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Show City Moves to Prevent DogSheep Problems With spring around the corner, city officials are preparing for more than just good weather. In light of last year's controversy between dog and sheep owners, which saw pets shot or poisoned and large numbers of sheep killed or maimed, the city is hoping to prevent a repeat performance. Sheep owner Clift Jordan, who says he lost $25,000 last year because of attacks on his herd, appeared before the city council last week to ask their help in cutting down the number of roaming dogs in the area before he brings his sheep into Deer Valley in early May. "Last year, things got out of hand," he said. "If we work together, we can work this out. I want to live and let live." Calling last year's problem "almost a range war," Police Chief Garth Wilkinson noted that the main problem involved poisoning of animals, although Jordan admitted he was forced to shoot eight to ten dogs caught attacking his sheep. The problem was compounded by the fact that the city was between dogcatchers, he said. Mayor Jack Green promised Jordan that the city would strengthen enforcement of the town leash laws and the council suggested a joint advertising campaign to warn dogowners of the dangers their animals face if they are caught attacking sheep. A proposal that stockmen be permitted to shoot animals within the city limits was rejected, however, because of potential danger to residents. Chief Wilkinson later told the Record police will begin vigorously vigor-ously enforcing the town's animal control ordinance in the near future. "We're going to have to crack down on the leash laws," he said. "There's no question about that." The crack-down will include a penalty for dog owners whose animals are not licensed. Wilkinson also mentioned the possibility of obtaining an assistant assist-ant go door to door to check on unlicensed dogs or assist nimal Control Officer Trisha Hansen in patrolling the area. In any case, he said, the dogcatcher's hours will be staggered to provide more coverage on off hours. Jordan mentioned at Thursday's Thurs-day's council meeting that he has received cooperation from the county commissioners and county sheriff toward enforcing county leash laws, but Wilkinson noted that summit County has no animal control officer. |