The Caclasieu Parish Police Jury recently adopted modifications to existing Ordinance No. 5650, of the Parish's code of ordinances that is specific to Animal Services. All new amendments and modifications to the ordinance will be placed into effect on Monday, July 6, 2009.
Listed below are the most notable changes to the ordinance:
• Section 5-1: Cruelty
The Police Jury has added that only trained personnel may provide ear cropping, tail docking, and other physical alterations of pets. Any untrained individual that is caught performing any of these procedures will be given a citation. Section 5-1 also adds cock fighting under this definition.
• Section 5-40: Citation
All citations written in the unincorporated areas of the Parish will be addressed under civil penalties. More information will be provided on each citation such as fine amounts, impounds and other charges to ensure that the offender receives accurate information.. Additionally, an explanation sheet will be attached to the back of each citation.
• Section 5-41: Hearing and Appeal
Each citizen receiving a citation will have the option of requesting a hearing to express their innocence. A 3 person panel comprising of representatives from the DA's Office, Public Defender's Office and the Humane Society will preside over each hearing.
• Section 5-44: Dangerous Animals
New additions to this section refer to ownership of animals that have been designated as being dangerous. Two color photos of the dangerous animal must be provided to Animal Services, as well as notification of ownership changes during the entire life of the animal.
• Section 5-47 - 5-49: Dogs Running at Large
All dogs must be on a leash, if not behind fenced in property. Also, any animal impounded for the 2nd time for running at large will receive mandatory sterilization.
• Section 5-47: Anti-Tethering
Dogs must be properly tethered; no direct point chaining of dogs to improper stationary objects, such as trees. Only approved tethering systems may be used.
• Section 5-58 - 59: Agencies Who Offer Vaccines & Micro-chipping
Any agency wishing to perform vaccines and/or micro-chipping must purchase all necessary licenses and tags.
• Section 5-64: Holding Period
Quarantined animals abandoned after 10 days become the property of the Calcasieu Parish Animal Services Department. No further effort will be made to contact the owner. However, unclaimed animals will not release the owner from penalty charges and all related fees that may have accrued.
Other changes were made to the Ordinance, and more information can be obtained by contacting the Animal Services Department at 721-3730.
Sulphur, La. —
