City begins trial animal control

SANDPOINT — Loose dogs are a growing concern in Sandpoint, with law enforcement fielding over 80 complaints from residents since the beginning of 2016. In response to the issue, the city has launched a seasonal animal control enforcement program with Reserve Police Officer Ian Smith administering the program as a part-time employee, according to Jennifer Stapleton, city administrator. 

"It is very important that residents call to report violations as they see them happening," she said. "That way, we can better address them."

Sandpoint code requires all dog owners within the city limits to license their pets. It mandates that owners pick up after their dogs on public or private property not their own. By law, dogs must be leashed whenever they are in a public right-of-way, such as on a city sidewalk or pedestrian path. The majority of parks, as well as City Beach, prohibit dogs, either loose or leashed. Lakeview, Humbird Mill and Hickory parks allow pets, as long as they are on leashes. All parks prohibit dogs in playgrounds and sports courts, according to city code. The Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail allows dogs off-leash, according to a city press release. 

Licenses for neutered dogs are available for one, two or three years at a cost of $15, $17.50 and $20 respectively. Licenses for non-neutered dogs run $35 for one year, $65 for two and $95 for a three-year tag. They are available for purchase from the finance department in City Hall, Stapleton said.

Citations for offenses against the dog code are $40 for the first infraction, $55 for the second and $80 for the third offense. These include dogs running loose, nuisance barking, unlicensed canines and other violations of code.

Residents should call the Sandpoint Police Department to promptly report animal control violations, enabling officers to address the situation in a timely manner: 208-265-1483.