Pets at Waynesville fests?
If you stick around in local government long enough, you could find yourself considering the repeal of an ordinance that you yourself wrote years prior — like Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown.
On Aug. 22, Brown called for a public hearing to be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, to consider revisions to an ordinance prohibiting animals at street fairs, festivals or parades.
Currently, pets aren’t allowed within 150 feet of such gatherings, but the revised ordinance proposes to allow animals “controlled by means of a chain, leash or other like device” that is less than 6 feet in length to attend.
Brown said that the current ordinance is an encumbrance to tourists — especially day trippers — who are loathe to leave Fido at home all day, but are faced with few options once they arrive in Waynesville.
Previous solutions — including providing free crates — haven’t worked out well, Brown said.
Brown, along with current Waynesville Alderman Jon Feichter’s mother Libba, authored the ordinance back in 2002.
The hearing will take place during the board’s regular meeting, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall at 9 S. Main Street.
