The Board of Supervisors discussed the proposed dangerous dog ordinance at their Monday morning meeting.

County board attorney Bob Allen based the law on similar ordinances in effect but adapted it to fit the needs of Lincoln County. He said most ordinances single out a specific breed or function as a leash law. The proposed ordinance instead focuses on the actual behavior of individual dogs.

The board clarified that the law does not target pit bulls or other breeds, but instead will go through a hearing process to determine if the dog is dangerous. Allen said once a dog is declared dangerous, the owners will have to provide a pen to restrain the dog that ensures the dog cannot escape. If out of the pen, the dog must be muzzled. The ordinance will also require owners of a dog declared dangerous to have $100,000 liability insurance. However, Allen did say that amount could be adjusted contingent upon the circumstances surrounding the case.

Allen explained if the dog has a second incident, the owners will be required to be present at a second hearing, where a determination can be made to put the dog down.

Allen said his next step was to make sure other agencies, such as the Justice Court and veterinarians, would cooperate with the ordinance.

In an unrelated matter, Janie Reeves voiced her opinion about activity on Sydney Trail to the board. She said the road has activity all night, keeping her awake. She recounted that one night two trucks backed into the shop across the street from her house. The trucks shined their headlights in through her window. She said she believes illegal drug activity is taking place.

“I can’t sleep at night for fear that someone will knock my 80-year-old mother in the head for $30,” she said.

She credited Sheriff Steve Rushing and his department patrols for frequent surveillance.

“We’re doing our best to beef up in there,” Rushing said.

Rushing said the sheriff’s department has increased patrols on that road, including roadblocks, in conjunction with calls from several residents. Rushing said they have not seen any evidence of illegal activity and that the suspicious activity has begun to decrease.

Reeves asked the board for their help, but Allen said the board does not have the authority to enforce laws. He asked that she report any suspicious activity to Rushing. He also said she had the option to bring a lawsuit against the individuals and ask for a cease and desist order.