Published: July 09, 2008 08:37 pm            

Citizens speak out on noisy dogs

TAZEWELL, Va. — If the town of Tazewell passes an ordinance regarding dogs that excessively bark, howl, caterwaul or otherwise disturb their owner’s neighbors constantly, it will join other municipalities across the region with similar rules for pet owners.

Members of a large audience shared views Tuesday with the Tazewell Town Council about an ordinance regarding dog owners with dogs that make excessive noise, said Police Chief Brian Hieatt.

“There was a public hearing,” Hieatt said. “We had 59 people, standing room only, and we had half for and half opposed to the proposal.”

Under the ordinance being considered, a person can face fines if it has been determined that they allow their dogs or another animal “to bark or create other harsh or excessive noises,” according to the proposed code. Two or more people who are not from the same household must be disturbed by the dog or dogs noise.

The ordinance lists a fine of up to $50 for a first offense with a maximum fine ranging from $250 to $500 for a fourth offense.

Hieatt said the ordinance is not aimed at stopping every barking dog, just those that are barking excessively, especially throughout the night.

The ordinance’s second reading is scheduled for Aug. 12. Then the council will vote on whether to approve it.

Across the region, other communities have similar ordinances. For example, in Grundy, Va., there are codes covering barking or howling dogs and dangerous or viscous dogs. Any person annoyed by a loud, frequent, continuous or untimely barking or howling may enter a complaint by warrant to the general district court. Violators can face a Class 2 misdemeanor and fines for repeat offenses.

In West Virginia, municipalities also have ordinances holding pet owners responsible for their dogs. Bluefield recently passed a dangerous dog ordinance, said City Clerk Helen Mitchell, and she added that she was sure there are also barking dog ordinances in the city code.

Princeton has an excessive barking ordinance, said City Clerk Ken Clay. Violators can face fines of up to $500, up to 30 days imprisonment or both.

Clay said the ordinance is not used often.

“We don’t get many instances of it. I have a memory of at least one case that went to trial about 10 years ago,” Clay said. “The complaining neighbor kept a log, a journal of the dates and times the dogs were barking. I think even one neighbor kept a tape recording.”

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

        

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