Dog and chicken policy highlights December 9 Monticello City Council

by Roma Young
Cole Young, the animal control officer for the Monticello Police Department, came before the City Council on December 9 to address animal control issues in the city.
Young reported that there have been “numerous incidents lighting up social media” and resulting in the need to have more and better compliance with city ordinances pertaining to animal control.
Young said that after he met with Police Chief Kent Adair, it was decided that the police department will be writing citations and impounding stray dogs. Young said that after the dog pound is renovated, it will be a “better” facility and will be able to house up to four dogs at a time.
The previous pound was not enclosed, except by chain link fencing, and had a three-dog limit. The new facility is constructed with block walls and insulation.
Young said that a copy of any citations written on animal violations, along with a description of the animal, will be given to Wanda Skinner at the city office. It will be posted on the city web site as time allows, but if your dog is missing, Wanda can check your description with the dogs at the pound.
Officers currently have to catch a dog and haul it to the pound in their police vehicle. The City is purchasing a hitch-mounted carrier with a cage in which dogs can be transported. This unit will be stored at the city maintenance garage and will be shared by all officers.
The Council asked Officer Young to have each police officer spend one hour per week picking up stray animals. Since animal control calls are the largest number of complaints the department receives, Officer Young did not think one hour a week per officer is unreasonable.
The two acts considered to be unlawful by residents who own dogs are:
1. For the owner or keeper of any dog to permit the dog to run at large, and
2. For an owner of a dog to permit the dog to go upon private property without the permission of the owner of the private property.
Young said that if you find yourself in violation of either of these acts, the repercussion will be the possibility ­– and now the probability ­– of your dog being impounded. There is a process in place which must be followed to get the dog back.
Dogs also need to be immunized and have a city license. The licensing period runs from June to June of the following year, according to city code.
Officer Young added that several of the “dog calls” have involved chickens being injured. The city has ordinances for chickens as well. Young said that if both parties comply with their specific ordinances, “We can all get along as neighbors better”.
The chicken ordinance allows ten hens per household as pets and for the purpose of producing eggs. No roosters are allowed, as well as no fighting chickens. Hens are not to be raised for slaughter or commercial purposes.
The ordinance stipulates that hens shall be securely fenced and confined to the rear yard of the property. Any permanent hen shelter must comply with the accessory structure requirements.
Reidents can obtain a copy of the requirements at the city office.
The council appointed Jerry Murdock to the Economic Development Committee and Eric George as a pro-temp member of the board. George will meet with the board and will vote in the absence of any other member.
The Planning Commission was rounded out by the appointment of Amber Johnson and the renewal of Tom Wigginton, who has served for the past five years.
The Monticello City Curb Appeal Program, which offers incentives to improve properties along Main and Center streets, has been embraced by several businesses. Some projects are still in the application process, while a number of others have been completed.