Fairfield County Council advances animal control overhaul after ad hoc committee endorsement; second reading passes 7-0

Katie Titus Odom, chair of the Fairfield County Animal Control Advisory Ad Hoc Committee, urged the council to adopt the ad hoc committee’s proposed animal control ordinance without changes, saying the 25-section document represents a citizen-driven consensus and noting the overall document passed the committee unanimously 7-0.

"I urge you to pass the ordinance as proposed by the committee with no changes," Odom told the council during the public comment period.

Laura Thomas, vice chair of the animal control ad hoc committee, told the council the committee sought diverse input from animal welfare advocates, rescuers, farmers, hunters, breeders, trainers and kennel owners and asked that fees for a one-time pet registration be kept minimal to avoid forcing vulnerable residents to surrender animals.

Several council members spoke in favor of moving the ordinance forward. On second reading Doctor Roberts presented Ordinance 8-51 to repeal Ordinance 7-37 and revise Chapter 4 (Animals) of the Fairfield County code of ordinances. During discussion a councilmember asked for confirmation that farm owners who keep dogs to tend livestock would not be considered "commercial breeders" under the ordinance; Mr. Moyer, speaking for county staff, said the current draft does not classify such property owners as commercial breeders and he would double-check and provide a written opinion prior to third reading.

Councilmember Morgan and others praised the work of the ad hoc committee and recommended the ordinance advance, noting that most sections were unanimous at committee level. The council voted 7-0 on second reading to advance Ordinance 8-51.

Jeff Schaeffer used public comment to question ordinance length and raised concerns about county services and online availability of existing Chapter 4 text; his remarks were recorded but did not change the council's vote to advance the ordinance.

The council indicated it will accept revisions and public input ahead of the third reading, and staff committed to clarifying definitions (including the farm/caretaker exemption) before final action.