County Council OKs changes to animal control ordinance

After more than a year of discussion and under three different introductions, York County’s revised animal control ordinance was unanimously approved Monday. Council has spent the better part of a year mulling over the ordinance  sending it back to committee before a final three readings that started late this summer.

York County Councilman Bump Roddey, who chairs the county’s public safety committee, says he’s pleased with what’s come of the ongoing efforts.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The changes to the ordinance update langue to meet state code, redefines terms like “adequate shelter” and calls for animals tethered outside to be kept inside a fence or on a ten-foot trolley line. That last part didn’t sit well with York resident Tiffany Neil, who feels the changes won’t keep her family safe.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

And redefining what “adequate shelter” means led to a heated discussion outside council chambers, as supporters and opponents of the changes argued in the parking lot.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The crowd was ultimately dispersed by a York County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Portions of the ordinance go into effect next February, while the new tethering rules go into effect in July. Ashley Saunders says that between now and then, her organization, the Committee for Responsible Pet Ownership, will work with pet owners to educate them about the new rules.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

York County Councilman Bump Roddey says the next step to take is for the county to educate animal owners about the changes going into effect near to help ensure compliance.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.