Coeburn adopts ordinance that prohibits dogs running at large after complaints
COEBURN, Va. (WJHL) – The Town of Coeburn, Virginia approved an ordinance Monday to prohibit dogs running at large and impose penalties on owners who allow their dogs to roam free.
According to the Coeburn Police Department, the Coeburn Town Council approved the ordinance, which will immediately go into effect.
In a social media post, the police department stated the ordinance passed after “multiple complaints of dogs running at large and several instances of aggressive behavior.”
Under the ordinance, any dog that is found to be running at large, roaming or self-hunting off its owner’s property and not under its owner’s control will be impounded. The Wise County Sheriff’s Office and Coeburn Police Department will be responsible for enforcing the measure and impounding dogs found running at large.
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An officer who impounds a dog must take it to either the county pound or “another suitable place.” At the discretion of the officer, a dog can be released back into the owner’s custody.
The ordinance states an owner may reclaim their dog from impoundment after showing satisfactory proof that they own the dog and it is up to date on all permits and vaccinations. Per diems could be required during the dog’s confinement, which must be paid before it can be released.
Additionally, the ordinance states anyone who allows their dog to run at large or does not properly confine their dog will be “deemed guilty of a civil infraction and shall be liable for a fine of fifty dollars for each violation.” Police noted that owners who pay the impoundment and board fees associated with the dog’s care will not be exempt from being prosecuted for allowing the dog to roam.
The town also included an extra penalty for packs of at-large dogs. Any dogs found in the company of at least one other dog while at large will equal a $100 civil penalty per animal.
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