City board may break chains that bind ... dogs

Chaining dogs may be illegal in Texarkana, Ark., after Tuesday’s meeting of the city Board of Directors.

The board will consider an ordinance that would outlaw chaining or tethering dogs to stationary objects, instead requiring dog owners to use a “trolley system or a tether attached to a pulley on a cable run.”

The proposed ordinance results from resident Kimberly Miller’s complaints to the board at its last meeting on Feb. 6. Miller called the current city ordinance, which allows dogs to be chained if the restraint is at least 8 feet long, “barbaric and inhumane.” Animal Care and Adoption Center Director Charles Lokey agreed to work with Miller and City Manager Kenny Haskin on developing a new ordinance to bring before the board.

A public hearing on the measure is not scheduled for Tuesday, but the meeting’s agenda includes a citizen communication time, during which residents may address the board on any topic for up to five minutes each.

The board will also consider approving a new data transmission services franchise agreement with Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative Inc.

The 10-year agreement provides for a 4.25 percent franchise fee payment to the city, the maximum allowed by federal law. The agreement also spells out terms of service

and rights of way requirements for the company.

Also on the agenda is an ordinance that would allow David Peavy, owner of the downtown Ritchie Grocery Building, 215 E. Front St., to use city-owned land adjacent to the building. The ordinance would authorize a nonexclusive franchise agreement with Peavy to “use and occupy” land east and south of the building.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.