Clay dog ordinance ruled unconstitutional

By Gary Lloyd

CLAY — The vicious dog ordinance in Clay has been ruled unconstitutional.

An order from Jefferson County Judge Joseph Boohaker’s courtroom today acknowledges that it is “unconstitutional as being in violation of substantive and procedural due process rights of the Plaintiffs guaranteed to them by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.” 

The trial was over last Tuesday. Attorneys were expected to have their briefs submitted to Judge Joseph Boohaker by last Friday so he could make a ruling.

The Clay City Council in June 2013 approved the “vicious dog” ordinance, which bans pit bulls and other “vicious dogs” in city limits. Mary and Stephen Schreiner are plaintiffs in the court case.

The Clay City Council in March voted unanimously in favor of a new leash ordinance to help curb the number of loose animals in the area.

Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.