Board adopts amendment to Scott County animal and rabies control ordinance

The Scott County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt an amendment to the county’s Animal and Rabies Control Ordinance that clarifies enforcement against dogs running at large and provides animal control officers with a process to investigate complaints.

County staff explained the amendment — which had been published and available for public review — is intended to allow animal control to respond when animals trespass or interfere with property (for example, dogs repeatedly running cattle) even if no physical harm has yet occurred. Supervisors and staff emphasized that the change does not remove landowners’ existing legal options (such as shooting a dog that is actively attacking livestock on private property) and includes exceptions for hunting and other customary uses.

After a brief public hearing with no speakers on the ordinance, a supervisor moved to adopt the amendment, another seconded it, and the board approved the change by a voice vote.