ESCANABA – The public is invited to attend tonight’s Delta County Board of Commissioners public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Delta County Animal Control Ordinance.

The revised ordinance includes substantial updates to the current ordinance, reorganizing sections and expanding language to clarify current regulations.

It further outlines requirements for animal ownership and care in Delta County, including licensing and vaccination of dogs and cats, confinement and safety standards, procedures for animal bite incidents and specific provisions for dangerous animals. The proposal also details penalties for ordinance violations.

In addition, the ordinance defines key terms such as “caregiver,” “animal shelter,” and “farm animals,” among others, to provide clearer guidance for residents of Delta County.

The proposal also specifies the animal control services provided by the Delta County Sheriff’s Department as funded by the board. Under the ordinance, animal control officers would have the authority and responsibility to issue citations or summonses for violations, transport stray animals to a local shelter, investigate animal bites involving humans, enter private property to ensure compliance, seize unlicensed dogs or animals found to be in violation of the ordinance and more.

In other business, the board will:

– Review the Delta County Planning Commissions’ annual update

– Discuss the Delta County Airport loader repair

– Discuss the amended agreement with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works for office space within the Delta County Service Center

– Review multiple FOIA appeals