Cashion Residents Upset by Sudden Dog Ordinance Enforcement

Some residents in Cashion are upset over a city ordinance requiring dogs to be registered. The ordinance has been on the books for five years, but it hasn't been enforced until recently and is costing people big bucks.

Monday, April 12th 2010, 8:05 pm

By: News 9


By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

CASHION, Oklahoma -- Some residents in Cashion are upset over a city ordinance requiring dogs to be registered. The ordinance has been on the books for five years, but it hasn't been enforced and people didn't really know about it. Now residents have found out about the ordinance and it could cost them big bucks.

Charlotte Hayes loves her dogs and keeps them up to date on their shots. Now, they also have one more tag on their collars. They're registered with the city of Cashion. But that only happened after Hayes got a knock on her door last week.

"I said to come on in, and he asked me did I have a dog? I said ‘Sure,'" said Charlotte Hayes.

Hayes says it was the city's Police Chief, and after answering yes, he began writing her a notice to appear in court.

"He said ‘I'm sorry, I have to do this.' And then it was for $200 dollars and I about dropped my teeth on that one," Hayes said.

Hayes said she had no knowledge of the ordinance requiring her to register her dogs, even though she's lived in town for 19 years.

"Small town...We usually know everything because everybody tells everybody," Hayes said.

Yet, five years ago, the city passed an ordinance requiring dog owners to register their animals on a yearly basis. But it hasn't been enforced until recently.

"The past three to four board meetings, that's been one of the major complaints, the dogs," said Cashion Police Chief Mike Harland.

Chief Harland said stray and street dogs have become a problem in the city. He said he cited five people, including the city's mayor.

But Hayes has real questions about how the situation was handled. She's hoping a judge agrees and reduces her fine.

"It's unfortunate I think something that was a small issue has blown out. I think a lot of people have gotten mad. I think a lot of words have been spoken, hurt feelings. You don't want that," Hayes said.

Hayes said she has no problem with the ordinance, just the way it was suddenly enforced without any warning.

Since last Thursday, 129 dogs have been registered with the city. Those cited will appear in court next month.

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