Dog owners and their neighbors should know the laws and codes regarding barking, dogs at large, and what to do when there’s a problem.
MEEKER | Since the stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, noise complaints due to barking dogs have increased according to Meeker Animal Control Officer Laurel Haney. Because more of the population has an office at home, they are more prone to hearing their neighbors’ dogs during daytime hours, when the dogs may be barking because of increased activity or because their owners have gone to work.
Questions about code enforcement and how to address nuisance barking have arisen, but the Town of Meeker’s Municipal Code remains the same. Section 6.1.111 reads: “No person shall keep or harbor a dog or dogs which, by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling, cause a serious annoyance to the neighborhood or to the public passing upon the streets, alleys, sidewalks or any public place.”
Several community members find the wording of this law to be vague. Chief of Police Edward Thompson agreed with this sentiment in a letter to the Board of Trustees regarding the issue. With the rise of dog-related complaints, Thompson notes, “This [Municipal Code Title 6: Animals] is an area we acknowledge may need review and potential clarification to better serve and protect our residents’ peace and well-being.”
Complaints of unleashed dogs have also risen. When an animal is deemed to be “at large,” it means an uncontained dog that has no leash, lead, or owner present who is able to keep the dog under control. The code also considers any dog “tethered to a stationary object within reach of a street, sidewalk, alley, or trail are deemed to be at large” (6.3.103). If a dog has been caught running at large on three separate occasions, the owner will receive a court summons. There is no leash law regarding dogs under voice control, but Haney clarified that a dog under voice control isn’t considered at large.
Per Chapter 6.1.110 of the Municipal Code, anyone found guilty of violating the code will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined no more than $1,000 and sentenced no more than 90 days. First offense fines are upwards of $25. Second offense fines begin at $50. The third offense and any offenses following will result in a minimum fine of $75.
Haney emphasized that Animal Control staff respond to every animal-related call that comes through dispatch, day and night. In order to solve issues, it takes a two-way partnership between citizens and officers alongside Animal Control staff. Just posting your complaint on Facebook message boards will not warrant intervention by law enforcement. To get animal control involved, complainants need to contact dispatch.
In his letter, Thompson stated, “Our community members need to understand that proper reporting through official channels is crucial. Relying on social media platforms for such matters does not substitute for formal reports and often does not provide the necessary details or evidence needed to act effectively.”
In unincorporated Rio Blanco County, there are no codes related to animal control with the exception of vicious animals and animals harassing wildlife. The county does not have a specified animal control unit. Homeowners’ associations are specific to individual subdivisions and may or may not include references to pets and nuisance animals.
If you are having an animal-related issue, call dispatch at 970-878-5555 and an officer will respond to help you.
If you would like to read Title 6: Animals in Town of Meeker’s Municipal Code, in its entirety, access it online here: https://library.municode.com/co/meeker/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT6AN_CH6.1DO
By OPAL MUNGER & NIKI TURNER
