FAYETTEVILLE -- The Washington County Quorum Court approved Thursday an ordinance to regulate people who own vicious, potentially vicious or hazardous animals during its meeting.
Dozens of Washington County residents turned out to hear a renewed debate on how best to regulate animals who bite or threaten people or other animals while off their owners' properties. The ordinance also regulates animals who get in roads or sidewalks and hinder people.
The legislation failed last month to muster enough votes to pass and died. It was brought back and debated Thursday during the Quorum Court meeting.
Several justices of the peace said they had concerns, including protecting farm animals and enforcement. However, the ordinance offered a graduated system for regulating animals in the county.
The ordinance is a relief for pedestrians, bicyclists and even motorcyclists, said Paxton Roberts, Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks executive direct. He was surprised the ordinance passed but happy, he said.
"The Quorum Court has fulfilled its public duty, he said."
The ordinance goes into effect immediately.
The legislation arose in late February after two bicyclists were chased by three pit bulls. One dog bit one of the bicyclists.
NW News on 04/22/2016