Sierra Sentinel Editor:
Can you please update us on the dog problem in Copper? I'm having a problem over in Valley Springs. Did the County do anything? What happened?
BR
Dear BR,
There are two laws involved with most dog cases either a dog being at large or barking constantly. The Sierra Sentinel was able to speak with the folks having problems with dogs in Copperopolis and discovered that two owners were cited for three dogs roaming.
The offended party documented via photographs the dogs off their property and emailed this to Calaveras Animal Services. The cases ending up going to court and the citations were upheld and the owners fined nearly $250 per dog. With the case of the barking dog the District Attorney failed according to the judge to provide a "considerable number of witnesses" despite 5 days of digital recordings of the dogs barking and three witness testimonies. The judge essentially re-wrote the law at his bench and ruled against the victims and in favor of the barking dogs owner... however this victory is short lived as Srgt. Murray of Animal Services vowed to have the law changed as it was her understanding from the Board of Supervisors that three or more witnesses met the laws requirements. We have notice that Srgt. Murray made good on her promise and the ORDINANCE amending Title 6 of the Calaveras County Code; Animal Services is going to be before the Board for Action on the May 8th Meeting. The goal is to re-write the law to include a specific number of effected individuals so that Animal Services can act and prosecute those who refuse to obey the law and allow their pets to become a nuisance to their neighbors. -The Editor
Dear BR,
There are two laws involved with most dog cases either a dog being at large or barking constantly. The Sierra Sentinel was able to speak with the folks having problems with dogs in Copperopolis and discovered that two owners were cited for three dogs roaming.
The offended party documented via photographs the dogs off their property and emailed this to Calaveras Animal Services. The cases ending up going to court and the citations were upheld and the owners fined nearly $250 per dog. With the case of the barking dog the District Attorney failed according to the judge to provide a "considerable number of witnesses" despite 5 days of digital recordings of the dogs barking and three witness testimonies. The judge essentially re-wrote the law at his bench and ruled against the victims and in favor of the barking dogs owner... however this victory is short lived as Srgt. Murray of Animal Services vowed to have the law changed as it was her understanding from the Board of Supervisors that three or more witnesses met the laws requirements. We have notice that Srgt. Murray made good on her promise and the ORDINANCE amending Title 6 of the Calaveras County Code; Animal Services is going to be before the Board for Action on the May 8th Meeting. The goal is to re-write the law to include a specific number of effected individuals so that Animal Services can act and prosecute those who refuse to obey the law and allow their pets to become a nuisance to their neighbors. -The Editor
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