Council Work Session takes another look at Animal Control Ordinances and what's Best for Pets

The Crossville city council once again looked at some possible changes in rules on tethering dogs inside the city limits but a consensus remains elusive.

The city had formed a task force on animal improvements with several local animal welfare groups and had looked at an ordinance that would disallow tethering of dogs between 7 PM and 7 AM and during the day for no longer than 8 hours at a time but failed to get enough votes to pass it. Instead, during the March council meeting, the council decided to enforce the state laws that prohibit injuring an animal with tethering.

Dogs at the animal shelter (file photo)

The additional work session on the topic was requested by council member Pamala Harris to give the council a chance to discuss animal control issues like tethering a bit more and general humane treatment of pets. Said Harris, “We can set a good example for the community by improving our ordinances without being too restrictive.”

In addition to the current state law, a new regulation has been added that will not allow tethering dogs when the temperature is under 32 or over 90 degrees.

The Crossville Police Department's animal control officer Wiley Potter said there were concerns about tethering and he said the biggest problem that he saw was when the animal got tangled up on a tether and couldn't reach their food, water or shelter. Potter, who said he had not been involved in the initial task force meetings, pointed out that dogs have lived outside for 10,000 years and that some people did not want an inside dog.

In addition, Potter pointed out that they have been asking people to keep their dogs up in compliance with the leash law adding, “Tethering is how they do it. What are we going to tell them now?”

Another problem Potter said he sees is that that chain or wire can be too big or too small for the animal being tied. “Use common sense on tethering.” In other words, Potter explained, “Don't put a chihuahua on a heavy chain or a pit bull on a light wire.”

Now available for Andriod and Apple in

the Play Store and Apple App Store! 

Search: NewCarDawg

Visit NewCarDawg.com for more!

Potter explained that the state law requires that all dogs have food, water, and shelter. “I try to educate people and work with people,” Potter explained, “and if they don't do what I ask them to do, I cite them to court. You try to work with people, but sometimes they just don't understand.” Potter added that he looks at his job as education but he writes citations when he has to.

The ONLY Candidate with previous Mayoral

Experience: Doug Scarlett!

Paid Political Announcement

To find out more about Doug Scarlett

Visit DougScarlettForMayor.Com

The local animal welfare organizations including A Time for Paws and FOCCAS have programs that can help low-income citizens with getting a kennel to keep animals off of a tether. People can call the organizations and request assistance or referrals are made through animal control.

Council member Harris said, “There are strong opinions on either side of this issue. We have to take baby steps.” She felt the first baby step could be to address how an animal is tethered and make the ordinance something that can be enforced.

At least one citizen who attended the meeting spoke out complaining about the city telling her how to care for her animal.

While further discussion on a number of issues took place, additional study of the current situation and some local statistics were requested by the council.

Ms. Harris summed up her feelings saying, “I want to see what is good for our community."

Monday Special Called Meeting and work session set for City Council.

Crossville city council has held a number of meetings in April and will hold both a special called meeting and a work session on animal control Monday, April 16 starting at 5 PM in the third-floor conference room.

The main topic for the special called meeting is wastewater treatment plant emergency work. The city staff is working with the engineer on receiving quotes for sludge removal of two basins taken offline while the previous contractor worked on the expansion project. Earlier this month the city ended work by that contractor that was not satisfactory.

The ONLY Candidate with previous Mayoral

Experience: Doug Scarlett!

Paid Political Announcement

To find out more about Doug Scarlett

Visit DougScarlettForMayor.Com

In addition, city staff is reviewing a proposal from the second low bidder to complete mechanical work at the plant. Recommendations on both items will be available at the meeting for Council to consider.

Now available for Andriod and Apple in

the Play Store and Apple App Store! 

Search: NewCarDawg

Visit NewCarDawg.com for more!

In addition, a short consent agenda includes two items, one on allowing drive-through windows at liquor stores and also a budget amendment for additional testing required at the Dorton Landfill.

The work session to follow will discuss animal control issues and a presentation by city manager Greg Wood.  

The public is welcome to attend both meetings. 

Crossville city council work session on animal control set for April 16th

The Crossville city council plans to hold a work session on Monday, April 16 at 5:15 PM.

The meeting will be held in the third-floor conference room at Crossville city hall.  The topic of the work session is animal control and a presentation will be made by city manager Greg Wood. 

