County Animal Control meetings begin in Chandler
By Kelly Griffith

The need to have animal control has increased with the increase of population to Henderson County.

"Once recognizing the need and defining the problem, a committee has been formed to create the solution," Judge David Holstein said, as the first public meeting to discuss the ordinance began.

The Animal Control Committee looked over many ordinances from surrounding communities and even some out of state to compile an ordinance to fit the needs of Henderson County.

"The old ordinance was hamstringing animal control officers because many things were not spelled out," Comin mittee Chairmen Orville Bevel said.

The new ordinance was designed to clarify the issues not spelled out in the existing ordinance and to state issues in a way that everyone may understand.

"The new ordinance has many definitions and no gray space so that the Sheriff 's Department may respond," Committee member, Norma Lambert, explained.

The ordinance states the difference between "domestic " animal, being common pets and the "wild" animals, no matter how long they've been captive, are still "wild animals." "Running at large" is defined as not being completely confined, restrained, the hands or under the supervision of its owner. "Dangerous " and "Vicious" animals + are also addressed, as well as "nuisance" animals.

Many questions as to what makes an animal a nuisance and what can or will be done about it were brought up and addressed during the meeting.

"I know we will get a lot of frivolous calls when the ordinance is first put in practice," Bevel said, "Animal Control Officers are not dog catchers. They can not catch every animal walking down the street. We need to identify the nuisance animals, and that is very much a judgment call."

The proposed ordinance details duties of an Animal Con- trol Authority and a Local Rabies Control Authority which together would be known as the Animal Control Authority. The Animal Control Authority would include any peace officer of the state of Texas, and would investigate complaints regarding animal nuisances, issue citations, and impound animals when appropriate.

Citizen Susanne Hannah asked if there was any talk about hiring more animal control officers. There are only two officers, John Haverly and Eric Ward, at this time.

"That will be determined after the ordinance," Holstein said, "after the officers see the work load."

A representative from each Henderson County and Cedar Creek Humane societies were present and said they want to co-operate the best they can because they know how in need the county is for the ordinance.

"Animal Control officers will play a big part once the ordinance passes," Holstein said, "but everyone must cooperate for the ordinance to work."

Future meetings to review the proposed ordinance and to voice public views are to be held in each of the following locations and are each set to begin at 7 p.m.

June 12 - Payne Springs Community Center

June 14 - Sunrise Shores Community Center

June 15 - Seven Points City Hall

June 18 - Malakoff Senior Citizens Building

June 19 - Henderson County Senior Citizens Building