City Lifts Muzzle Requirement for Dogs at Events

The Paducah Board of Commissioners has approved an ordinance to remove the requirement that dogs be muzzled at community events. 

The ordinance was adopted with a 3-1 vote. Commissioner Richard Abraham voted to leave the language as is, unless it was revised to completely prohibit dogs at community events.

"If we're going to take away the part of the ordinance that deals with the muzzle, we need to replace it with the language that says no animals allowed at city permitted events," Abraham said.  He mentioned that he saw dogs at BBQ on the River showing signs of stress because of the large crowds and the hot pavement. Abraham said he just couldn't put his own dog through that kind of situation.

Mayor Gayle Kaler said more research is needed on animals attendance at special events.  

When the ordinance was introduced last week, discussion included the difficulty in enforcing the muzzle requirement, and the need for pet owners to be aware of how bringing a pet to a community event may be stressful not only for pets but for the public.  

Even though the muzzle requirement is no longer in place, dogs at community events are still required to be licensed by either McCracken County Animal Control or by another state or county and to be restrained by a leash or lead that is no longer than three feet. 

The amended language was contained in Chapter 14, Section 32 of the Paducah Code of Ordinances.