COUNTY, JACKSON GET ANIMAL-CONTROL OFFICER

JACKSON -- Cape Girardeau County and the city of Jackson have jointly hired an animal-control officer primarily to deal with stray dogs and cats.

James Barker, formerly an animal-control officer in Cape Girardeau, began work for the county and Jackson Monday.

In addition to hiring Barker, the Cape Girardeau County Commission has established an animal-control ordinance that prohibits pet owners from allowing animals to endanger any person or destroy property.

The ordinance also requires dogs, cats and ferret over 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

The county's ordinance for the control of animals has been two years in the making.

At the start of 1997, commissioners predicted that a nuisance abatement ordinance and specifically an-animal control ordinance would be the first order of business. However, drafting an ordinance that wasn't too restrictive and yet made clear what is required and prohibited took some time.

The ordinance is one page long and has three paragraphs.

"This is a brand-new effort in trying to handle some of the nuisance animal problems," explained Steve Wilson, Jackson city manager.

In Jackson, Barker will respond to complaints of stray dogs or nuisance animals.

Jackson employs a nuisance abatement officer who monitors things like junk cars and tall weeds. However, animal-control duties fell to police officers.

"The new officer will assume a duty there has been a growing need for in the city: a problem with animals running at large," Wilson said.

Commissioners have said it is possible that the county will expand nuisance abatement to include junk cars and litter, but no ordinance has been drafted.

The agreement is for one year. After a year, both Jackson and the county will evaluate the position, Wilson said.