North Powder fed up with loose dogs, city government seeking solutions

NORTH POWDER – Residents of North Powder may be familiar with the city’s monthly reminders to prevent dogs running at large. Lately however, the city has reported that the loose dog problem is becoming a major issue and a threat to public safety. As written in the city’s latest newsletter:

“Again, we remind everyone to PLEASE keep your dogs contained. Do NOT let them run at large. This has become such a problem that the City Council is looking at any and all options regarding dog control and citizens are beginning to arm themselves with sticks, sprays and other things to protect themselves when walking around town.”

The last thing any pet owner wants is their dog wandering home with a concussion and smelling of pepper spray, but the issue of loose dogs is such that residents are potentially fearful for their own safety. As such the city is working to develop new policies to deal with loose dogs.

One solution, also outlined in the newsletter, is the “one bite” policy. If a dog is reported to have bitten someone, it must legally be removed from city limits. Other proposed solutions include a legal limit of one dog per household and the hiring of additional animal control staff. In any case, residents can prevent potentially hardline policies on pet ownership by simply keeping their dogs from running loose.

Also keep in mind that at-large dogs do violate county ordinance. As written in Section 9, subsection 5 of the Union County animal control ordinance:

“If a dog(s) is at large with other dogs and is acting in a manner found to menace, chase, display threatening or aggressive behavior or otherwise threaten or endanger the safety of any domestic animal, livestock or person, such dog(s) may be seized and impounded by the Sheriff or Deputy.”

Remember, keep your dogs on a leash or in a yard. Dogs at large cause problems for both the community and their owners.

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Elkhorn Media Group