A public hearing for a new Washington County animal control law drew about 25 people to Tuesday's meeting of the Washington County Commissioners.
The new law proposed by the Washington County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removes some loopholes from the law, which was last revised in 1990, said Executive Director Shelly Moore.
Some of the eight speakers felt the changes were excessive while others said that it did not go far enough.
"Let's put some teeth into the law," said Jack Wetzel Sr. of Funkstown. A $10 fine for a violation is not large enough to be meaningful, he said.
The proposed law increases the fines to $25, providing more "teeth" and a larger deterrent, Moore said.
A controversial proposed change sparked fears that owners' pets would be euthanized if they do not act fast enough.
Under the proposed change, the length of time the shelter would keep strays before making them available for adoption would be cut from five days to three.