52°F
weather icon Clear

Commissioners make few changes to animal ordinances

A years-long attempt to align two county codes that govern animals and land use culminated in a few changes and elimination of the Nye County Animal Advisory Committee at the last county commissioners' meeting.

Officials left most of the proposed amendments to Title 6 intact on Jan. 19 as the Nye County Animal Advisory Committee had recommended to reject them earlier.

"This has been quite a journey as all of you will know and everybody behind me has had a huge amount of input into this," Nye County Emergency Services Director Vance Payne said. "I believe this is the closest that we were going to get to a resolution."

Officials removed the 18-month period from the definition of a dangerous dog and replaced tier I and tier II multi-pet permits with a permit that is required for 11 or more cats and dogs living on the same property.

The former Nye County Title 6 stipulated that a dog is declared dangerous when on two separate occasions within 18 months, it behaves menacingly to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend himself or herself against substantial bodily harm when the dog is off the premises of its owner or keeper, or not confined in a cage, pen or vehicle.

Following the recommendation of Chief Deputy District Attorney Marla Zlotek, commissioners also made definitions of service animals and dangerous dogs mirror the statute.

Additionally, Nye County Sheriff's officers will be no longer considered Animal Control officers, officials said.

The approved changes will go into effect this month.

Nye County commissioners have yet to consider a list of funding options for the troubled shelter that was put together by the Animal Advisory Committee in November.

At the meeting, Payne spoke about the critical situation at the shelter that has been closed to the public since last summer.

"We are maxed out all the time. The costs have gone up and the funding is going away. The need for a private operator is imperative and I believe that this is a very good looking solution that we have," he said.

The fine recommendations included a $50 fine for failure to license a cat or dog, second offense punishable by $75, third offense $100 with subsequent offenses punishable by $150.

The recommendations had been reviewed by the district attorney's office and are expected to be submitted to county commissioners in the future.

Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.