Forsyth County residents talk dog tethering

FORSYTH COUNTY - Local residents are divided on a proposed ordinance to provide restrictions on tethering animals outside.

Several residents voiced their opinions May 7 during a public hearing on the ordinance that could limit tethering to a maximum of three hours. County attorney Ken Jarrard said there were other definitions in the ordinance outlining sufficient shelter, food, water and space.

Forsyth County Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse said the purpose of the public hearing was to gather information and no action would be taken by the board following the hearing.

"These comments will be taken under consideration," he said.

"We will look at the need for any revisions. The earliest this could be revisited would be June 1."

Jill Franklin, executive director of the Humane Society of Forsyth County, spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance and said funds would be available to help local residents purchase appropriate shelter for dogs rather than tethering.

Charlie Smith, who also spoke in favor of the ordinance, said 460 registered Forsyth County voters have signed their names in support of the ordinance.

"These are just a few of the people we ran into and asked," he said. "We're trying to prevent long term tethering without adequate water and food."

But Forsyth County resident and former commissioner David Richard said this proposed ordinance change was a "constitutional issue."

"When you take rights away from one person," he said, "that is against the Constitution. It's as simple as that. Do you believe in the Constitution? If you do, then this needs to be voted down."

Other residents said they believed the ordinance needed more study before it is adopted. Commissioner Patrick Bell agreed.

"It looks like it does need to be cleaned up," he said. "I think we need to study this before we make any hasty decisions."

More information on www.forsythco.com.

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