cruelty laws in a somewhat controversial and confusing 6-2 vote.
Asked if it was a good day to be a dog in Columbus, City Manager Carmen Cavezza was quick to respond.
"If they throw you in the back of a truck it probably is," Cavezza said.
The highlights of the law include:
• A dog in the back of a pickup must be tethered to keep it from going over the side.
• Shelter is required for animals left outdoors at least eight hours a day. That shelter can include a doghouse, porch or carport.
• Animals on public property must be leashed.
• If it is 85 degrees or warmer, animals cannot be left inside an automobile.
• If a dog is chained, the chain or rope must be at least 12 feet.
The new law will go into effect in 20 days. Cavezza said there would be a public education period, but he declined to say how long it would be before tickets will be issued.
There are no set fines for the violations, but those cited will have to appear in Environmental Court.
Councilors Red McDaniel and Glenn Davis both voted against the ordinance because of problems with the provision requiring a dog to be tethered in the back of a truck. Davis, after concerns, first voted for the ordinance when it was called for a vote, then changed his vote at the end of the two-hour meeting. Councilors Jack Rodgers and Gary Allen were absent. Councilors Nathan Suber, Julius Hunter Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mimi Woodson, Wayne Anthony and Skip Henderson supported the ordinance.
"The citizens need to be educated first," Davis said. "We're rushing into this."
Davis said he had received several dozen e-mails, phone calls and letters in opposition to the new law.
Public Services Director Rufus Riggs called the law common-sense measures.
"This is for a very small group of people," Riggs said. "The majority of people take care of their pets...This gives us enforcement authority."
