Dog license law has stiffer penalties

By AARON BOHACHEK

Staff writer

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry’s new version of ordinance Title 5, Chapter 3, section B pertaining to dogs in the city limits was amended with ordinance 539 at the March 4 city council meeting.

The new amendments got rid of redundant and confusing language in the old ordinance and set stiffer penalties for nuisance and unlicensed dogs.

Section 1 amends city code 5-3B-1 to include any dog which enters city limits to the scope of the law.

Section 2 amends city code 5-3B-5 to delete language defining dogs running at large and penalties. The amended version references the more thorough and complete Idaho code 25-2805, which has the same principles and penalties.

Section 3-A changes the definition of a “nuisance” dog to say, “A dog is a “nuisance” if it incessantly barks so as to cause a disturbance.” Formerly, the definition included, “chases cars or becomes a hazard to the driving public; damages private or public property by thereon digging, defecating, urinating, burying, breaking, tramping or getting into garbage cans; bites any person; Incessantly barks so as to cause a disturbance; or is on school grounds during school hours.”

Section 3-D sets increased penalties for nuisance dogs. Fines for owners convicted of having a nuisance dog will go from $15 for a first offense to $50.

Second offense fees will go from $30 to $100. First and second offenses will be infractions. Third and subsequent convictions for having a nuisance dog will result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $300 and court costs. Impound fees of $20 will also be charged for nuisance dogs that are impounded.

Section 4 amends city code 5-3B-8 and establishes a fee for refusing or neglecting to license dogs.

Dogs licenses are required for any dog within city limits. The license costs $10 if purchased before Jan. 31 every year or $20 after that date. The fee will be $50 for every year a license isn’t purchased.

City code 5-3B-8 formerly called for disposal of unlicensed dogs. The language that was deleted read, in part, “Any person neglecting or refusing to take out a license for any dog or dogs owned or harbored by him is hereby required to catch and deliver such dog or dogs to the police chief or any other officer detailed therefor, and said officer shall cause the dog to be killed or otherwise disposed of in a humane manner.”

The final change to the dog control ordinance again uses definitions and penalties in Idaho Code 25-2805 to enforce city code 5-3B-11 concerning vicious animals.