Enforcement of rural dog-barking law wouldn’t have any bite to it

County attorney Andy Van Der Maaten says that a proposed dog-barking ordinance in Winneshiek County would not be enforceable.

During a meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning, Van Der Maaten said it would be difficult to establish a “benchmark” for what comprises a violation.

“Everybody's view is different,” Van Der Maaten said.

Last week, Bob Watson proposed an ordinance to deal with barking dogs. The rural Decorah man said it would be a “simple way” to address the problem. The proposed ordinance includes provisions for dealing with dogs that have been the subject of multiple complaints.

“If the owner (of the dogs) fails in taking action to abate this barking… the owner may be subject to daily fines by the county until action is taken, resulting in neighbors not having to listen to barking.”

Van Der Maaten said such an ordinance could be taken “too far” or could become “too narrow.”

Instead, he suggested persistent problems could be dealt with through the current nuisance ordinance.

Winneshiek County Sheriff Chief Deputy Greg Torgrim said his department does not have the man power to enforce Watson's proposed ordinance.

Torgrim said that most of the complaints about barking dogs are from residents in neighborhoods outside of Decorah such as Burr Oak in northern Winneshiek County.

Sarah Haugen, who lives in Pleasant Township, said there should be evidence of a “significant problem” before another law is proposed. She said barking dogs “don't disturb my serenity at all” and that she'd never consider complaining to the sheriff.

She also said cities and the country are two distinct environments. Cities are more regulated and business takes place in the country that could not take place in incorporated areas, such as farming and dog kennels.

“There is a need for those services, which are more appropriate to provide in the country,” she said.

Jim Monte, who also lives in Pleasant Township, said he's been awakened by “bellering” cows whose calves have been weaned but accepts it as part of living in the country.

Darling said the solution doesn't seem to be a new ordinance. He thinks nuisances at large, “not just dogs,” needs updating.

“That's fine with me. Take a hard look at it,” Watson said.

-By Sarah Strandberg