Marion County Board Chair Debbie Smith says she doesn’t favor a leash law for all dog owners in the county, but she still wants to find a way to deal with dog owners who cause their neighbors problems by continuing to allow their dogs to run at large.
Smith’s comments come following a Community Relations Committee meeting last week where the committee agreed to look for any existing ordinances on the books that could be used to deal with the issue or look at the pros and cons of creating a leash law. Smith says a review of existing ordinances has not yet been completed. If something doesn’t exist, she’s hopeful there is a way just to address the dog issue when it becomes a repeat problem.
Smith has also clarified her position on wanting to ban some open burning. She is now suggesting any limitations on burning manmade items such as clothing or mattresses only be banned in more populated areas where the smoke is causing adverse effects on residents. Smith already had said she did not have problems with those outside city limits having burn barrels.
Smith’s comments come as county board members tell her they are getting a negative reaction from their constituents on the ideas.
