Oxford, AL – At the Oxford City Council work session, nine residents expressed concerns about the increasing issue of stray dogs roaming the city. Elyse Dale Traywick from Coldwater, highlighted the severity of the problem, emphasizing the lack of effective animal shelters in the city since 2020. She recounted incidents of packs of dogs attacking pets and even residents, leading to injuries and fatalities of animals. She urged the council to take action before a more severe incident occurred, particularly emphasizing the risk to children and the elderly.
Other residents echoed the concerns, sharing their own experiences of encountering stray dogs in various neighborhoods. They discussed instances of dogs attacking pets, chasing residents, and causing general disturbances. Residents expressed frustration at the lack of enforcement and solutions, citing instances where they were advised by city personnel to handle the stray dog problem themselves, including suggestions to kill the dogs or take legal action for damages. Chief Partridge asked them for specific names of personnel, but they did not know the name of the person.
The council members acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and discussed past efforts to address it, including plans for a rescue center and ongoing negotiations for a facility to handle stray animals more effectively. They emphasized the need for a humane solution that did not involve simply euthanizing the animals and pledged to work towards implementing stronger measures to control the stray dog population.
Overall, the residents and council members agreed on the urgency of addressing the stray dog problem to ensure public safety and the well-being of both residents and animals.
Oxford Chief of Police Bill Partridge spoke to the Calhoun Journal to address the concerns and the incorrect information that was being shared. First he acknowledged that dogs were an issue in Oxford and all over Alabama. He stressed that it is a human issue not an animal issue. He also strongly disagreed with any statement that Oxford does not react to animal calls or problems.
Partridge emphasized the importance of promptly reporting sightings of stray or aggressive animals to the police department’s dispatcher. He assured residents that the animal control officer would respond to such calls and take appropriate action to address the situation. Partridge underscored that dispatch would send assistance to locate and capture the animal, adhering to city ordinances regarding vicious animals.
He clarified that under city ordinances, owners of vicious dogs who fail to take responsibility for their animals could face repercussions, including the possibility of the dog being impounded. In cases where a dog attacks a person, the dog may be subject to euthanasia as per the ordinance.
Partridge expressed concern over irresponsible pet ownership, particularly the alarming trend of individuals abandoning animals in various areas of the city, including around restaurants. He warned that the police department would prosecute anyone found dumping animals and urged community members to report such behavior.
The Chief highlighted the strain on local shelters due to irresponsible pet ownership, leading to overcrowding and the risk of shelters becoming “kill shelters.” He stressed the city’s commitment to addressing this issue by working towards establishing its own intake facility to manage animal control internally. He also said this intake facility who should be up and running in the near future. Partridge emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering animals, as well as ensuring their medical care.
Partridge acknowledged challenges in enforcing ordinances due to some residents’ reluctance to participate in legal proceedings despite filing complaints. This behavior often ties the hands of the police if the complainant is not willing to actually willing to go to court and share the information they reported. He also criticized the trend of relying on social media platforms for problem-solving and emphasized the need for community members to take active roles in addressing issues such as stray animals.
In an effort to streamline reporting and response processes, the Oxford Police Department is working on the launch on a mobile app for Android and iPhones. The app will include an animal control function allowing residents to submit photos and details of animal-related issues for swifter resolution. This will be one function of the app, but not the only one.
Partridge reiterating the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging residents to comply with city ordinances and take responsibility for their animals. He emphasized that owning a pet within city limits entails abiding by regulations and ensuring the welfare of the animal.
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