Animal Control

OGDEN — An Ogden police officer is not at fault for shooting and killing a German shepherd at a local residence earlier this month, according to an internal review by the police department.

“After careful consideration and review of the incident, the Shooting Review Board has determined that the actions taken by Officer Brandon Rammell were justified and within the guidelines of the Ogden City Police Department Use of Force Policy … and did not violate Utah state law governing use of deadly force,” the police department said in the report regarding the March 3 incident.

The shooting of the German shepherd, named Max, owned by Dan and Roxanne Marocchi was investigated by Ogden police lieutenants Danielle Croyle and Chad Ledford and Sgt. Tim Scott.

Roxanne Marocchi disputes the police department’s claim that the shooting was justified, but isn’t surprised by the result of the investigation.

Pet owners whose dogs or cats are impounded twice within a 12-month period are going to have to pay as much as $125 more to recover their pet from the Davis County Animal Shelter.

The additional charge, which became effective Nov. 1, is part of a 2011 piece of legislation aimed at promoting pet sterilization.

“This new law will only impact the citizens of Davis County whose pet has been impounded twice in a 12-month period,” said Clint Thacker, director of Davis County Animal Services.

LSOGAN — An 8-year-old Logan boy wrote a letter to his local newspaper after an animal shelter worker failed to write a note to save his cat from being euthanized. "Yesterday grown-ups killed my kitty, my best friend, when they weren’t supposed to," he said.

PLEASANT VIEW -- Residents living on 600 W (Shady Lane) said they are having severe problems with a large population of raccoons.

Resident Paul Watson said the raccoons are killing his geese, turkeys and chickens. He said they have been a problem in the area for years.

FARR WEST -- Costs are up for animal control by Weber County.

According to City Treasurer John Cardon, the costs for the animal control services are about $31,000 and will jump to around $40,000 next year.

Cardon said these costs cover patrolling for stray animals and the pick up and housing of animals. He said a year ago it cost $55 to house an animal but now it is $85.

An increase in costs is due to the cost of a new animal shelter according to Cardon.

Councilman Tim Shupe said a new state law requiring animals to be held for five days rather than three days before being euthanized has also added to costs.

SYRACUSE — Proposed revisions of the city’s land-use ordinance do not include a cat licensing fee.

City officials moved to strike language in the ordinance for feline licensing during a recent city council meeting to consider land-use changes. Dogs will still need to be licensed.