News, sports and entertainment for Richland Parish, La.

Stray dogs causing problems in Tensas Parish

At the last St. Joseph town meeting, residents  complained about the continued neglect of several issues important to them.  
On more than one occasion, the existence of stray animals, particularly dogs, was discussed.  
Mayor Edward Brown stated that citations could be issued to owners for disturbing the peace, however residents explained that the dogs are the “town’s dogs.”  
He said that the police chief had spoken with a police juror and decided that it is a parish issue to house stray animals.  
He said that the chief was told that the parish did not have funding available to do that.  “If it is a State mandate, I believe the State should fund the project.  There was an ordinance way back when the town took on the responsibility of veterinarian by giving stray animals shots”, stated the Mayor.  
“We are not going to shoot a dog, and the parish will not shoot them.  That is something we are going to work on.”  
There used to be a storing pen for dogs until they could be transported to another facility, either to Vicksburg or Natchez.
Brown said that he and the Aldermen would meet with the Police Jury, and find out  if the state mandates that the parish  must provide animal control services.  
Louisiana Revised Statute 3:2774 states that each parish shall provide suitable shelters or facilities for dogs seized.  Shelter requirements are set by state law.  
Nothing contained in the Statutes limits the parish from setting fees and fines for the operation of its animal control program or for the effective enforcement of its animal control ordinances; however, in the absence of  ordinances, the parish  shall rely on Louisiana law.  
Dogs owned by citizens  are declared to be personal property.
Any citizen may, or the sheriff, constable, or other police officers of any parish or municipality shall seize any dog found running at large on any road, street, or other public place, or trespassing on any premises.  
If the owner can be identified, they must be notified in writing that the dog has been seized and impounded, and that the owner has seven days to claim the dog, plus pay a fee of $1 plus an additional 25 cents for each day it is impounded.
 If not claimed, it shall be disposed of in a humane manner.  
The State is very specific in regards to what humane disposal means.  
Euthanasia methods and procedures must conform with recommendations outlined in the report of the American Veterinary Medical Association on Euthanasia, dated July 1, 1978.  
Euthanasia by intracardiac injection on cats and dogs shall be prohibited unless the animal is unconscious or rendered completely unconscious and insensitive to pain through the injection of an anesthetic.
Euthanasia personnel shall attend the Humane Society of the United States Academy on Euthanasia or an equivalent program within one year of date of employment.
The Louisiana Animal Welfare Commission in Baton Rouge was created to ensure and promote the proper treatment and well-being of animals.
The LAWC’s duties include responsibilities such as  supporting  local animal control enforcement efforts and making recommendations for rules and regulations which may be adopted by parish authorities for the proper care and treatment of animals.  
Louisiana law also states that any citizen or officer may kill any dangerous or vicious dog, and shall not be liable for damages or to be subject to prosecution.

For more news from Tensas Parish, subscribe to The Tensas Gazette by calling 318-766-3258.
 

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