Dangerous dog ordinance update OK'd on first reading

McCOOK Neb. — The McCook City Council approved the first of three readings of an ordinance amending three ordinances related to dangerous dogs during the Nov. 18 McCook City Council meeting. The revised ordinances include Section 90.33 concerning dangerous dogs and hybrid animals, Section 90.36 regarding the confiscation of such animals, and Section 90.45, which addresses the impoundment of animals without immunization tags.

The amendments stem from collaborative discussions between the McCook Humane Society, city officials, and the city attorney, targeting significant concerns about dangerous animals in the community.

City Attorney Nate Mustion highlighted the necessity for these changes during the meeting, noting that the amendments arose from concerns raised at the Humane Society.

“We recognized shortcomings in our current regulations that needed addressing,” he stated.

A fundamental change includes a broader definition of what constitutes a dangerous dog, now encompassing those that inflict harm on other animals requiring veterinary attention rather than limiting the definition to dogs that kill other domestic animals.

Another critical update allows euthanizing dangerous dogs deemed too hazardous to handle or board. This provision is a direct response to recent incidents involving vicious dogs housed at the Humane Society, where staff members faced safety risks while caring for these animals awaiting court hearings. “It’s not tenable in some situations for them to care for dangerous dogs, and we needed to provide them with authority to address this,” Mustion explained.

The revised ordinance also tackles rabies concerns by stipulating that dogs lacking proof of vaccination may be euthanized and tested for rabies to protect public health. This measure is particularly relevant following an incident where a pregnant woman was bitten by a dog without vaccination documentation, raising serious health concerns for her and her unborn child. “This makes it a lot easier for us to act in emergencies,” Mustion remarked.

During the ordinance’s introduction, the Council engaged in rigorous discussions about dog licensing and owner responsibilities. Although there is no licensing fee, Mustion emphasized the importance of tracking vaccinations and promoting responsible pet ownership. “We have too many bad dog owners,” he stated, reinforcing the goal of ensuring community safety and establishing clear protocols for handling dangerous situations.

In addition to the dog ordinance, the Council moved swiftly through the agenda, approving the consent agenda without discussion. Among the items was a significant request for qualifications related to the design of a new sports complex. City Manager Nate Schneider expressed gratitude for the interest shown by six design firms, stating, “Our plan is to interview all six firms on the same day. The interviews will be open to the public in the fire training room on the second floor.” Following the interviews, a committee will recommend a preferred design firm to the Council, with hopes of finalizing a contract by Dec. 16 using unallocated ARPA funds.

The consent agenda also included the approval of $50,000 from the LB 840 Motor Vehicle Fund to construct West 14th Street. Recent commercial and industrial development in the Third Fairacres Addition has led to increased drainage issues, prompting renewed discussions about finding solutions. The proposal aims to alleviate runoff problems affecting local properties during rain events.

Schneider elaborated on the need for a street improvement district and a storm water improvement district. The latter would address storm water runoff challenges caused by hard surfaces replacing natural grasses. A drainage plan developed by W Design Associates proposes constructing three storm water detention ponds on the property of Mike and Sally Daffer.

They have requested financial compensation of $10,000 from the city for the easement that would restrict their property usage.