Controversial changes to York County's animal laws could take another turn

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Controversial changes to York County's animal laws could take another turn after Monday night's County Council meeting.

For weeks, a committee has mulled over ways to protect people after increasing reports of dog bites in the county.

Councilman William "Bump" Roddey chairs that committee.  His goal is to make changes without burdening most dog owners.

"We have a small percentage of people committing all the violations," Roddey said. "So we have to make sure we get the right balance in there, and we don't overreach."

That's the fine line that has divided people over this issue for the last several years.

Animal rights groups pushed county leaders to make changes after seeing large numbers of dogs left chained in back yards across the county.  Many were fighting pit bulls, some were injured by heavy chains that dug into their necks.  Many have been found dead, or starving to death.

Experts believe chaining dogs makes them territorial and more likely to bite.

In 2009, the county didn't ban chaining, but instead set standards for the chains that can be used, regulating their length, width and weight.

However, Eyewitness News found that York County Animal Control has not ticketed many people for breaking the new law.  Only eight people have been cited for using improper restraints since 2010.

Instead, the county has issued warnings, more than 100 of them over the same period.

Animal Control Director Steve Stuber told Channel 9 that his office has taken the approach of educate first.

"We've wanted to educate people about what to do," he said. "Now that we've done that I expect we'll write more citations.  We've already written more this year so far."

Some have approached the county asking for a complete ban on tethering.  However, most county leaders don't seem prepared to go that far.

Another proposal up for discussion is to require that all female dogs tethered outside be spayed.

Roddey said the county could receive money to help offset the cost for some dog owners.

He said the county spends thousands of dollars to euthanize unwanted pets, and requiring sterilization could help stem that problem.

"We still have some things to hammer out, but I think we're on the right track, making some changes," Roddey said.

Michael Goforth of Clover told Channel 9 that county leaders should think twice about such a step, which he feels is overreaching.

"I think that should be up to the owner to make that decision," he said.

Council members were expected to take a first vote on the revised ordinance Monday night.

They're planning a workshop over the next two weeks before the next council meeting in September to iron out several details.

If it passes, just what the final law will look like is very much in question.   Council members rejected an ordinance just two weeks ago, feeling that it was asking too much of dog owners.

At one point a $75 county registration fee for dog owners was suggested, but it was scuttled due to the high cost.

"We have to strike a balance somewhere," Roddey said.

WSOC