1985-14075-Minutes for Meeting June 12,1985 Recorded 7/9/198585+140'75
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
DOG CONTROL BOARD
JUNE 12, 1985
VOL 64 PAVE 897
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Commissioner Prante called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.
Commissioner Maudlin was in attendance, Chairman Tuttle was
absent.
Commissioner Prante explained that the Board is meeting at this
time on the issue of dogs killing livestock, and requested that
there be no emotional appeals.
Leslie Edgecomb, Deschutes County Animal Control Officer,
reported her findings. She stated that on May 26, 1985, she was
dispatched to Shoshone Road with a call regarding two dogs in
custody that had killed two rabbits. She responded to the call
within 15 minutes and observed two dead rabbits and two dogs (see
attached photographs) in a four foot welded wire enclosure.
Officer Edgecomb reported that when she received the telephone
call from Larry Prince, son of Micheal Prince, owner of the
rabbits, informing her of the incident, he stated that he would
have shot the dogs, but he did not have a gun. Officer Edgecomb
stated that she recognized the dogs from a call she had been sent
out on May 1, regarding dogs running at large. She had, at that
time, advised Jack Lawson Jr. that the dogs were in violation of
the Nuisance Ordinance. Mr. Lawson advised Officer Edgecomb that
he would make certain the dogs were confined. Mr. Lawson
requested a Hearing before the Board.
Commissioner Prante asked Officer Edgecomb if in her mind
those were the dogs involved? Officer Edgecomb answered yes.
Commissioner Maudlin asked Officer Edgecomb if there were
complaints issued about dogs chasing livestock? Officer Edgecomb
answered no, the complaints were regarding dogs running at large
in the area.
Jack Lawson Jr., stated that the first time he got the warning
he was told that the Border Collie was running loose and not the
English Pointer. Mr. Lawson stated that at that time he was
building a kennel and has since completed the kennel. He stated
that he didn't deny that his dog did it; however, he didn't feel
that his dog is real vicious, and that the pointer is constantly
chained up. He explained that his father was working on some
property and had taken the dogs with him. Supposedly the dogs
got loose and ran back to the house.
-� VOL 64 FA,,r 8.8
Commissioner Maudlin asked the age of the dogs. Mr. Lawson
stated that both of the dogs were seven months. Commissioner
Prante explained that the Board does not have the latitude of
what has been done subsequent to the issue here. The issue for
the Board to determine is whether or not the dogs were involved
in the killing of livestock, which includes rabbits. The law is
set up to set up to protect the livelihood of the people who use
ranching to make a living. The law says that your right to make
a living superscedes your right to have pets. Our only latitude
as if there is a question as to whether these were the dogs. If
they weren't the dogs, and there is reason to believe there was a
mistake then we can make that determination, but if the dogs were
indeed involved, the law does not allow that latitude.
Commissioner Prante asked Micheal Prince if he wanted to com-
ment. He responded no.
Commissioner Maudlin stated that based on the information they
had received, they have no choice to have the dogs put to death
in the most humane manner as possible.
MOTION: MAUDLIN: So moved.
PRANTE: Second.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS APPROVAL.
Commissioner Prante added that there is a purpose to the law that
owners of pets must be responsible to see that they are confined.
We are a rural area and livestock takes precedence.
Hearing adjourned.
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
LAUR,F44CE UTTLE, C RMAN
L S B STOCOMMISSIONER
DI MAUDLIN, COMMISSIONER
BOCC:kbw
85-201.1