PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County commissioners Monday extended the comment period for a proposed animal responsibility ordinance, giving staff time to fine-tune the measure by streamlining its language.
The action followed a public hearing at the Cotton Building with 10 people commenting.
The comment period was scheduled to end after the hearing but was extended until Dec. 31 after a motion by Commissioner David Sullivan.
“This ordinance will provide a significant improvement in the protection of dogs in the county and will provide recourse for individuals who feel that owners of dogs don’t treat them well or allow them to do things they shouldn’t be doing,” said county Humane Society Board President Paul Becker at the hearing.
Added Undersheriff Joe Nole: “This brings us closer to having an objective and fair way to deal with animals.”
The impetus for bringing forward the ordinance came from Commissioner John Austin, who will retire this year, with the purpose of keeping a promise to a constituent.
Commissioner Phil Johnson said the ordinance’s name is not entirely appropriate.
“It seems to be a ‘human responsibility’ ordinance since it defines what people need to do in order to control their animals,” he said, adding that dogs aren’t responsible for getting their own rabies shots.
“This is something that is geared toward a small number of people who are having trouble working things out with their neighbors,” Sullivan said.
“Most people can work things out, but there are times when the county needs to get involved.”
About 20 people attended the hearing, with 10 of those commenting on the ordinance.
The hearing was held in the Cotton Building rather than commissioners’ chambers in anticipation of a large crowd, which did not materialize.
A similar hearing about a noise ordinance was held Nov. 24 in commissioners’ chambers and drew about 60 people.
Like the animal ordinance, the noise ordinance was also sent back to staff for refinement.
Many of the commenters criticized specific portions of the ordinance.
Port Townsend Port Director Larry Crockett, who was speaking as a private citizen, objected to limiting five dogs per household unless designated as a kennel, calling the code “arbitrary and unenforceable.”
Breeder Andrew Johnston of Discovery Bay questioned limitations on the amount of dogs such a business can house, saying a large-acreage breeding facility should not face the same limits as those located on a small piece of land in a residential neighborhood.
Heidi Ruegg of Port Ludlow, who said she had helped write the county’s original ordinance 25 years ago, questioned some specific language.
“You’ve changed the wording from it requiring to walk a dog on a leash or under control to ‘on a leash or under the control of a competent person,’” she said.
“I don’t know how you are going to make that kind of judgment call.”
While barking dogs are a part of rural life, the code defines acceptable limits.
Continuous howling or barking that lasts for more than 10 minutes or intermittent noise lasting longer than 30 minutes represents a violation, the draft law says.
It is also a violation if the noise is between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and can be heard within 150 feet of the property line where the animal is located, or if it can be heard 100 feet away between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Chasing vehicles, jumping and barking at pedestrians, running in packs and allowing a cat or dog that is in heat to be unrestricted are also violations, the code says.
The document, which deals primarily with dogs but also includes cats and livestock, also defines dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs.
Dog licensing is compulsory while cat licensing is voluntary, with options for either two-year or lifetime licenses.
The fees for a fertile dog are $48 for two years and $266 lifetime, while sterilized dogs cost $20 and $112.
Fertile cats are assessed $18 for two years and $197 lifetime, and sterilized they are $7 and $38.
Tom Thiersch of Jefferson County commented that unlicensed dogs who are collected at the shelter should be assessed past-due license fees, something County Administrator Philip Morley said was under consideration but probably would not occur.
“In an area where there are many dog owners of limited means, a large price tag could become an impediment in reuniting dogs with their owners,” Morley said.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
