STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County Fiscal Court and community members listened as Glasgow Police Chief Guy Howie explained and answered questions about the proposed amendments to the county’s animal control ordinance during the special-called fiscal court meeting on Feb. 9.
The amendments, designed to update a law originally enacted in 1996, received support from Howie, who praised the ordinance as an overall improvement. However, the meeting highlighted tensions, with concerns raised over specific language related to nuisance clauses and the confusion over “offenses” and “citations.”
While most magistrates agreed that some wording needed revision, the proposed changes were largely seen as beneficial. Howie, who is one of the members of the Glasgow-Barren County Animal Control Board that has worked on the ordinance for nearly a year, argued that the ordinance offers necessary updates to address contemporary issues that the 1996 version did not anticipate.
“I think it’s a great ordinance,” Howie said. “They have problems with wording, which I can understand [because] they don’t deal with ordinances and state laws everyday. I think if they pass the ordinance and go back and make amendments to the ordinance…. I think it’ll be a win for everybody.”
Despite the overall positive reception from officials, the ordinance faced criticism from community members, largely stemming from “misinformation” circulating online, according to Howie.
During the meeting, one resident, Ernie Wagner, notably characterized the proposal as “stupid, stupid, stupid,” underscoring the contentious nature of the public meeting. Barren County Magistrates, along with Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd also asked questions of Howie on behalf of constituents.
Glasgow and Barren County animal control is within the Glasgow Police Department.
Key Facts:
– The ordinance was initially enacted in 1996 and is undergoing revisions to modernize its provisions.
– Glasgow Police Chief Guy Howie supports the proposed amendments, stating they update the ordinance effectively.
– Concerns were chiefly about the nuisance clause, sparking diverse opinions from the community.
– Most magistrates agreed on the ordinance’s improvements but acknowledged wording issues.
– Only one community member vocalized opposition during the meeting.
– A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for next Tuesday.
What’s Next: The second and final reading of the proposed ordinance amendment will take place at the next Barren County Fiscal Court meeting next Tuesday.
The full ordinance, with the amendments in red, can be viewed here: Barren County proposed Animal Control Ordinance
Michael Crimmins with Glasgow News 1 contributed to this report.
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