 The ONLY Candidate with previous Mayoral

Experience: Doug Scarlett!

Paid Political Announcement

To find out more about Doug Scarlett

Visit DougScarlettForMayor.Com

Council previously considered a dog tethering ordinance but after some discussion, the council instead felt they would enforce the state law already on the books. A previous discussion also reviewed a so-called community cat program that would catch feral cats, spay or neuter them, vaccinate them and then release them for residents to feed. 

City and Animal Advocacy groups working together.

Now available for Andriod and Apple in

the Play Store and Apple App Store! 

Search: NewCarDawg

Visit NewCarDawg.com for more!

March City Council Agenda looks at SCUD Merger, Handle Mill property, and new rules on dog tethering.

Crossville city council holds their regular March meeting Tuesday March 13 and will take up topics including a possible merger with the South Cumberland Utility District, discussion of possible purchase of the old Handle Mill property next to the Art Circle Library, upgraded traffic signal at West Avenue and Fourth Street and an ordinance regulating tethering of dogs.

Crossville City Hall

With several meetings and public hearings set for Tuesday, the audit committee meeting begins the evening at 5:15 PM and is followed by a public hearing at 5:45 PM on the plan of services for the proposed annexation of 8.75 acres of the Gardens and at 5:50 PM a report on annexation progress on the previous annexation of Orange Circle.

The council meeting starts at 6 PM.

Your phone can become a powerful way to

shop for your next vehicle!

Watch this video for more then visit

www.NewCarDawg.com!

Council members discussed the proposal during their March work session. Under the proposal, the management and employees would remain the same and directors would become an advisory board and continue to be appointed by the County Mayor. The proposal includes a decrease of $10.00 per meter per month and returning some $46,000 a month to customers for a total of $552,000 per year. Synergies of operation would include cross training of employees, convert software and convert retirement plans and health insurance.

Councilman J. H. Graham is proposing the matter and told the council at the work session that he nad Crossville finance director Fred Houston had prepared a pro forma report on how the finances would work.

“This pro forma clearly shows the $552,000 per year savings and what I believe would be significant savings to the city of Crossville,” explained Graham. When asked about matching the rates with those of Catoosa customers Graham said, “South Cumberland is charging $30 for 2000 gallons while the city's outside rates at $15.72 per 2000 gallons and we just can't swallow that the first year.” Graham added that it could possibly take 2 or 3 years to get the rates to match but the proposed $10 a month savings amounts to a 33 percent reduction over the current rates.

The matter of the possible purchase of the old Handle Mill is on the agenda and was briefly discussed during the work session. According to the discussion, the railroad property that passes through the property proposed for purchase will cost the city $22,500.

Council is expected to approve the changes to the contract with Tennessee Department of Transportation on the West Avenue Forth Street traffic signal upgrade. The signal will include crosswalks, ADA improvements and pedestrian lights. The city will be required to fund 20 percent of the ADA work, design, drainage and environmental certification.

Council will also be considering the first reading of changes to the animal ordinances that will change rules and when and how dogs may be tethered. You can read more about the dog tethering proposal at this link.

City of Crossville and Local Animal Welfare Groups Working Together.

Editor's note: The following information was provided by Crossville City Manager Greg Wood as part of efforts in partnership with animal welfare groups in the community and start a dialog in the community.  Your comments are welcome and will be shared with city officials. 

Don’t Tie Me Down

At the request of local animal rescues, the City of Crossville requested its staff form a task force to examine ways of legislating more cost-effective and humane care and control of dogs and community cats within the City. On the table for discussion were the tethering of dogs, trap, neuter, release/return (TNR) programs for community cats, and euthanasia of animals. The task force met and felt the first step was to begin an education process to help pet owners and the community understand the benefits of implementing the suggested changes.

One major item of discussion was tethering dogs. Research has shown dogs that are continuously tethered are much more likely to bite. Closely associated with that is a dog’s access to its food and water, especially, as often happens, the tether becomes wrapped around an object preventing the dog from reaching food or water and also shelter. The other issue also often associated with tethering is shelter from the weather or more properly lack of shelter because it is either not supplied or cannot be reached because of the entanglement issues associated with tethering.

The group realizes that sometimes tethering is the only option for a dog owner and some provision needs to be made for temporary measures. However, area rescues advocate alternatives such as kennels that will not require a large amount of property and allow a dog unencumbered access to food, water, and shelter. The result being a safer, happier, and healthier environment for the pet, the owners, and the neighborhood.

