Progress on the Washington Parish Animal Shelter

Washington Parish Government is making progress on the Washington Parish Animal Shelter.  A rough draft of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter ordinance will be looked at during the Infrastructure Committee meeting on August 22, 2017.  Click Read more below to read the ordinance draft.
Introduction of the ordinance is tentatively set for August 28, 2017 at the regular meeting of the Washington Parish Council. A Public Hearing is tentatively set for September 11, 2017 to be followed by a vote by the Council on the same date.
The facility will be on parish government property at 23046 Yacc Road at the intersection with LA. State Hwy. 10, between Franklinton and Bogalusa. The existing 3250 square foot building has been renovated with plumbing, electrical, HVAC and venting systems updated to building code standards. Competitive bids will be solicited to construct a dedicated waste water system, kennels and build fencing and gates. Funds are in the 2017 budget to hire contract labor, but additional funding is required to complete the remaining brick and mortar portion of the shelter. The existing building plus new outdoor extensions will total approximately 5,500 square feet.

STATE OF LOUISIANA

PARISH OF WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

ORDINANCE NO. __________

Introduced on August 28, 2017

Introduced by Chairman McMasters

Public hearing held on September 11, 2017

An Ordinance stating the need and authority of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter and Animal Control

Be it ordained that the Washington Parish Council hereby deems the need for an Animal Shelter for the sake of public health, the prevention of the Rabies Virus, the humane treatment of animals, and the mandate of the State of Louisiana.

Whereas, the Washington Parish Council deems that, because the prevention of the Rabies Virus is a matter of serious health concern and that an animal shelter is needed for the sake of public health, dedicated Health Unit funds may be used to support an Animal Shelter. The Parish President is hereby authorized to use Health Unit funds for Animal Shelter needs so long as the financial obligations to the Health Unit are met.

Whereas, the Washington Parish Council affirms and adopts as the Washington Parish Animal Shelter and Control Plan the minimum Louisiana State Law requirements for issues pertaining to: Enforcement, civil liability, posting of notices, licensing, animal tag and collar/microchip implant/tattoo, restraint, impoundment, redemption of impounded animals, adoption of impounded animals, exotic animals, Rabies Virus control, interference with animal control, proper care of animals, cock-fighting, dog fighting, animal neglect, seizure and disposition of neglected animals, search warrant for neglect offenses, and dangerous animals.

Whereas, any officer of the law will be compelled to follow the minimum Louisiana State Law requirements concerning the capture, detention, restraint, control, impoundment, release, proper care, and seizure of animals.

Whereas, the Washington Parish Council authorizes the animal shelter staff to efficiently operate and enforce the Washington Parish Animal Shelter and Control Plan within budgetary parameters and under the direction of the Washington Parish President or, at the Parish President’s discretion, the Director of Public Works.

Whereas, the taking ownership of stray/found animals will legally commence when: Any domestic animal found by a person other than the parish run animal shelter shall be held for fourteen days before claiming ownership and/or adopting/transferring said animal so long as the animal has not displayed aggression towards humans or other animals and/or has not caused damage to property. Reasonable attempts to locate and reunite the found animal with its rightful owner must be made within the fourteen days including, and not limited to, reporting to the Washington Parish Animal Shelter and scanning/inspecting the found animal for a microchip, collar and tag, and/or identification tattoo.

The above and foregoing having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereupon resulted as follows:

YEAS: (7) Workman, Lewis, Thomas, McMasters, Anthony, Talley and Fussell

NAYS: (0 )

ABSENT: (0 )

ABSTAINED: (0 )

The resolution was declared adopted on the 11th day of September, 2017.

WASHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Reginald McMasters, Chairman

Delivered to the Parish President on the 11th day of September, 2017.

WASHINGTON PARISH GOVERNMENT

By:

Richard N. Thomas, Jr., President

CERTIFICATION

I, SARAH COOK, CLERK OF THE WASHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL, hereby certify that foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Washington Parish Council, in Regular Session convened on the 11th of September, 2017 Franklinton, Louisiana.

___________________________

Clerk

Washington Parish Council