Bingham Co. Amends Dog Ordinance

Dog owners in Bingham County will soon face some tougher penalties for breaking ordinance rules, after commissioners approved changes on Monday.

Law enforcement and prosecutors asked commissioners to revisit the ordinance after a couple of incidents, in particular with people who have more than four dogs without the proper license. It’s always been against the law, but until now, there was no punishment.

Working on his Bingham County farm, Whitney Manwaring knows his dogs are always nearby doing their jobs or just having fun.

But furry strangers stopping by for a visit isn’t okay with the self-described animal lover and county commissioner.

“They come and have caused problems and the damage and killed some livestock and left and you have no idea,” said Manwaring.

It’s a problem in a county where livestock is, well, a way of life. But it’s one commissioners are aiming to curb with some changes to the regulation of dogs.

Now, owners with a dog at large may face the initial $35 fine sooner rather than later.

“(There’s) no written warning required prior to the first infraction,” said Bingham County Deputy Prosecutor Mark Cornelison.

After two infractions, the third offense in five years is still a misdemeanor.

If an unlicensed dog is impounded, owners will now have to fork over 30 bucks instead of 20 to get it out.

“The main reason for that is to include vaccinations to help protocol at the pound so when they’re released, they’re healthy,” said commissioner Ladd Carter.

But the biggest difference is a penalty for owning more than four dogs that aren’t used for cattle or hunting. A first offense can bring misdemeanor charges.

“A lot breed dogs, don’t feed them and they multiply,” said Carter.

If found guilty of a misdemeanor, owners could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The new ordinance takes effect as soon as all three commissioners physically sign it. Carter said that should be by the end of the week.