Dog owners no longer have to muzzle their pets at community events in Paducah. In a 3-1 vote, city commissioners approved an ordinance Tuesday amending a city ordinance to remove a line that had required dogs to be muzzled.
Commissioner Richard Abraham was the lone dissenter. He said he did not want dogs to be allowed at city events adding that he saw dogs at last week’s Barbecue on the River Festival that appeared stressed due to crowds and hot pavement.
Mayor Gale Kaler said she would like further research on animals at public events. The muzzle ordinance change was introduced in a city commissioner meeting last week, including a concern over the difficulty of enforcing the requirement.
Dogs still need to be licensed by animal control and restrained by a leash or lead no longer than three feet.
