DOG-CHAINING ORDINANCE FOCUS OF BOARD MEETING

The fate of a proposed anti-dog-chaining ordinance may be decided at Monday’s meeting of the Arkansas-side Board of Directors.

The meeting’s agenda includes a third and final required reading of the new law, after which a vote is allowed.

The ordinance would make tethering a dog to a stationary object illegal within the city limits. Residents could instead restrain a dog with a “trolley system or a tether attached to a pulley on a cable run.” Violators

would be given a warning, and if they did not correct the situation within 10 days, animal control could seize the dog to protect its welfare.

Ward 2 Director Laney Harris has said he will not vote for the ordinance, citing concerns about the power it grants animal protection officers and about how quickly it will be implemented.

No public hearing on the measure is scheduled, but the meeting includes a citizen communication time during which members of the public may address the board on any topic for up to five minutes each.

New and increased city fees are also on the agenda. Directors will hear a first reading of an ordinance that could generate around $119,000 of revenue per year for the city by raising fees for some Fire Department and animal shelter services.

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

On Twitter: @RealKarlRichter