York County adds teeth to stepped-up animal law

By Matt Garfield - mgarfield@heraldonline.com

Animal control officers in York County soon will be able to write tickets and issue court summonses to pet owners found in violation of the county's animal cruelty law.

County leaders passed tougher rules in February requiring residents to keep pets watered and fed. The rules also outlawed heavy chains as well as tethers that fail to meet certain lengths.

But animal control staffers couldn't enforce the policy until they completed training required by the state. The county sent its staffers to Midlands Technical College in Columbia after the state Criminal Justice Academy said it didn't have enough available slots.

On Monday night, County Council members voted 6-to-1 to grant enforcement authority. A “no” vote came from Councilman Curwood Chappell, who said staffers should get training more similar to sworn police officers. County Manager Jim Baker said he found the training to be sufficient.

� Matt Garfield