ORDINANCE 96-14

AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE CONTROL
OF ABANDONING OR DISPOSING OF PETS, PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND
OTHER PURPOSES:

Whereas, the disposing or abandoning of pets has become a serious problem in the County of White, and is a hazard to the health and property of the citizens of this County:

Whereas, the existing laws are not sufficient to accomplish the control of disposing or abandoning of pets and this ordinance is necessary to add to proper pet control and enforcement efforts, to improve the quality of life for all citizens of White County;

Now, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the Quorum Court of White County, Arkansas, as follows:

Article 1. It shall be unlawful to drop, deposit, discard or otherwise dispose or abandon pets upon any public or private property in this county.

Article 2. If any pet is found located in such a manner as to violate this ordinance, and that pet has been identified as having been disposed of or abandoned by a particular person or persopns that shall be prima facie evidence that said person or persons disposed or abandoned the pets in violation of this ordinance.

Article 3.    (a) Every person convicted of a violation of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

    (b) The fine for a violation of this ordinance shall be not less than $100.00 or more than $500.00 for the first offense and not less than $500.00 nor more than $1000.00 for a second offense.

    (c) Any time a person supplies information to law enforcement officials which leads to the conviction of a person who violates this ordinance, said person is entitled to a reward of $50.00 of the fine imposed and collected.

    (d) In addition to the enforcement penalties, any violator may also be required to remove litter from along the public roads and from public places in White County and at other appropriate places for a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days.

Article 4. If any provisions of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.

Article 5. It is hereby found and determined by the Quorum Court of White County, Arkansas, that the control of abandoning or disposing of pets in White County is essential to the health, welfare, economic growth and development of the Citizens of this County, and that this ordinance is necessary for the protection and preservation of the life, health, safety and property of this Counties citizens. Therefore, a public emergency is declared to exist and this ordinance being necessary for the immediate preservation and protection of the life, health, safety and property shall take effect and be in force immediately from and after its enactment and approval.

 

APPROVED: Glen Jones

GlLEN JONES WHITE COUNTY JUDGE

ATTEST: Mary Mann

MARY MANN, COUNTY CLERK

DATE: August 17, 1994

 

Sponsered by: Justice Bobby Reaper

           To White County, AR Government