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Baker Aims to Speed Removal of Junk Cars, Dog Ordinance Suggested

www.2theadvocate.com
By CHUCK HUSTMYRE


November 24, 2004, BAKER, LOUISIANA -- The council also discussed the issue of potentially dangerous dogs. Councilman Fred Russell tried to introduce an amendment to an existing city ordinance dealing with cruelty to animals. Russell's amendment would have made it illegal to "tether a dog in any unenclosed or unfenced area."

Basically, the amendment would have made it a crime to tie a dog up in an unfenced yard. Discussing the amendment, Russell mentioned three pit bulls chained up in an unfenced yard on Sunshine Street. He expressed concern that children might wander into the yard and be hurt by the dogs.

Voicing reservations about the amendment, Councilman Trae Welch said, "It sounds like we're making an ordinance for one person." "We have a real serious animal situation in Baker," Russell countered, "especially with pit bulls and Rottweilers."

Councilman Jimmy Pourciau, who initially seconded the motion, eventually withdrew his support in favor of allowing the council more time to study and discuss the situation.
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