A question of how to fund a proposal to strengthen a city animal ordinance topped the agenda at Wednesday’s meeting of the Ironton City Council’s Finance Committee.

Thursday, August 03, 2000

A question of how to fund a proposal to strengthen a city animal ordinance topped the agenda at Wednesday’s meeting of the Ironton City Council’s Finance Committee.

Councilman Bob Vaughn proposed two ammendments to two ordinances dealing with nuisance animals at the July 27 council meeting.

One of the measures offers a stricter definition of nuisance animals, including in that category any animal that "digs, urinates or defecates on any lawn, tree, shrub, plant or building or any other public property."

The other deals with pets that are allowed to roam around the city.

Both measures call for increased penalties for pet owners.

Several council members questioned the city’s financial ability to enforce the proposed regulations.

"I think we all agree that there is definitely a cat problem," council chairman Jim Tordiff said. "It is definitely unfair to property owners to constantly have things such as their flower beds destroyed. But I think the question needs to be answered as to who specifically will be called on to handle the problem."

He said the city can’t afford to add an extra burden to the dog warden. He also added that the Humane Society is an agency that enforces animal cruelty laws, not confinement issues.

"I think the question becomes ‘who handles the problem and how is it paid for?’ and when we have answers to that, I think we can make a better assessment on the issue," Tordiff said. "I feel the cat population is a definite problem, but I think the bigger problem is that we’re looking at one problem against many other even bigger problems."

Councilman Leo Ulery said the proposed ordinance has too many financial questions that are unanswered at the time.

"There are just too many unknowns," Ulery said. "There is a problem, but from a financial aspect, who pays for the program when a stray cat is the problem … which is very common around the city. I think we need more information on the costs of the project should it be implemented."

In other business, Tordiff also discussed possible job loss at River Valley Health System and what the city can do to help.

"There are a lot of rumors going around lately," Tordiff said. "I’m not sure exactly what we can do to find some truth behind any of them, but I definitely feel the city should consider something."

Councilman Jesse Roberts recommended the city forward a letter to RVHS administrators addressing the issue.

"I think we should definitely act on the situation," Roberts said. "We’re not sure exactly what is going on, but I think the mayor’s office should send them a letter addressing the city’s willingness to help in any way we can."