Explanation Of City’s Pet Regulations And Pound Operation Given

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Pennie Berry, Administrative Assistant at the Gravette Police Department, has been instrumental in finding homes for many stray dogs and puppies which have been impounded at the city’s pound.

The News Herald asked her to provide information about the city’s regulations regarding pets, particularly dogs, and how the city pound operates if an animal is picked up.

“Here are some of the things I would like to make citizens aware of,” she said.

1. There is a leash law within the city limits and also in the unincorporated areas of the county. This means a pet must be under the control of the owner, on a leash or by command, but they may run free inside a fenced yard.

2. People who live within the city limits are required (MUST) register their dogs at City Hall. The city ordinance states: “All dogs over the age of three months shall be licensed yearly within the city.” A tag will be issued which can be displayed on the animal. The cost for spayed females or neutered males is $3.75, for unspayed females or unneutered males the cost is $10.

3. If people would keep tabs on their dogs and they get out “we could call them immediately and their dog would not have to stay at the pound.

“I have been trying my hardest to adopt out these dogs so that they do not have to be destroyed. I have placed over 20 dogs in great homes since I started here at the police department.My point is that sometimes I have to keep these dogs longer than the six days stated in the ordinance, and our current pound is not equipped for such a stay.

“Our dog food is donated by Wal-Mart, so we are not in need of food. The items that are in need are blankets or rugs for the dogs to lie on and collars and leashes so that they can be walked. Some items that are not so much a need, but a want, are chew bones, treats or toys to keep them occupied in their tinycages.

4. There is a pound fee of $15 per day per dog. The ordinance states: “After the expiration of six days after any dog has been impounded, the dog shall become the property of the city animal shelter to be disposed of at its discretion by death or by adoption.”

Berry continued, “My goal for this year is to get donations for a fenced in yard so that we can take turns with the dogs and let them have some exercise. This would also be beneficial when I have a family that has come out to view a potential adoptive dog.It would provide an area to let the dogs meet and greet them. I do not have any price totals on this project and it is all in my mind right now but I do intend to start working on it soon. We do not want to make the pound into a ‘shelter’ but I do not see any need in making their short stay with us miserable.”

If you are interested in helping solve this problem or have questions contact Berry at the Police Department: 787-6948.

News, Pages 9 on 03/31/2010