Double Springs Council sinks teeth into dog problem

DOUBLE SPRINGS       -  The town of Double Springs is reminding dog owners, who let their dogs roam freely, that the issue is becoming a major problem,  they are violating terms of the town’s ordinance and are subject to consequences.
At the town council’s Monday, Aug. 8, meeting, Town Attorney Jeff Mobley made public a press release regarding dogs running at large in the town.
The press release was given to Mayor Elmo Robinson, who passed it along to resident Neil Nielsen, a frequent visitor to council meetings, requesting an animal control ordinance, due to the ongoing problem.
At the July 11 council meeting, Nielsen again asked about the dog issue that he claimed he was again “revisiting.”
“You mentioned  last month that you were going to get with the attorney to have him type up something legal on it,” Nielsen told Mayor Robinson. “I imagine he’s been pretty busy. I haven’t seen anything on the dog issue yet.”
“That’s a never ending problem,” responded Mayor Robinson. “Every city has the same problem with dogs.
“To me, you don’t need a dog, if you are going to turn him loose and let him run everywhere,” Robinson added.
“I agree with that,” responded Nielsen. “We need to have responsible individuals.”
Mobley noted that animal control would pick up a “stray” dog if it is caught or trapped, but would not go onto private property to pick up a dog, unless the owner invites them onto the property.
“If you have a stray dog, that has no collar on it,  that’s on your property and you’re

able to pick it up, you can call animal control and they’ll come take it,” Mobley informed Nielsen.
At the Aug. 8 meeting, Mobley issued a press statement regarding the animal control ordinance already in place, one that follows the state ordinance, town officials said.
“On behalf of the mayor and town council of Double Springs, we would ask you to remember that it is a violation of the town ordinance to allow dogs to run at large,” the press release stated.
“We have received a number of complaints recently about dogs causing mischief throughout our neighborhoods and some animals creating fear for safety and destruction of their neighbor’s property,” the release further stated.
The release urged such owners to consider restraining their animals on their own property, and respecting their neighbors’ privacy.
“Your animals, if found running at large, can be impounded and, if not received within 72 hours, are subject to destruction by animal control,” the release pointed out.
The release continued that persons in violation of the animal control ordinance could be fined up to $50 in addition to the loss of their animal.
“It is not our desire to cause anyone to lose an animal,” the release stated. “However, we ask that you give consideration to the peace and safety of the neighbors around you, as you make decisions regarding your pets.”
Mayor Robinson stressed there are several dogs that roam throughout the town, yet belong to individuals.
Robinson added the town has faced concerns with the local animal shelter (animal control) coming and picking up stray dogs, because the person facing the problem must first catch the dog and restrain the animal before it can be picked up.
“We’re asking everyone to please be aware of the situation and try to keep their dogs up,” Mayor Robinson pointed out.