Animal ordinance draws vocal criticism
By Scott Nicholson
nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

Local animal advocates are worried the public may believe certain dogs’ barks are worse than their bites.

A group expressed concern to the Watauga County Board of Commissioners Tuesday that some breeds are perceived as dangerous just because of their appearance.

The commissioners held a public hearing on proposed changes to the animal control ordinance and most comments addressed a section of the ordinance identifying certain breeds as more likely to be dangerous. The measure would allow the county to take protective measures if a pet is deemed a threat.

Possible factors include the presence of a potentially vulnerable victim, prior attack-dog or aggression training, prior history of harm to humans, and an additional clause citing breeds exhibiting “known vicious tendencies” such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, bulldogs and bull terriers.

Commissioner Keith Honeycutt said there is nothing in the ordinance that would ban specific breeds from the county. “It all depends on the training,” Honeycutt said, acknowledging that some breeds are more likely to be trained as guard dogs.

Marjory Holder was concerned about the definition of an animal shelter, because she said some people making single or temporary pet adoptions should not be subject to additional regulation. Holder said animal-cruelty penalties should be toughened, since a history of animal cruelty sometimes is a sign of psychological problems that may lead to later, more serious crimes.

She added, breed is not a good indicator of potential danger and said the term “pit bull” could not be upheld in court since pit-bull types are difficult to identify.
Holder concluded her comments by saying the definition of dangerous breeds changes periodically based on popularity and breeding practices, adding that all dog breeds listed in the draft have been used as guide or rescue dogs.

“Any dog can be made dangerous by its environment, its training and its upbringing,” she said.

The specific naming of breeds or types of categories also concerned Amber Alsobrooks, a representative of Blue Ridge Veterinarian Clinic.

“It sets a bit of a dangerous precedent,” she said, to use legislation that specifies some breeds have “known vicious tendencies.”

She said communities adopting breed-specific legislation would cause those wanting vicious or attack dogs to simply switch to a different breed.

“Stronger enforcement of existing dangerous dog laws would be a better fit for this county,” she said.

Dave Alsobrooks from Animal Rescue cited a study that legislation focused on specific breeds shifts attention from the real problem, which he said was irresponsible owners.

Shawn Lundy, a local attorney and member of the Watauga County Humane Society board of directors, said the society supported the stricter rules but echoed the concerns of earlier speakers. He suggested the commissioners lengthen the waiting period after which animals can be euthanized, which in the draft is 72 hours for animals not picked up or claimed.

Commissioner Chairman Jim Deal asked the audience if they had suggestions on determining which dogs are dangerous. Amber Alsobrooks said dogs with prior aggression training could be an indicator, although it would be difficult to establish.

Holder said, in past cases she was familiar with, the neighbors were always aware if there was a dangerous dog nearby, suggesting the county should pay close attention to complaints.

“Most dogs do a threat or display before they attack,” she said.

Commissioner Billy Ralph Winkler pointed out the breed-specific factors are only triggered after an animal has already been judged dangerous.

The commissioners plan to consider a spay-and-neuter ordinance separately, probably after the end of the year. Some animal advocates believe such an ordinance would reduce the number of unwanted pets and make regulation of pets simpler. Lundy said the Humane Society’s support of the ordinance was not targeted at those breeding dogs or raising hunting dogs, but instead concerned the burden on the county should unwanted pets proliferate.

The current draft would allow identifying microchips to be installed in a pet in lieu of a tag and collar, with the goal being to locate the owner if a pet is lost or injured. The revised ordinance also would toughen standards for animal cruelty and deliberate abandonment. County staff would also get more leeway in determining whether an animal is a threat to public safety and could order a pet to be confined, particularly if it is deemed dangerous.

The commissioners took no action on the ordinance draft, which has been undergoing revision for a year.
White Laurel

Planning director Joe Furman gave an update on the White Laurel development, which was damaged by landslides caused by hurricane-borne rains in 2004. One house was destroyed and the town of Boone condemned another six houses — slope repair was completed in the spring. Four houses have been repaired, with about three-quarters of $1 million in grant money spent on the project.

“The slope has been declared stable, and condemnation orders have been lifted on four of the houses,” Furman said, adding some minor work remains.
Checking out a full-time slot

The county library board asked the commissioners to expand a part-time position in the children’s services department to full time. Library board member George Miles said the library lost four part-time assistants in the past two years because they left to seek full-time work. The change would cost $11,700 for the next fiscal year, and the commissioners expressed support for the change and approved spending $6,800 from the general fund balance to upgrade the position for the remainder of the year.

Homesteading it

Honeycutt proposed the board support a homestead tax exemption with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. He said local governments should have the option to pursue the action, or raise and lower the rates. Deal said there was a question over whether it would require a constitutional amendment or an action of legislation, and expected the next board of commissioners to address the issue.

The commissioners also approved change orders for the courthouse renovations, adding up to $6,000 to the cost.
Fond farewell

Deal thanked Blust and Honeycutt for their service on the board and said whether citizens agreed with their positions or not, the two had worked hard.
The board will meet next on Dec. 4, when new commissioners Mary Moretz and John Cooper will be sworn into office.