Dog ordiance shelved, Gabel resignsby Jason Futch The Morse Bluff Village Board of Trustees met for its monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13. During the meeting, trustees discussed several items, including a proposed dog bite ordinance that had been tabled for several months. Aslo at the meeing, village clerk Stephanie Gabel officially resigned from her position. Trustees ultimately decided not to move forward with the dog ordinance, citing existing county and state laws governing dog attacks, vaccinations and related fines. At the September meeting, trustee Sandy Vosler raised concerns about how the village would enforce the proposed ordinance, given that Morse Bluff does not employ an animal control officer and has no regular police presence. He also questioned whether the proposed ordinance could infringe on personal liberties. Those concerns resurfaced during Tuesday’s meeting. Trustee Randy Kremlacek said the village had previously issued permits and dog tags for owners. However, he noted that most household dogs rarely leave their homes, making enforcement difficult. “We don’t take a permit or get paid a licensing fee,” Kremlacek said. “I think all we really wanted to change is the fine, the dog bite incident deal and the number of dogs per household.” Village clerk Stephanie Gabel said that after consulting with the village attorney, she learned that fines collected by the court would go to Saunders County schools rather than the village itself. The process would be initiated by the attorney. “If you have a dog catcher or someone to pick up dogs at large,” Gable said, “and there is an expense to house or board them, then administration fees can be charged, which are not considered fines if someone is willing to board them until claimed, which is usually a shelter or veterinarian.” Gabel said an ordinance could authorize those administrative fees. “At least it’s already been done,” he said. Read the full story in the print or e-edition. <<Back to the front page |