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City Discusses Amending Dog Muzzle Ordinance

City Discusses Amending Dog Muzzle Ordinance
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By Adam Morton
Sep. 20, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY
By Adam Morton Sep. 20, 2016 | 07:44 PM | PADUCAH, KY
The Paducah Board of Commissioners is considering doing away with the city's muzzle ordinance for dogs at public events.

The current ordinance requires dogs to be muzzled when in attendance at special community events, such as BBQ on the river, and the Lower town arts Festival. Mayor Gayle Kaler along with Commissioners, City Manager Jeff Pederson, Paducah Chief of Police Brandon Barnhill, and Lower Town resident and dog owner Patience Renzulli brought up several topics related to the dog ordinance. One point of discussion included the difficulty in enforcing the muzzle requirement. It was also noted that public education is needed to make pet owners aware of how bringing any pet to a special event may be stressful to the animal.  

The dog ordinance also says dogs that owners bring to special community events are required to be licensed, and must be on a leash that is no longer than three feet.

Only the muzzle portion of the ordinance is under review right now. If passed, dogs would no longer be required to wear a muzzle.

Police Chief Brandon Barnhill said, "Its roughly a twelve year old ordinance. I think it is in time for some review. [It] needs to be a comprehensive review to see what other options or other items need to be included in the overall ordinance. Not just the removal of  muzzles themselves."

Barnhill said he would like to see the city look at other types of animals in the review, not just dogs. He said that he is pro animal for Paducah, and even mentioned he had two dogs of his own, but his number one priority is protecting the public.

The Paducah Board of Commissioners will vote on the change at their next scheduled meeting.  
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