The city of Longview’s Animal Shelter Advisory Committee will be tasked with finding answers to the issue of dangerous and stray animals.
In February, 46-year-old Kenneth Pierson was killed by a pack of dogs while riding his bicycle near South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Rayburn Drive. His death prompted questions about enforcement of local animal regulations and other ways to combat that issue.
“We have to acknowledge the fact there was a life that was lost and that could have been prevented,” District 3 Councilman Wray Wade during the May 23 City Council meeting. Wade represents the area where Pierson was killed.
It’s a “multi-faceted issue” in South Longview, his District 3 and possibly District 2 he said. He wants for changes to happen with community input.
“I’d like it to take it back to the people,” Wade said.
Also during that council meeting, local animal welfare attorney Kelly Heitkamp presented some proposed ordinance changes he said she developed with input from local animal rescue groups and other people.
The proposed changes are a direct result of what she said she’s seen happen in her and District 2 councilwoman Shannon Moore’s district. She called for mandatory spay and neuter of pets, mandatory microchipping and mandatory registration.
Heitkamp said there would be some exceptions and financial assistance for people who could not afford the requirements.
“There is no intent to impose a penalty on pet owners. I would never do that,” she said.
“It’s intended to protect animals from overpopulation,” from reckless ownership and from people dumping animals. It will protect people and animals, she said.
“I don’t see an alternative to mandatory, spay, neuter, microchipping and registration,” Heitkamp said. “Otherwise we’re going to be living in some type of third world country.”
She also suggested that rabies vaccines should only be given every three years, as recommended by pharmaceutical companies providing those vaccines and as is standard in many places.
Longview resident Gary Krell at the council meeting also called for tighter regulations “removing barriers” to having a dog declared dangerous. A dog owner who is fined for loose animals should face enforcement of that punishment, or “the most irresponsible dog owners will never change their behavior,” he said.
New Mayor Kristen Ishihara encouraged residents to contact her and their council representatives about their concerns.
“This is something I want the community to know the council does not take lightly,” she said.
Other council members said other areas of town have similar problems with loose and dangerous dogs.
With the council’s agreement, Ishihara said she would refer the issue to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee. Public meetings will be held to gather input, with Ishihara suggesting that measures such as additional hours of operation for animal control officers and beefing up ordinances addressing punishment for irresponsible pet owners could be among solutions.
Meetings notices will provided so the public can know about and attend meetings.
