Animal neglect, leash law explained

Hannibal’s two animal control officers are among the busiest men in town, as they respond to the complaints about animals made to the Hannibal Police Department every day.
Some calls are legitimate concerns - such as possible neglect - while others are simply the result of neighborhood disagreements, according to Shawn Dryden, who shares the animal control duties with Corey Thomure.
Dryden explained the local animal ordinance at the May meeting of the South Side Neighborhood Watch (SSNW) group, where he also answered questions.
 He has responded to approximately 500 animal complaint calls since January. To protect himself from being attacked by a dog, he carries pepper spray and a stick.
One portion of the law that is often misunderstood is the leash law, he said. “Dogs can run free on the owner’s property,” Dryden explained, but not on city property, such as a city sidewalk or street. And they need to be on a leash in any city park.
The law states: “Impoundment is authorized if an animal is found outside the owner’s property, or if an animal shows evidence of neglect or abuse. If an animal is impounded, the owner is notified within five business days by phone or mail.”

Unnecessary noise
means constant barking: Officer

Dryden explained the “unnecessary noise” portion of the animal law. The law states: “No person shall keep an animal or fowl that disturbs any person by making frequent or continued noise.” Dryden defined this as a dog barking continuously for five minutes, not occasional barking.
“The owner may receive a warning,” for the barking dog, “and the second time a ticket,” he said. To prevent the problem, he added, “the owner can put a (special) collar on it.”
Another thing some parents do not understand is who is responsible for a pet “owned” by a child, he said. “Unless the child owning the pet is age 17, the parents are responsible” and are to pay any fines regarding the animal.
If suspected animal abuse is reported, he said, “if water and shelter is provided, food is not required to be present at all times. ...No food does not mean neglect.”
In a case of reported abuse, Dryden added, “I check several times a week. Neglect is if a dog is left more than four days at a place not lived in, without food, water and shelter, or if I see someone kick or smack it, or abandon it.
“Another form of abuse is (using) a short chain,” he said. “It needs to be at least six feet. Abuse also is if living conditions are bad, and it has badly matted hair.”
One addition to the animal ordinance that was approved by the city council in 2003 limited the number of dogs or cats one person may keep in a home in Hannibal. This is a total is five, including both dogs and cats. An exception to the law is dogs and cats less than 6 months old. This law does not apply to any other animals.
The ordinance states that “keeping six or more animals requires a license from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and requires appropriate zoning and business license, if any, issued by the city. The fine for a violation is not more than $150, and each day the condition exists is a separate violation.”
The dangerous animal law applies to a more serious problem, Dryden said, and he gives about four tickets a months for this. This could be a dog that “lunges at someone, unprovoked, or a dog attacks another animal or a person.”
It also is any dog that has inflicted physical injury from a bite. It is quarantined 10 days, even if it has had its shots, he said.
He said the law is strict about dangerous dogs, and advised everyone to “protect yourself, your family and property. I’d rather see a dog get killed than you get bit.”
The ordinance states that if a municipal judge determines the animal shall be impounded he shall direct a police officer, humane officer or other appropriate person to capture or impound the animal or fowl.”
Dangerous dogs are defined by law as those that have “severely or fatally injured a person on any property, killed another animal without provocation off the owner’s property, are owned for the purpose of dogfighting, have bitten a person without provocation other than on the owner’s property, have chased or approached a person on streets or public ground or private property other than the owner’s or are known to attack unprovoked.”
Exceptions to the dangerous dog classification described in the city ordinance include actions of a dog that someone was teasing or otherwise tormenting or assaulting, or the actions of a dog while someone was attempting to commit a crime.
If a dog is classified dangerous, the owner has five working days in which to contact the chief of police to request a hearing and possible appeal. A dangerous dog is required to be impounded for 10 days at a municipal shelter or a veterinarian clinic in the city limits.
After that it must wear a bright orange collar and tag, identifying it as dangerous. Also, the premises must have a sign stating there is a dangerous animal, and the animal must be kept indoors or in a locked pen to prevent its escaping. If the animal dies or is sold or given away, the owner is required to notify the animal control department within 24 hours.