On Tuesday, La Plata County commissioners will consider the first of two readings of an unprecedented ordinance to silence barking dogs and crack down on animal cruelty.
“Problem dogs” in rural parts of the county is a decades-old issue, and a year ago, commissioners and staff began to draft the county’s first regulations to address it. Their efforts have been guided by the La Plata County Humane Society and District Attorney’s Office, and fueled by suggestions and complaints from the public.
Under the proposed regulations, penalties will be established for owners of dogs at large and continuously barking dogs. These penalties, which start with warnings, can escalate to court summonses and fines.
The new code also would define and establish regulations for “vicious dogs” and prohibit animal cruelty.
The meeting will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the County Administration Building, 1101 East 2nd Ave. Public comments are welcome.
jpace@durangoherald.com
Proposed barking dog code (PDF)