By Pamela Permar-Shierling
Glynn County will soon have an updated, more humane and more proactive animal control ordinance.
Lori Austin, Director of Glynn County Animal Services, briefed the Glynn County Board of Commissioners during their July 21 Special Called meeting on the proposed changes to the ordinance.
Under the proposed ordinance:
• it is unlawful to leave an unattended animal in a parked vehicle without proper ventilation if the outside temperature exceeds 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Law enforcement can legally enter the vehicle to rescue the animal and bill the animal’s owner for any medical expenses.
• spaying and neutering animals is mandatory for unregistered breeders, roaming outdoor cats and impounded stray animals.
• owners whose animals are impounded will have 30 days to spay/neuter after release. If the animal is impounded a second time, it will not be released until spayed or neutered.
No animal will be released from impoundment without a microchip which will be billed to the owner.
• adequate shelter is defined. Wire crates and cages are not allowed for use to contain dogs outside.
• Tethering is allowed however it is only permitted with a dual swivel trolley runner system at least 10 ft. long and 7 ft. high.
• Dogs are no longer allowed off leash in public.
• The Animal Control Director will have the ability to be proactive about a menacing animal and determine if the animal is menacing prior to the animal biting or injuring someone.
