Planning Commission to further discuss kennel law
Commissioners send 'kennel' issue back
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

The definition of a "kennel" in Ripley County is still not settled. About 20 people attended the Ripley County Commissioners meeting Monday, December 20, to speak to the issue.

The Ripley County Area Planning Commission proposed going back to the original 1970 definition of a kennel, which stayed in effect until April of this year, at their December 7 meeting, which reads, "Any Lot on which (4) or more dogs, or small animals at least four (4) months of age are kept." They sent the change on to the Ripley County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation.

Sam Row, president of the Ripley County Area Planning Commission, stated, "Because Ripley County has not established an Animal Control Board, the responsibility, by State Law, is upon the (County) Commissioners. Since most complaints involve owners with more than four dogs, this ordinance would help the Commissioners as well as land owners by giving them an immediate procedure by which they could resolve a problem."

Several members of the public spoke against the change stating there are enough existing laws on the books to provide for pets and caring for them and not letting them annoy their neighbors. Sam Row replied, "This ordinance has been on the books for 34 years. For these people to get all upset about it now doesn't make sense."

The County Commissioners asked Veterinarian Dr. Harley Robinson his opinion. Robinson said, "I have a lot of clients who have multiple pets and really take good care of them. I would hate to see anyone punished for that."

Commissioner Robert Reiners moved to approve all the proposed zoning code amendments 80, 81, 82 and the safe building law, except for the "kennel definition" and send that matter back to the Planning Commission for further discussion. The board passed the motion.
In other business: Dana Riddle from the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Office conducted a public hearing on the Community Focus Fund Grant for the Hoosier Hills Water District. The District is
planning to extend the water line about four and a half miles in Johnson Township close to the Versailles State Park. The total cost of the project will be $625,000. The grant request is for $500,000.

Bill and Bradley Lutz from Neal's Salvage Yard in Osgood asked the Commissioners about taking used tires to the County Highway Garage. The Commissioners said as long as they pay the required fee, they can take as many tires to the County Highway Garage as they like.

They also brought up a chemical situation across from Schneider's Scrap Metal on Eckert Street in Osgood. They said there is oil going into the storm water drains and they are concerned about it. They were advised to speak to Tad Brinson about the problem.

The Commissioners voted Kelly Vollet to represent Ripley County on the College Co-operative Southeast Board.

CATHY MAY PHOTO

Sam Row, president of the Ripley County Area Planning Commission, addressed the Ripley County Commissioners regarding the kennel definition at their meeting on Monday, December 20.