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Fur flies on change to animal ordinance By JILL BRISKEY Jackson County Animal Control officers hope a proposed ordinance will make it legal for them to enter private property to help animals in need of emergency medical care. Jack Walker, a member of the Jackson County board of commissioners, fears the proposal could violate the rights of property owners. If accepted, the ordinance would let animal control workers provide care in emergency situations without a peace officer present. Currently, animal control must be accompanied by a Jackson County sheriff's deputy to perform the same task. With their resources spread thin, it's a task that can take days to arrange. The issue will go before commissioners Wednesday at a 9:30 a.m. meeting in the courthouse auditorium at 10 S. Oakdale Ave. A public hearing will follow Nov. 21. According to animal control director Colleen Macuk, the new rule won't take away civil rights and has nothing to do with animal seizure, search warrants or the rights of a pet owner. It allows animal control officers to provide a distressed animal emergency care, shelter, water or food. "It's something we've been working on getting into place for quite some time," Macuk said. "It's just about (an animal's care)." Animal control officers cannot enter private property without permission of the property owner, unless accompanied by a peace officer. It's considered trespassing. The ordinance would change that, she added. "It just allows them to do that without a peace officer," Macuk said. During a study session Thursday, Walker said he was concerned about the rights of property owners. He said he worried that the ordinance would give animal control officers too much freedom. "That's an issue we need to be concerned about," Walker said. "I have a little problem with that." Deputy County Administrator Dave Kanner said it is unlikely animal control officers would enter private property unless the situation was grave, but recommend the commissioners speak with animal control officials on Wednesday. "I don't think we're talking about the German Shepherd that hasn't been fed in a couple of days," Kanner said. "This is different." Macuk said animal control officers seek assistance from sheriff deputies on a regular basis in order to provide emergency care. "In the summer, it's just constant," she added. She said emergency care is provided only in an emergency situation. That includes medical needs, lack of food and water or lack of proper shelter. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.