In an effort to address and encourage responsible pet ownership within the Town, the Council approved the following Resolution at the September 2013 Town Council Meeting.

RESOLUTION 2013-008R

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF HOT SPRINGS ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

WHEREAS, the people of the Town of Hot Springs are entitled to a happy and peaceful quality of life; and,

WHEREAS, pets can add joy and happiness to the quality of life for many people; and,

WHEREAS, having a pet requires responsibility of ownership, including adequate food and housing, veterinary and other health care, including vaccinations and licensing; and

WHEREAS, pets leave waste and may cause a health hazard, along with other problems, to the public; and

WHEREAS, unattended dogs can disturb the peace with incessant barking;

WHEREAS, the public has the right to be safe from unrestrained and/or vicious animals,  animal-related diseases, unwanted noise, and other damage caused by pets and pet waste in the community; and

WHEREAS the Town of Hot Springs has a duty to provide a safe and healthy environment to the public; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Hot Springs has laws requiring licensing and restraint of dogs; and

WHEREAS, living in a small community requires co-operation among neighbors for the common good;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Hot Springs does hereby encourage responsible pet ownership within the Town limits and will enforce the Town’s ordinances regarding pet ownership.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Hot Springs does, hereby, expect that pet owners clean up any waste or other mess left by their pets; that pet owners accept financial responsibility for any harm or destruction created by their pets; and that pet owners prevent their pets from disturbing the peace with excessive barking and noise.

APPROVED THIS __3rd_______ DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2013

 _Smith______ moved; __Adams__________ seconded. _3______ ayes; __0_____ nays.

 SIGNED:  __Randal A. Woods, Mayor

 ATTEST: __Julie A. Lazaro, Clerk-Treasurer