Jackson board looking to ban dogs from certain events

Council looking to ban dogs from certain events

By Sam Blackwell ~ Southeast Missourian

JACKSON, Mo. -- If planning to come to the Jackson Homecomers celebration Aug. 20-24, leave your dog home.

On Aug. 19, it will become illegal to have a dog at Homecomers or at the Jaycee Fourth of July celebration.

Jackson city administrator Jim Roach said the ordinance evolved from problems encountered at the most recent Jaycees Fourth of July celebration.

Some people with dogs were expelled from City Park on July 4, he said, because of incidents involving "large and dangerous dogs."

"We are seeing more instances of people bringing Rottweilers, pit bulls and chows into crowded environments," Roach said. "In the Fourth of July case, we had crowds of people and alcohol mixed in. That makes a bad brew."

Roach said police also brought up incidents during past Homecomers events. "They are particularly concerned about children."

Seeing-eye dogs excluded

The Jackson Board of Aldermen tabled the dog-ban bill at Mayor Paul Sander's request so that language excluding seeing-eye dogs can be added to the ordinance.

But Sander said the ordinance will be passed at the next meeting on Aug. 19 in time for the Jackson Homecomers celebration later that week.

The penalty for bringing a dog to either event will be up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

In other business, planning and zoning supervisor Janet Sanders announced the city will receive about $7,500 in reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Administration for cleanup work done during the May flooding.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182