This morning, Tuesday, October 10, the revised Mercer County Leash Law Ordinance was scheduled for its first reading. Sadly, the commission did not give their constituents much time to review the revised text, as it was posted to their Facebook page very late last night.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance appreciates the commission’s attempt to protect farm and hunting dogs. Unfortunately, the ordinance does not go nearly far enough. The revised ordinance still does not appropriately protect sporting and hunting dogs – training and trials are still some of the important activities for dogs that are off-leash, along with all the farms throughout the region that use dogs to help herd cattle, sheep, and other livestock.
Commissioner Greg Puckett announced at this morning’s meeting that the leash law ordinance will be tabled as it requires more work. Unfortunately, Commissioner Puckett’s list of items needing further work does not address the complete protection of sporting and hunting dogs from being considered “at large.” We know they are aware of the problems, because the proposal has been amended, so sportsmen must demand that instead of being lazy about this, they get things right.
The next County Commissioner’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24. At this time, we do not know if another revision of the leash law ordinance will be placed on the agenda. Rest assured, we will monitor this issue closely and inform you as soon as the information is available.
In the meantime, if you live in Mercer County, please use our Take Action button to email the commissioners, urging them to make the appropriate changes to the leash law ordinance to protect sporting and hunting dogs and any dog working in service to its owner.
Don’t forget to share this alert with family, friends, and fellow sportsmen who live in Mercer County and ask them to do the same.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.