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Once again the expression and application of common sense and not legislation can solve the perceived problem of a few members of the communtiy. The fact that the County is far more rural than suburban can not be lost in the wants and needs of the minority special interest groups. It was not that long ago that the wealth of some of our residents was judged, in-part, by how many dogs slept under their front porch. We need to preserve our culture and our individual freedoms and not meld or emulate other populations especially, those of Fulton or Cobb County.

Well said, Commissioner. I hope your colleagues on the Board are as sensible.

I could not agree more! If there is a problem let's figure out how to solve it for Forsyth County and not copy other counties.

For the Commissioners to simply enact a anti-tethering law is silly and only serves to silence a group that may be making a lot of noise.

We want leadership and I appreciate Mr. Bell recognizing we need a real solution and speaking up about it.

Very well said. We should address the issue of animal cruelty and not add the burden of additional ordinances. After having read the current Forsyth County ordinance, there should be no problem addressing current abuse and mistreatment issues with the current ordinance. It's time our county government started easing the burden of unneeded regulations instead of adding more. I think Commissioner Bell is right on target with his comments.

An unrestrained dog attacked and killed my dog in my yard. A pet is like a child, if you have one, you need to be responsible for it. It shouldn't be a burden on anyone else and definitely not the government.

And if Cherrie's dog had been tethered in her yard an unrestrained dog could have killed it. It would have had NO chance to get away.

And it would have been Cherrie's fault and Cherrie's issue, NOT the government's, Emily.

Get out, and stay out of our lives. You have no business in them.

Emily, why is it you think it is your place or government's place to take responsibility for someone else's animal, their property. Can you point out one area in the Consitution of this great country that gives government this power? I am not asking for opinion or your desire, I am asking for the specific authorization for government to intervene in this issue.

So many are desparate for someone to accept and excuse our responsibility instead of fostering personal accountability. What happened to the days where we each took care of our own property, took responsibility for our pets, children and actions?

If her child came in my yard and were bit I can only assume someone like Emily would be the type that would excuse her child for violating my property instead of accepting the fact she was not watching her child. I can further assume I would be facing a lawsuit from Emily and her child would be told "that bad old guy next door for chaining his dog".

People, wake up and accept responsibility for you, your family, your dog and your actions. Stop expecting government to mandate your desires on me and expect me to sit by while you allow government to take control of every aspect of our lives. I will not give up my freedom!

Dang! I made a statement that is true. A statement that was not for or against tethering. It is just a fact. And Mike R goes all ballistic. But for the record, I don't like seeing dogs, goats or any other animal chained to stake or tree all day every day. A former neighbor's dog would have choked to death on a dog run if we had not seen him hanging. My husband saved the dog's life. I had another neighbor that chained a dog to a tree with a dog house that had no floor in it. The only contact any of the family made with the dog was to put dog food on the ground for him once a day. Never with a pat on the head or a rub. After they went to work I fed the dog, gave it fresh water and spent time with it. It was starving for food and also attention. It's sad but this happens a lot. Some people have no compassion for animals at all. And, Mike, I still haven't said I think the government should stop tethering. And no, I would not be the 'type' to excuse the mother for not watching her child. You don't know me and don't assume you know what 'type' I am. Although from your rant I can see what 'type' you are.

You've got to be kidding? It wasn't too long ago that the wealth of our citizens was based on the amount of slaves we own. Oh, but that's right, it took Forsyth County an extra 30 years to catch up with the rest of the country on civil rights. That's certainly leading the way.

Is there anyone who reads this site that isn't a right wing libetarian crazy? I'm conservative, buy you guys scare the hell out of me. I bet the cleaning bill for your sheets is astronimical.

Mr. Bell, if you want to back your political future on the buzz cut goatie class, that's your call. But this ain't 1986.

Bob, it wasn't too long ago people were boiling mushrooms and drinking the tea. Most have stopped that activity but not sure you put your kettle away or have switched over to kool-aid...what in the world are you talking about? This has nothing to do with race or owning slaves.

This is clearly a case where a politician thinks it smart to look at the laws and see where adjustments can be made to insure animals are no abused or neglected but does not support government watching every move we make.

