Berkeley County Commission clamps down on leash law
By BOB PARTLOW / Staff Writer, Martinsburg
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - The Berkeley County Commission Thursday appeared ready to pass a law requiring dogs to be on leashes when off their owners' property.
The proposed ordinance would clarify and strengthen the existing law, said Commission President Howard Strauss.
County officials have received numerous complaints about dogs running loose and want to do something about the problem, Strauss said. The proposed changes to the animal control ordinance would apply only to dogs.
"As we're getting more people in Berkeley County, that puts pressure on the county to strengthen its ordinances," Strauss said.
The proposed ordinance will not be passed until a public meeting is held to discuss proposed changes, Strauss said.
Current law requires a dog to be under its owner's control, but seems to conflict with what "under control" means, said Berkeley County Animal Control Officer Ray Strine.