Morrison police chief wants animals indoors at night

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MORRISON – Police want dog owners to keep their chained-up canines inside at night – no exceptions.

In response to mounting complaints about incessant barking, Chief Brian Melton has asked the City Council to make any dog left tethered outside between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. an offense warranting a fine ranging from $75 to $750.

The clause was added to the council’s tentative animal control ordinance, which is scheduled for a vote at the next meeting, because “we’ve had a big issue with people complaining about dogs barking through the night,” Melton said.

According to the ordinance, dogs can’t be chained up or leashed outside overnight. The only acceptable option is to ensure that dogs stay in the doghouse or go indoors, Melton said.

Fenced-in yards and dog runs aren’t addressed in the ordinance. Crates and kennels are an alternative to keeping dogs tethered, provided “you keep the crate in the garage or house,” Melton said.

Police “would be reasonable with enforcement,” and violations would start with verbal or written warnings, he said.

The measure was scheduled for a vote at Monday’s council meeting, but Alderman David Rose asked for the 2-week delay because, he said, “This is going to affect a lot of people.”

The ordinance

Police have asked the city council to approve restrictions on keeping domestic animals outside overnight.

The request comes in response to complaints of dogs barking through the night, according to Chief Brian Melton.

Ordinance No. 09-13 reads: “Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., no person shall keep, or cause to be kept in the city, any dog or other domestic animal, on a leash or chain outside in the absence of its owner or custodian.”

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