Riley County officials on Monday discussed potential pitfalls of proposed changes to animal control regulations. County commissioners heard from Shelley Woodard, deputy Riley County counselor, regarding changes to the regulations. The current animal control resolution was enacted in 1988, and various stakeholders are drafting policies that more closely align with those of Manhattan. Woodward said she has sought input from city and county officials. The proposed updates include removing the requirement for individual dog registration and licensing in unincorporated areas while maintaining the requirement for rabies vaccinations. She said very few people have come forward and actually registered their dogs in the past. Commissioners also are considering language in the proposed regulations regarding at-large animals. Woodard said the county doesn’t want “patrols” of people rounding up dogs that are not actually loose and uncontrolled, noting that in many rural locations dogs may be wandering around a large field and appear to be loose and at large but are actually confined to the owners property. Woodward said officials also are reviewing tethering requirements, with language that would require continuous access to food and water for any animal that is tethered in place for extended periods. Commissioners also heard discussion about policies on vicious animals.
Source: themercury.com
