Animal fines to increase

DUNKIRK — Pet owners will now be paying higher fines for allowing their animals to run loose.
City council members approved an ordinance amendment Monday, increasing fines and charging extra if an animal has to be tranquilized.
The new fine schedule calls for an increase in the cost for a first offense of letting a dog run loose from $15 to $25. A second offense would be $50 and a third offense would be $75. Also a $25 additional fine would be levied if the tranquilizer gun was used, bringing the totals to $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second, and $100 for a third offense.
The cost of boarding an animal at the city pound was increased to $10 from $5 a day, according to an ordinance amendment drafted by city attorney Bill Hinkle.
The fee increases had won tentative approval from the council during a discussion on March 28. During that discussion councilman Eric Bowler had urged higher fines and strict enforcement of the city’s animal control ordinance.
In a related matter Monday, Mayor Ron Hunt reported that Dunkirk resident Ted Darr has been appointed to serve as the new city animal control officer.
Stacy Fisher had been filling in at that position for several months after Alan Brown resigned from the part-time position, which pays $115 per week.
In other business Monday, a proposal to re-pave an alley or street near Hunt’s home on North Meridian Street was not discussed.
Councilman Tom Johnson and former mayor Sam Hubbard had complained about plans to resurface what was referred to as “West High Street” in a paving proposal submitted by street superintendent Howard Fisher.
Johnson and others say the street is actually an alley. A portion of the alley/street was damaged in 2010 during repairs to a water main.
Hunt says the proposal reflected a desire to restore the surface to its former condition.
In other action Monday, council members:
•Were presented with a proposed ordinance by Hinkle to prohibit purchase, possession or sale of substances known as synthetic marijuana and more commonly called “K-2” or “Spice.” The proposal will now be reviewed by council members and city police.
•Listened to a report from councilman Tom Johnson that the city will be taking applications for summer pool and park employees through May 9.
•Heard a report by Hunt that he has received several complaints about golf carts being driven on city sidewalks in violation of a city ordinance.[[In-content Ad]]