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REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF BUDGET #23 - STATE LIBRARY READER'S
ADVISORY GRANT: Steve Messick, library director, explained that
this grant had already been awarded. Iredell County is not
expected to match any of the grant funds; however, after the funds
are expended a telephone line would need to be maintained in
subsequent years. (Estimated cost $240 per year).
DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE:
Sidney Weisner advised that most of the revisions to the present
ordinance were done to be consistent with changes made by the
State. In reference to wolf -hybrids, Weisner mentioned that
several people had voiced concern about having these animals in
their neighborhood. Since rabies incidents have increased
recently, more wolf -hybrid bites have been reported (5 were
mentioned -- since 1988). Mr. Weisner said he did not know how
many bites had occurred in the past two years, and he did not know
how many dog bites had happened since 1988. Weisner stated he had
read in an animal control publication that wolf -hybrids were caught
between two worlds: domestic and the wild. Another article stated
wolf -hybrids could not be trusted around other animals, e.g.,
livestock. Further, another article said wolf -hybrids were
predatory animals. Weisner said that predatory animals
instinctively respond to distress signals emitted by other animals.
A small child crying (distress) could trigger an attack by a wolf -
hybrid.
Chairman Haire asked about an incident involving an attack on
a Bowen child. Weisner stated the bite did occur involving a wolf -
hybrid being boarded by Mr. Randal Bowen on his own child. (ucte,
Bowe oena end aalle wolf -hybrids and appeared before the oomiiaaionare at the January 7 meeting.)
Al Upton stated he and Mr. Weisner decided in July of 1996 that
changes needed to be made to the ordinance. Upton described the
present ordinance as "archaic." He mentioned that presently animal
control knows of one African lion in the County that weighs
aproximately 400 lbs. Upton mentioned that last summer a Burmese
python stayed loose in Mooresville for about six weeks.
Commissioner Fortner asked if animal control officers caught
the python. Weisner responded one of his officers caught the
animal during a summer weekend. The expense involved in the
capture (overtime, etc.) would be around $100-$200. In another
incident, Weisner related that a wolf -hybrid had escaped from its
owner. Iredell Animal Control Officers captured the animal at a
cost of over $500.
Fortner emphasized that when the "rights" of animal owners
were being stressed that citizens should be reminded of the
"rights" of the people who have to live in the communities where
the animals are living. Some people have expressed safety
concerns.
Commissioner Stewart asked about coyotes in the western part
of the County. Weisner explained the animals had existed for over
20 years in the northern end. It is possible, that some of the
animals migrated to the western section.
Commissioner Boone asked about the section in the proposed
ordinance that dealt with confining cats the same way as dogs.
Upton mentioned this was placed in the ordinance because of the
recent rabies epidemic.
Commissioner Boone said he had problems with some of the
animal definitions used in the proposed ordinance.
The county manager mentioned there were three areas that
needed to be addressed: (1) cats and a rabies requirement (2)
barking dogs and (3) exotic animals.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Haire adjourned the meeting at 6:45
p.m. �
APPROVED: ezef Ll�r
rk to the Board