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Unleashed dogs are a problem in rural areas of the county, Hershel Rainwater told the Kosciusko County commissioners Tuesday.
But the commissioners tabled Rainwater's proposed county animal control ordinance, saying it would be impractical until it could be properly enforced.
Individual cities and towns already have animal control ordinances, but Rainwater said one is necessary to protect rural residents as well.
He said he was prompted to take action and write the ordinance because of several incidents involving dogs with no tags, no collars and no apparent owners.
He collected ordinances from several towns in Kosciusko County and used them as a guide in creating his own proposed ordinance.
Rainwater said he is a dog-lover and he hates to see animals treated poorly. He mentioned finding several dogs tied to large drums in a woods near his house. He also graphically described an incident he witnessed where a dog was hit by four vehicles before the owner came to investigate. He insisted that these actions need to stop and that his ordinance will help.
The problem, the commissioners said, is enforcement.
"Until we have a way of enforcing any ordinance," said Kay Amsden, director of the Kosciusko County Animal Shelter, "the point is moot."
The commissioners made no decision on the ordinance, commenting that it's not as easy as simply passing an ordinance. They agreed with Amsden that without appropriate enforcement, there would be little point in an ordinance.