Dogs at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter

Another area that needs to be addressed are community cats, not to be confused with friendly strays. A common misconception is that neighborhoods would be better if these cats were completely eliminated. This contradicts evidence provided by the rescue groups which shows, these cats keep populations of unwanted wildlife such as rats and mice in check. They also protect their territory, so eliminating them just leaves a vacuum which results in new cats coming into a neighborhood. Many feel the better alternative is trap, neuter, release/return (TNR). This keeps the population where it needs to be (by stopping the multiplication issue) and allows the cats to be a beneficial part of an ecosystem.

There are several area animal welfare organizations that are working towards these goals including A Time for Paws (www.atime4paws.org/), Wags and Whiskers (http://www.wawpr.org/), and FOCCAS (https://foccas-tn.org/). Currently, FOCCAS is developing a program called FOCCAS On Breaking the Chains. This program seeks to help local families get as many dogs off tethers as possible. FOCCAS will find low cost, quality fencing materials, to be purchased by the pet owner, and their volunteers will provide installation and labor free of charge. Eventually, they hope to find funding to cover the expenses of the material for low-income families.

Crossville Council hears from animal advocacy group about need for ordinance updates

Meeting in work session, the Crossville city council talked about forming a task force to consider updates to animal control ordinances as suggested by local animal organization Time 4 Paws.

In addition, council discussed a proposal from the fire department on the purchase of two new frontline fire apparatus that could save the taxpayers $162,000.

Also, the council will consider a memorandum of understanding with a company that helps cities find ways to reduce energy costs and use the savings to pay for other types of improvements.

Karen McMeekin with A Time 4 Paws addressed the council about updates to the city's animal control ordinances. She said that the goal was to reduce the kill rate of animals in the community and to reduce animal abuse cases and see that abusers are penalized.

Karen McMeekin, founder of A Time 4 Paws

shared a photo of a dog on a chain with council

members during the October work session.

McMeekin explained that the community could be recognized as a no-kill community if the number of animals killed was 10 percent or less. She said that it is impossible to drop that number to 0 percent as some animals cannot be saved due to injury or illness.

According to McMeekin, when she first moved to Crossville she told the council the live release rate (animals that went to their owners home of to rescues) was only 10 to 15 percent. She said now the rate was between 85 and 85 percent.

Near the new car stores; not near the price!

Check out PARL PLACE MOTORS!

The purpose of A Time 4 Paws is to provide education and programs to the community and to assist the animal shelter in reducing the number of animals being killed. The group has not received any city funding in the 12 years it has operated and is not currently seeking any.

The city's current ordinances are very outdated and need language updated and improved McMeekin told the council. She added that they would not be attractive to new residents moving here.

The ordinances the group is proposing the council look at include limiting the amount of time an animal can be kept on a chain or wire run (wire between 2 trees with a traveling chain to give a dog a little more run then chained to a tree) as it can make an animal more dangerous. The group an assist with helping families with dog houses, fence building and other ways they can improve the dog's living condition.

Additional ordinances would cover a community cat program where feral cat communities are cared for, animals are marked, vaccinated and fixed and then don't have to be caught or otherwise become a burden on animal control. In addition an ordinance on rescue organizations and what they can do to assist with the animal problem.

Council discussed the formation of a task force that would include members of A Time 4 Paws, other animal groups and the city manager to review the current ordinances one at a time and bring back recommendations to the council at a future time.  

Council October Work session includes discussion on animal control, shooting park board appointments and more

Crossville city council holds their October work session on Tuesday, October 3 at 5 PM in conference room 317 as they prepare for their regular October meeting.

The work session agenda includes discussion on items that may be on the regular agenda set for October 10.

Crossville City Hall decorated for Fall

Karen McMeekin of the group A Time 4 Paws will be presenting several proposals related to animal control including one to establish a community cat program, regulations on animal rescuing and an ordinance that would prohibit tethering of dogs for more than 2 hours per day and not at all between 7 PM and 7 AM.

Council will discuss appointments of members to the Shooting Sports Park board of directors based on the city's agreement with the group and the city's donation of property for the park's use. The city can appoint two members and Mayor James Mayberry is recommending those members to be James Petty and Glen McDonald.

Ground was broken on the Shooting Sports Park development recently and the project is moving forward.

Park Place Motors

Near the new car stores; not near the price!

