Common animal control problem discussed by Board of Mayors

 

Last updated 10/10/2018 at 9:41am



The topic of animal control was brought up at the Regional Board of Mayors meeting on Monday, a problem all the towns have in common.

Electric City Clerk Russ Powers said Electric City has issues with dogs running at large, feral cats, unlicensed animals, and other animal-related issues. He said that Lorna Pearce, city clerk in Grand Coulee, told him the problems are the same in Grand Coulee.

Elmer City has their share of dog issues. Mayor Pro Tem Don Bonertz cited an incident of dogs scaring a little girl in Elmer City.

Coulee Dam Mayor Pro Tem Bob Poch said Coulee Dam isn’t without its animal issues, but that it’s not as big of an issue there as it is in the other towns.

Powers said that the local vet doesn’t want to take in these problem animals.

“The police end up having to take them to Moses Lake and put these dogs in the shelter down there, and that’s a huge expense for the police to have to go down there and do that,” Powers said. “The police officers here aren’t really trained or equipped to handle dangerous or any other kinds of animals in their police vehicles.”

“This last one was really interesting,” Powers continued. “He had to take an extension cord and tie it into a kind of noose, and run after this dog in this dude’s yard … it’s insane!”

Those present at the meeting discussed possible solutions to the problem, such as hiring a regional animal control officer or facility run by one or two people.

“The complication, if we develop something local,” said Grand Coulee Mayor Paul Townsend, “is that if you’re going to do any kind of containment, you have to have at least a semi-manned facility. You’re talking man power, equipment, and a space.”

“Personally, I think it’s a good idea,” Poch said, “but funding is going to be an issue, space is going to be an issue, compliance is going to be an issue. But those are all things that can be overcome.”

All agreed to think about the animal control problem more.

 

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