Sikeston council makes changes to animal ordinance

Standard Democrat

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Both dogs and cats will soon be required to wear leashes while outside in Sikeston.

The new leash provision is just one of the changes to the city's animal ordinance approved by council members during their regular meeting Monday.

Tom Bridger, public works director, said most of the amendments' provisions were suggested by the city's animal control officer Ken Fowler. "It gives him more authority to do something with problem animals that he couldn't do anything about before," Bridger said.

Highlighting changes from the bill, Bridger said this version of the amendment no longer lists four dog breeds, but only pit bulls and pit bull mixes, although he added any individual dog can be designated a dangerous animal based on its history.

The amendment also has a section prohibiting exotic animals within the city.