04-15-96 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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1Committss Zsport: Health and Public Safety Committee to ifs Common Council of this Cftg of foutb Osub: The April 15, 1996 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Cleo Washington at 4:34 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, Zakrzewski, Kelly, Luecke,Pfeifer, Broden, Washington, and Varner, Kathy Dempsey, Gene Oakley, Sue Hodgson,Ann-Carol Simons, Mary Wadsworth,Douglas Bradley,Dr. Carol Ecker, Don Porter,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Washington noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue discussion of substitute Bill No.2-96 addressing Animal Regulations. Ann Carol-Simons then reviewed the proposed amendments which were requested by various Council Members,namely Council Member Varner and Broden. (copy attached). She noted that the Council Attorney had been in contact with her last week to discuss these possible proposed amendments and suggested this format as apposed to bringing a new substitute Bill. Mr. Douglas Bradley talked with regard to the 3 times at-large provision. He relayed a story regarding "Bismark" a German Shepherd who has run at-large, has bitten his daughter, has bitten other animals, has cornered people and has been a menace to the neighborhood. He noted that a Court Hearing before Judge Means took place in April of 1995 against the owners of the dog namely Mr. and Mrs. Voll. Although there is a permanent injunction the parties were not held in content for failure to put up a fence. He noted that"Bismark"has a eluded 3 Police Officers and a Code Enforcement Officer all at he same time. He stated that he does not believe that a $50.00 fine would curb such activity. Council Member Luecke stated that if a dog bites that it meets one of the qualifications set forth in the proposed Ordinance and the vicious or dangerous nature of the dog would also be considered under the definition. Kathy Dempsey noted that the incident involving Mr. Bradleys daughter took place in 1994. Council Member Broden discussed the proposals for Section 5-1(r) (7)regarding 3 times at-large.Mary Wadsworth noted that repeat offenders are common with regard to nuisance dogs in the area. Council Member Pfeifer stated that she believes that the issue is"neglected animal"and that to declare a dog at-large 3 times to be dangerous and require a five-sided before the animal goes back to the owner would be prohibitive cost wise for the elderly. She does find a animal neglected perhaps and perhaps dangerous but is not menacing like the example of "Bismark". Council Member Coleman noted that the example given by Council Member Pfeifer could be appealed however it was indicated that if the dog was 3 times at-large and met the definition that it would be declared to be dangerous. Council Member Pfeifer also voiced concern with regard to that composition of the Commission and again requested that a Citizen Member be on the Commission.