Hinesville City Council members are asking for — and getting — plenty of feedback on a proposed animal control ordinance.

The amendments to the ordinance were presented to city council members at their January 15 meeting and are available for review and public comment. City Manager Ryan Arnold said Hinesville residents are encouraged to provide feedback and comment on the ordinance amendment.

The city is aware of questions around Section 4-37 of the ordinance amendment, which concerns the registration of dogs for a fee.

“This section has existed in the city code since 1978 and is intended, to the best of our knowledge, to reference the animal rabies tag issued by animal control when that service is provided,” Arnold said.

As currently written, the amendment states all residents owning, keeping or harboring any dog over three months of age shall pay to the City Liberty County Animal Services Department yearly a registration fee in the amount established in the schedule of fees and charge.

Council members brought up the animal control ordinance during a workshop last September. Council members said there wasn’t any difference in that section from when dog owners take their pet for a rabies shot.

The draft ordinance also includes potential new regulations on the installation of tethering devices and the distance animals must be kept from public rights-of-way. Also included is having an animal control officer with the ability to impound animals found running loose and giving the animal control officer the power to quarantine an animal that has bitten a person or is suspected of being infected with rabies.

The proposed ordinance is expected to come before the council for approval at its February 19 meeting.