Morgan County Commissioners Pass Dog Ordinance
from HSMC's Newsletter, First Quarter 2010
On January 21, 2010 the Morgan County commissioners adopted an anti-tethering dog ordinance. The vote was 3-0. It became effective upon passage. The ordinance restricts the time that dogs may be tethered and requires that appropriate shelter, water and food be provided.
The entire ordinance may be seen at www.morgancountywv.gov. The ordinance effort was initiated by Unchain Morgan County, founded by Gary Brock. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of HSMC which strongly supported the new ordinance.
Brenda Hutchinson, president of the county commission, was instrumental in her help that led to the passage of the ordinance. It took six months of tireless work by the commissioners, animal rights activists, farmers, hunters and law enforcement officials to craft a compromise agreement that satisfied all interested parties.
The Morgan County ordinance is only the second enacted by any county in West Virginia. Already other counties and groups have shown interest in passing similar ordinances. HSMC and Unchain Morgan County will work closely with government agencies or groups to see that similar ordinances can be passed throughout the state.
“It is refreshing to see Morgan County take a leadership role in the state on this important issue” Brock stated. HSMC congratulates the county commissioners and Unchain Morgan County for all their hard work in making this ordinance a reality.