After hearing a presentation from the Tennessee Municipal League on a self-funded health insurance program they sponsor, the council will discuss what the next steps are that they want to take.

Council will discuss a request from the Cumberland County Playhouse for the city to provide a permanent water tap near the playhouse's water feature and preparing a gravel overflow parking area to be used for buses and overflow parking during peak show times. In exchange, the playhouse would donate 80 parking bumpers to the city.

The Grandview Utility District board has voted to request a ten-year renewal of their water purchase contract with terms identical to the contract set to expire at the end of this year.

John Conrad will make a presentation to the council concerning a proposed Crossville Greenway project of walking trails around the city. Several trails are under construction and planned by the group known as Friends of the Trails.

Council will also hear an update on the Cumberland Homestead Tower sewer connection matter.  

Dog attack incident sent one victim to UT hospital via helicopter-ownership of dogs involved in question

Reports of an incident Friday July 7 at a local pet training business that resulted injuries bad enough to send one of the victims to UT Hospital via helicopter ambulance came to our attention several days ago. After checking with numerous local law enforcement agencies Monday and Tuesday it became clear that no report related to the incident had been filed. The incident occurred at Rescue Training at 4668 Highway 70N near Creston Road.

Rescue Training location on Highway 70-N

The business, operated by Anna Lynch, posted information about the incident on their Facebook page Sunday July 9 saying, “I know there may be rumors or talk about an incident that happened Friday. I'm here to clear things up for anyone that has heard or is going to hear. Yes, something did happen at the office. Yes, we were taken to the ER via ambulance. But I am doing okay now. The other involved was airlifted to another location to receive proper treatment. They're now home resting and recovering. The event was a complete accident and it wasn't anything we could have predicted. Everything was done to the best of our abilities and for that we're thankful everyone's alright. No limbs were lost and we're both doing okay now.”

When contacted Wednesday by phone, Lynch said she couldn't identify the other victim but said she was an employee of the business and the medical bills would be covered under the business' workman's compensation insurance. In addition, Lynch said the dogs “didn't belong to anyone” and they were strays. 

“It was a situation that got a little bit out of hand, but everybody is recovering and well,” said Lynch. She could not explain why there were no law enforcement reports and indicated the county animal control was there.

The next call went to the animal control office and officer Ken Threet said that another animal control officer had responded but all they had done as he understood it was to transport the animals following the incident because two or three of the animals Lynch was working with came from the Cumberland County Animal Shelter. “The lady takes dogs in and tries to socialize them and I think two of them got into an altercation,” said Threet. He added they only had to transport the dogs that belonged to the shelter. According to Threet they didn't do a report because they had only been asked by the shelter Manager Andrea Gaskins to transport the dogs back to the shelter.

Threet said the incident was “kept in house” and he didn't think the sheriff's office was called. Threet stressed that he was not at the scene of the incident and his information was second hand. Threet did say that because the animals had been vaccinated they would not have been turned over to the Health Department. Also Threet also said there would not be a bite report because the dogs didn't viciously attack a person but “(The victims) were trying to break up a fight between the two dogs and got bit in the process.”

After several days trying to reach her, we spoke to the animal shelter manager Andrea Gaskins briefly on July 14, a week after the incident. Gaskins stated that she had not called anyone, contradicting information from animal control about how they got involved and when asked about the dogs involved, their names or what happened to them after they were returned to the shelter and the other inconsistencies in the information Gaskins only suggested either contacting Miss Lynch or county attorney Randall Boston.

After being unable to reach the shelter manager by Thursday calls were made to county mayor Kenneth Carey and the county attorney Randy Boston Thursday afternoon. After speaking to Mr. Boston Thursday evening and Mr. Carey Friday morning, neither man said they had heard anything about the incident previously.

County Mayor Carey called back and gave a statement saying that the dog involved was “fostered out through one of the organizations we work with so I don't think the county's got any liability at all.” Carey went on to describe the incident saying there was a chain link fence between the dogs “and they got to playing with each other and as they were playing, one bit the other on the lip and (the dogs) tried to fight through the fence.” Carey continued saying that the ladies were trying to pull the dog backwards and she fell and a chair fell on the woman and the dog and the dog bit the woman on the wrist.

Carey said that the facility where the dog and the incident happened is a licensed facility with a certified trainer all the proper insurance.

So far the victim of the more serious injury has not been identified.