City Council tables animal ordinance changes

The Graham City Council tabled action on animal ordinances changes until a new city manager is hired in the position. Following multiple City Council meetings with public comments regarding pit bulls and safety within the city, members of the Humane Society of Young County, Graham Police Department and city submitted updates Thursday, June 9 to city ordinances regarding animals and fowl.

The proposed changes were created by a group composed of HSYC Board President Heather Allen, HSYC Director Shelby Brogdon, Graham Animal Control Officer Kimberly Shawver, GPD Chief Brent Bullock and former Graham City Manager Brandon Anderson. The submitted changes were waiting to be verified by the city attorney before being considered by the city council for an upcoming meeting.

Interim City Manager Larry Fields said Thursday that under the current ordinances for the city there are rules in place for dangerous animals. He said the community can be protected if the ordinances for dangerous animals currently in place are enforced.

“What started this was a concern about dangerous animals, specifically, pit bull dogs. The city already, in my opinion, has a dangerous animal ordinance on the book that gives the animal control all the authority they need to address that. So that being the case and then when I looked at what’s being proposed, and I do this with all respect, I’m just giving you my personal opinion on it, I can’t support in a town the size of Graham or really anywhere (...) (implementing these changes because) when you start talking about litter permits (...) and this stuff, I think that is getting too intrusive into people’s lives,” Fields said. “Plus, how’s the city going to really enforce it? How are they going to know that my cat had a litter? If we do find out and I’m assessed the fine then I’m going to expect you to go find everybody else’s cat that’s had a litter. So I’m respectfully telling you as interim city manager, I can’t support this. Now, having said that, you guys (the city council) are going to make the final decision.”

For the full story, see the Wednesday, July 27 edition of The Graham Leader.