While stopping short of banning specific breeds of vicious dogs,a new animal control ordinance nevertheless takes a stronger stancetoward reducing the number of animals running at large in thecity.

Activities deemed unlawful under the new law, which is scheduledto take effect in about a month, include:

* Permitting an animal to run at large in the city

* Carrying out inhumane treatment of an animal

* Interfering with or molesting police department dogs

* Keeping animals that cause a nuisance due to habitual barkingor other noises

* Keeping more than four domesticated animals of the samespecies in a residential area

* Keeping or maintaining pens and other animal enclosures thatcause a nuisance

* Keeping or maintaining animals that cause a nuisance due toodor

* Failing to provide proper care for animals

* Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle

* Exposing an animal to a poisonous substance that would beharmful if ingested.

The ordinance addresses a number of other animal-related issues,such as prohibiting ferocious and vicious animals, and identifiesthe steps the city may take when violations occur.

Violations of the ordinance are subject to fines ranging from$125 to $1,000, including the possibility of up to 90 days in jail.City officials emphasize it would be up to the municipal courtjudge’s discretion in determining the punishment.

Strict enforcement of the new ordinance could fill the city dogpound with animals and the city courtroom with their owners,including some elderly residents whose frisky little friends simplyescape from their yards a little too often. Police Chief PapHenderson, though, is confident the law can be “sensibly” enforcedwithout the need to resort to citations – unless necessary due torepeated problems.

So pet owners, you have been warned!