Columbus, Georgia

July 8, 2004



To: The Honorable Bob Poydasheff, Mayor

City of Columbus, GA



The Honorable Jack Rodgers

Vice-Mayor, City of Columbus, GA



Council

City of Columbus. GA



Subject: PROPOSED DOG ORDINANCES



Mayor Poydasheff, Vice-Mayor Rodgers, and Members of Council,



The caution in approving the proposed dog ordinances is indeed commendable,

because the ordinances may threaten the welfare of the City of Columbus in

measures that far exceed that inflicted on any pet. One point is abundantly

clear: professional thought in several disciplines is URGENTLY needed in the

drafting

of an ordinance that will be an asset to the City of Columbus, rather than the

liability that the proposed dog ordinances would appear to create..



In support of the proposal attached herewith, I have done some preliminary

research on accidental deaths of dogs. Statistics reported by one pet

insurance company showed that the confinement in motor vehicles ranked 37th

among

causes of deaths of dogs. Does this merit an ordinance that would accomplish

little while increasing the cost the city operations? I THINK NOT!



Valid research for such an ordinance should include, but not necessarily be

limited to exact definition of the problems caused by securing dogs in

vehicles. This should include, but not be limited to: national statistics on

accidental deaths of dogs; experience of local veterinarians regarding

accidental death in dogs; professional input from Veterinary School of Auburn;

total cost of the ordinances; e.g. increase in personnel; and impact on the

cost of vehicle insurance



The foregoing list is only preliminary, but until the issue can be more

carefullly researched, I URGE City Council should to at least table the motion

on this ordinance. There are more serious threats to dogs which are being

totally ignored, such as leaving small dogs unattended in enclosures for

swimming pools. Before

this ordinance goes any farther, comparative statistics should be responsibly

prepared and made publicly available with due time for questions and comments.

Failure to similarly address these problems will discriminate against

responsible

pet owners



SEE PAGE 2 FOR BETTER RESULTS MORE COST EFFECTIVELY







PROPOSED SOLUTION TO THE ALLEGED PROBLEM



Theme: EDUCATION SUCCEDES; UNDUE REGULATION IMPEDES.

The failure of current regulations to protect pets clearly shows that regulation

per se will NOT resolve the problems. I, therefore, propose an estensive

program of

public education in all areas affecting pet care, one that seeks and utilizes

the

Best of the City's resources in areas of identified need.





SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SOLUTION:

Council should PUBLICALLY recruit retired, professional Educators for volunteer

work in designing a program that would achieve the same objectives as the

proposed regulations PLUS much more. This program of education should be

presented to City Council within six calendar months of first convening the

committee.



The Committee would be comprised of, and seek, volunteer manpower and resources

on an ongoing basis.



Minimal qualifications of committee members involved in Program Development

would be: a Batchelor?s Degree from an accredited college or university and

five years or more of experience in the field of education. All qualifying

volunteers should be appointed to the committee. Lesser qualifications would

be sufficient

for committee members not involved in program development.



Membership of the committee should also include a Veterinarian, a member of the

CSU Department of Zoology, Kennel Clubs, Special Dog Activity Organizations

and Media Representatives.



In addition to organizations of retired teachers, qualified Committee

participants should be sought via announcements and programs in the Columbus

Ledger as well as ALL local radio and television stations.



Commercial establishments involved in the sale of pets and pet supplies should

be urged to publicize the project and participate by organizing special events.



Helen Gant Donald

6 Nightwind Court

Columbus, GA 31909



(706) 568-3765

hgdonald@knology.net