04/05/1976 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 1 April 5, 1976 The special meeting of the Lino Lakes City Council was called to order at 8:05 P.M. on April 5, 1976 by Mayor Bohjanen. Council members present; Karth, Schneider, Zelinka. Absent; McLean. This meeting had been called for the express purpose of hearing public opinion con- cerning the proposed changes in the Dog Ordinance. Mr. Jorgenson asked what the present ordinance contained. Mr. Karth read from the the current ordinance in effect. Mr. King, who lives on 77th Street asked if this ordinance was being enforced at the present time. He is having trouble with dogs chasing his horses at 3:00 A.M. Mr. Zelinka said that when this occurs, Mr. King should call the Police. The Animal Control contract is effective on a 24 hour per day basis. Mayor Bohjanen added that if the dogs could be caught, the Police have a cage they are kept in until the animal control can pick them up. Mr. Schneider suggested the proposed ordinance be read and commented on. The Clerk read the proposed ordinance. Mr. Jorgenson commented on the requirement of having the dogs on a leash. He said children have enough problems riding their bikes without having to contend with loose dogs. Mr. Schneider asked for comments on whether a dog should be allowed off the leash if the owner is present. There were various reactions. Mr. Zelinka felt that working dogs on a farm should be allowed for. Some allowance for this type of animal clearly stated should be included. Mr. Bill Houle felt that some provision could be made for this type of animals. There was discussion of delivery men and utility men having to cross private property, with the possibility of being bitten by uncontrolled animals. Mr. Karth felt that the general opinion of this audience was a leash law is nece- ssary. Mr. Schneider felt the animals should be allowed off the leash to run. It was su- ggested that under Section I, Subdivision 'C', the following; 'under control of owner at all times on owner's property in presence of owner, or on a leash, or inside a fence high enough to contain animals' be added. Mr. Zelinka felt "anyone who has more than two (2) dogs should be required to have a kennel license, except for a litter of a female owned and licensed by owner and said litter is under six (6) months of age ". Chief Myhre arrived and was asked to explain the working arrangements with the an- imal control. He also said the State Statutes allows a private citizen to shoot a dog molesting domestic animals. Mr. Zelinka felt that some provision for a penalty against parents of children who tease dogs to the point distraction. There was discussion on this subject.