In a attempt to improve living conditions for pets, Starkville’s Board of Aldermen unanimously amended existing animal control ordinances on March 2.
The amendments make simple changes to existing ordinances, such as the time and conditions in which animals can be tethered outside.
According to the new ordinance, area dogs cannot remain tied to any permanent fixture for over three hours in a given 24-hour span.
Another change aims at improving the conditions for animals in extreme hot or cold weather. It requires that animals have access to a dog house, or other climate controlled area when the National Weather Service issues a heat or cold weather advisory.
The amendments do not define climate controlled as air conditioned.
Ward 5 Alderman Jeremiah Dumas, who introduced the amendment, said the city’s reaction has been supportive thus far.
“A lot people are very positive about it. Frankly, people are tired of seeing [animals tied up for long periods of time],” he said.
Dumas also said Starkville police officers will not be responsible for enforcing these ordinances, but the Animal Control officers will.
“From talking with Animal Control, the ordinances have already started to show improvement. The officer was already able to use these new amendments to remove some animals from dangerous and unhealthy situations,” he said.
Dumas said initially there was a misunderstanding as to what the new amendments required, but after it was settled, all opposition to the changes disappeared.
“Initially there was some confusion as to what the amendments required, things like you couldn’t have a dog outside during cold weather, or they had to be in an air conditioned dog house,” he said.
But these changes have been a long time coming. Mississippi ranks last in the U.S. when it comes to animal cruelty and rights laws. Dumas said this is not only for the animals, but for the public good.
“These dogs tethered up become a public nuisance. They become aggressive, and most of the complaints come from their barking,” he said. “It really becomes a safety issue when dogs become aggressive because they have been mistreated and not taken care of by their owners.”
Starkville resident Pat Lucke said he thinks the new amendments are a good idea.
“I think these changes have been a long time coming. People often mistreat their animals, and these laws aren’t for everyone who takes care of their pets,” Lucke said. “I don’t think the city of Starkville is going to start inspecting dog houses, but I am just glad that they now can get animals out of some dangerous situations.”
The ordinance can be viewed on the City of Starkville’s Web Site.