Is someone that believes in smaller government and responsibility a right wing libertarian? If you say yes then I guess I am a right winger. Don't come around here trying to get government controlling every aspect of my life. And please don't try and bring race into this. That's just stupid.

Mr. Bell:

You may be correct. An ordinance to end or restrict tethering may not be the answer. The answer may be in tough penalties such as large fines and jail time for individuals that abuse their animals.Not to mention the surrendering of that pet.

Personally...if a pet owner chooses to leave their dog tethered all day out side...without shelter, food and water...then I believe they have no business owning a dog/pet. This constitutes abuse...and they should be punished severely.

If a pet owner...believes it is their Constitutional Right to allow their dog/pet to disturb the peace of others...while it is tethered...then they should receive a large fine...the first offense.

If a pet owner encourages their dog/pet to become aggressive through constant tethering...which studies have proven...and a person is harmed because of this...fine them through the nose and give them jail time. Not to mention...the civil restitution to the harmed individual.

This could turn into and absolute cash cow for this County!

As for you statement...the County is more rural than Suburb...then I don't understand why there should be an issue with fences, kennels or dog runs. Do we have a County wide ordinance that restricts this?

I believe the "Animal Ordinance" now states that animals are not to be allowed to run "at large." The owner must be present if the animal is lose on the property..and the animal must be capable of obeying commands...is this correct?

This all seems simple to me... If your neighbor is tethering their pet...and they allow it to bark constantly. provide no food, water or shelter for the animal, or leave the animal for long periods of time and their water/food is not available for that period of time(dumped over, etc)...CALL Animal Control...as many times as it takes...till the matter is resolved.

Bravo Mr Bell! Words spoken like a true politician... Say a whole lot without saying anything. Be a leader... not a follower.

We don't need no stinking dogs laws or rules. No way. We don't need the government telling us what to do.

Ummm... Just like I need to buckle my seat belt to save my life. And wear a helmet to protect my head while on a bike or motorcycle. And make sure that I only cross the street where it is marked so I don't get hit by a car or other vehicle.

Wait a minute! I think there are government laws about all of this. And why is that? Because of idiots and people that just don't give a hoot.

Why would anyone want to now tell us how to take care of the animals we have? Because some idiots DON'T or haven't.

I do not care for government telling us what to do every time we turn around... but until those who don't care or the idiots leave this earth... Ya just gotta deal with it sometimes.

JZ,

Spoken like the bleeding heart liberal you are. You're a perfect example of why Forsyth County votes overwhelmingly Republican.

Sure we have government telling us what to do at every turn. Does that mean we need more government regulation? Of course not.

Bell is right. Enough already.

JZ and BJ, why is it people don't have the courage to put who they are when speaking out around here? You make all these outlandish, liberal and socialist type comments yet don't want anyone to know who you are. Somebody said on another post that most liberal busybodies don't have the courage to let friends, family and neighbors know who they are because they know they are way out there in the minority and would be laughed or chastised out of the neighborhood.

Mr. Bell? I appreciate you saying you would rather our county be a leader than a follower.

For too many years we have had a board that has folded under pressure from the special interest groups. We have a board that did not have the testicular fortitude to stand up and make decisions for our county.

I see through all that and I applaud Bell for speaking up for sensibility and speaking about being a leader. That's what we need. Personally I may not always like the specific answer, but so far I have seen a balanced open-minded leader that is trying to make good decisions for the long term health for all of Forsyth County.

Seth Peterson;

In responce to your comment...their are several in just this blog alone...that have not posted their full names. Why have you selected to single out two posters? Are you threatening myself?. ..or considering it?

You posted..." would be laughed or chastised out of the neighborhood." I consider this a threat Sir.

Thank you...for posting YOUR name.

Pay attention, JZ. Commissioner Bell said a great deal. You simply chose not to listen.

Bell said two very important things: First, he was the commissioner who called for public hearings on the issue so citizens could voice their opinion. Second, he is opposed to the ordinance.

You may not like what he said. But it seems to me that he said a lot.

By the way, if you were at the meeting, you undoubtedly noticed that the anti-tethering forces were vastly outnumbered by citizens who are fed up with government intrusion in their lives.