Cowlitz County discusses dangerous dog ordinance and new animal shelter proposal

In a recent meeting held on April 14, 2025, Cowlitz County Commissioners discussed significant updates regarding the county's dog control ordinance, particularly focusing on the management of dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. Sheriff Matt Bridal Thurman and Jason Loreen from the prosecutor's office provided insights into the current framework and proposed changes to enhance the ordinance's effectiveness.

The primary topic of discussion revolved around the role of Mark Scheibmeyer, the county's hearing examiner, who has expressed willingness to expand his duties to include hearings related to dangerous dogs. Currently, his contract allows for a maximum of $20,000 annually, which has not been fully utilized in recent years. The sheriff noted that the hearing examiner's travel costs for in-person hearings are significant, prompting discussions about the potential for digital hearings via platforms like Zoom. This could reduce costs while still providing options for individuals contesting their cases.

However, the importance of in-person hearings was emphasized, particularly in ensuring that individuals feel heard during the process. The commissioners acknowledged that while Zoom hearings could be more cost-effective, they may lack the personal touch that in-person hearings provide, especially in cases with potential criminal implications.

The meeting also touched on the historical context of dangerous dog cases in the county, with an average of five cases per year. The sheriff indicated that the county could potentially combine hearings to streamline the process, which would also help manage costs associated with the hearing examiner's travel.

In addition to the dog control ordinance, the commissioners discussed a collaborative effort with the cities of Longview and Kelso to explore options for animal sheltering. Longview is interested in issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for animal shelter services and has invited other cities to participate in forming an interlocal agreement (ILA). This initiative aims to create a unified approach to animal sheltering, ensuring equitable terms across participating municipalities.

The commissioners expressed support for these collaborative efforts, recognizing the benefits of working together to negotiate better terms and services for animal control. The discussions highlighted the need for transparency and fairness in the allocation of costs associated with animal services, particularly as different cities have experienced disparities in their financial obligations.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners agreed to move forward with the proposed changes to the dog control ordinance and to engage in discussions with Longview and other cities regarding the animal sheltering initiative. These steps reflect a proactive approach to addressing community concerns about public safety and animal welfare in Cowlitz County.