AGENDA DATE: 7/6/2016
TITLE:
Title
Ordinance to amend County Code Chapter 4, Animals and Fowl to be consistent with State Code
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: An ordinance to amend County Code Chapter 4, Animals and Fowl to be consistent with the Virginia Code, regarding the disposition of dogs determined to have injured or killed livestock or poultry
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Kamptner, Blair
PRESENTER (S): John Blair
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: The 2016 General Assembly amended Virginia Code § 3.2-6552 to clarify that the general district court may order that a dog determined to have injured or killed livestock or poultry may be euthanized as a means of killing the dog and would allow the general district court to order that any dog determined to have injured or killed only poultry be microchipped and either confined securely or transferred to another owner whom the court deems appropriate.
An amendment to the County Code is necessary to make it consistent with the Virginia Code.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 7: Operational Capacity: Ensure County government’s ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: Staff has prepared a draft ordinance (Attachment A) to amend County Code § 4-201, Dogs killing, injuring or chasing livestock or poultry. The proposed ordinance would:
-Amend § 4-201(B) to clarify that the general district court may order that a dog determined to have injured or killed livestock or poultry be euthanized as a means of killing the dog and to update the Virginia Code reference; and
-Amend § 4-201(C) to allow the general district court to order that any dog that has been found to have injured or killed only poultry be microchipped and either confined securely or transferred to another owner whom the court deems appropriate.
The Animal Control Unit has confirmed that the amendment would not have any impact on its operations.
BUDGET IMPACT: The adoption of the proposed ordinance would have no impact on the County’s budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that after the public hearing, the Board adopt the attached ordinance (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed ordinance